Fuel Sending Unit


BrownBeard

BrownBeard

15+ Year Member

Joined
Oct 24, 2009
Messages
10
Points
3,101
Age
40
City
Tigard, Oregon
Vehicle Year
1988
Transmission
Manual
My fuel gauge reads just fine when I have more than a half tank of gas. Once it gets to half, the gauge drops to empty. At about a quarter of a tank, the gauge comes up just a hair. I've lived with it for years, so I know how to read it, but I've fixed most of the problems with the truck so I'm down to the little things. I suspect its the fuel tank sending unit. Is it possible to replace that unit without completely removing the fuel tank? If so, is it worth the trouble?
Also being on a fairly tight budget, is it a safe bet to buy this piece from a salvage yard?
BTW, its a 1988 Bronco II with a 2.9 EFI and 4 wheel drive.

Thanks,
--Dru
 
no u have to drop the tank.... its not really that big of a pain to to...just 4 skid plate bolts and the 2 tank strap bolts.....
 
Well, you can always patch panel it, but you still have to take the tank out. Its a little more labor intensive, but worth the trouble if you plan on having the truck for the life of another fuel pump.

Basically, you find where the pump sits under the floor board, cut out a patch of the floor, then install a panel over it with some j-nuts and screws. You will still need to take your tank out this time, but if you plan to have it for the life of the next pump, it will be worth the trouble because then you will be able to just roll the carpet back and pull 4 bolts the next time.
 
I carefully measured and cut a hole with my dremel wheel about 5" square.After you figure where you need to cut take a thin piece of tin pound into shape on the floor.Cut your hole a little smaller than the lid.Silicone the lid and screw it down with sheet metal screws once you put the carpet back no one knows.I also find comfort in knowing that if my fuel pump goes out in some bad place it's 20 minutes work to put a new one in.Just as an idea I drilled a hole so I could look and see where the sending unit was before the cutting started
 
I kind of have the same problem but mine doesnt read at all and i cant find a new sending unit anyone know where to git one.
 
i have an 83 ranger 4x4 and i cant find a sending unit anyone know where to find one. thanks.
 
Possible Solution?

What are the chances that it is simply an old float? I located a just-the-float assembly on JCWhitney. Its way less expensive than the complete sending unit.
 
BrownBeard said:
What are the chances that it is simply an old float? I located a just-the-float assembly on JCWhitney. Its way less expensive than the complete sending unit.
Click to expand...

I won't say it isn't. I thought I had a bad level sender and it turned out to be a bad float, after I paid out the $200 for a new pump. It probably saved me from a pump failure a year or so later though, so I'm not complaining.
 
Did you ever figure out what the problem was with your fuel gauge?

Thanks,

James
 
eBay has the sending units really cheap compared to parts store. I went to advance and they wanted $200 for sending unit so I checked the part number on eBay and the same part was listed for $75! It was the same number and brand as the parts store. My 86 needs the same thing I just haven't wanted to go through the trouble of dropping the tank. I'll tell you one thing there is a lot of eBay haters out there but when you're on a tight budget it can be your best friend. I haven't had eBay fail me yet and I been using it for years!
 
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