Fuel Pump and Sending Unit Questions

[Chambers]

Hi all, I have a 1984 2.8L XLT that is completely stock, and the fuel sending unit went out recently, and I couldn't find a sending unit for the 2.8L in the LMC catalog, only for the 2.9, would the sending unit from the 2.9 work with my 2.8? So is the fuel pump located in the tank or in line? Thanks.

 

[skippy]

the fuel pump is on front lower drivers side of engine.mechanical pump.sending unit?try the auto parts stores online or the wanted to buy section of this site.i don't know if the 2.9 unit will work.good luck.

 

[Chambers]

Ok that helps, thanks.

 

[enginepaul]

The sending unit is in the tank - remove it very carefully!!! Sparks cause explosions. I doubt if the 2.9 would work.

Look at the wires first - then maybe the gauge itself. The sending unit is a pain - but so is running out of gas.

 

[Chambers]

Well, I don't think its the gauge it self, because I just ran the truck today and the fuel gauge was working, but before it completely went out the gauge would read aprox. 1/4 lower than it was, so I'm thinking wires on the sending unit are just corroded or drenched in oil, hehehe. I've done a fuel pump and sending unit assembly on a Cherokee before so I know whats in store for me, thanks for the warning though, always helps.

 

[budro]

Float

My guess is the foam float attached to the Sending unit inside the gas tank broke off. My dads did that same exact thing. Gas gauge was low then one day out of the blue no gas gauge at all. Pulled the tank and the float was in 2 pieces at the bottom of the drained tank. Cracked in half around the sending unit arm and fell off.

Definately pulling the bed is the easier way to go.

 

[AllanD]

It shouldn't be a foam float that early.

It should be a brass plated, soldered together, steel float.

But even they get perforated and sink...

AD

 

[Chambers]

Ok, I see, thanks.

 

[JoshT]

Since I'm getting redy to do this same thing on my truck, what would you recommend to replace the float with? Could probably solder it back together but since it's been sitting in gas that isn't going to happen. So if the float is bad and since they don't sell replacement sending units (that I've been able to find) what should I use on there.

 

[enginepaul]

For a metal float that leaks, try a gas tank sealer.

And now that I'm thinking about it, if you coated a plastic float with the tank sealer (a liquid epoxy substance) that should work too - but I never tried it.

 

[RobbieD]

When you go into it, be sure to look at the wiring connector on top of the tank. On my '84 long bed the connector was simply rotted out, and came apart. In my case the float was fine. To fix it I cleaned up what was left where the connector plugs in and soldered wires to the sending unit terminals, added an inline connector and filled the area where the OEM connector was with hot glue.

 

[Chambers]

Yea I'm thinking that that is close to what I'm going to have to do, I am almost certain its the plug that is causing my troubles. By the way, Pepboys said they had sending units for an 84 2.8L 4WD for about sixty, I think I'm going to see if its just a simple wire connection first.

 

[JoshT]

Thanks for sharing that info on Pepboys, I'll have to check into it if I can't fix mine.