Question on installing fuel sending unit.

[Los_Control]

I'm really mentally challenged on this stuff.

Looking inside my tank's gas tank straight down is a basket/baffle .... Instructions say to leave the float 1/8" off the floor. I only assume they want the float installed inside the baffle.

 

 

Here is the float for the sending unit bought from Tanks same time tank was purchased.

 

 

If I'm to get the float inside that small basket directly below the mounting point  ... I will need to cut over 3/4 of the rod off the tail end so it will actually go through the mounting hole & fit in the basket. The photo is still a few inches too long. ..... once you cut it off it would be difficult to put back on. ..... So I'm skeptical.

 

Same time if I leave it long and let it hang over the basket, it sits about 2"-3" above the floor because it is sitting on the edge of the basket.

Honestly I would prefer the float above the floor a few inches just so when the gauge reads empty I still have a couple gallons reserve before running out.

 

Butttt, if the float arm was sitting on the edge of the basket, the gauge would never read empty.

Too correct this I would need to bend the rod to clear the basket at least 2 bends so it clears and the sending unit still bottoms out and the float is a couple inches off the floor.

 

Pretty sure I'm overthinking this .... Should I just cut it short and stick it in the basket?

Or bend it so it operates outside of the basket ?

What you all think about this?

[Robert Harrison]

The float/sender does not look like the factory unit. they have been using a modern type that is adapted also there are some things about wiring it up too.   I would call Tanks directly and confirm that you have the right sender going in the right hole and how you should install it first.  

 

Lastly make sure the tank has a ground strap.  Hope this helps  Bob Harrison

[Los_Control]

Thanks Bob that's good advice to add a ground strap .... I really was not thinking about it.

 

The tank is a aftermarket direct fit for a earlier Dodge 47 and down truck .... For a 49 they actually need a modified rear mounting bracket.

So I have modified the rear bracket and actually posted a how to thread for others that wanted to do the same.

 

I suppose I could call Tank's and ask what they suggest. ..... I bought the tank and sending unit 7 or 8 years ago. Just never installed yet.

 

I think I proposed 2 different installation methods .... I'm thinking they want the float in the basket.

I'm thinking I would prefer to leave it long and outside the basket.

Just wonder what others think ...... I'm often known to be wrong.

[Veemoney]

Los.

My 47 doesn't have the basket in the stock tank but I believe it is an upgrade to help keep the fuel gauge needle more stable when gas in the tank is sloshing around as you are driving If I had to guess. That would mean they want the rod adjusted in the pivot point to fit in the basket and the other end trimmed off to clear. That is if it adjusts in the pivot with a set screw. I usually recommend an extra ground wire from one of the sending unit to tank mounting screws to the frame in addition to the tank to frame ground strap.

Edited February 22 by Veemoney

[Los_Control]

@Veemoney let me ask you this ..... does your gas gauge wander really badly with no basket?

I also think you are correct in the basket is there to keep the the float from jumping around too much.

 

I also wonder how effective it is .... Will it really be worthwhile difference if the float is outside the basket?

You do not have a basket.

 

I also think a true baffle should reach across the tank stopping fuel from sloshing ..... not just a basket in the middle of the tank.

 

So while I'm looking at it .... I'm tempted to say "thats cute" I really do not think it is effective .... Think I will sleep on it and tomorrow just bend the rod to get past the basket.

 

I simply can not see any reason to keep something that will not work in the first place.

[Veemoney]

44 minutes ago, Los_Control said:

let me ask you this ..... does your gas gauge wander really badly with no basket?

Los,

My gauge needle wanders slightly more so in my 47 than in my other cars but barely noticeable. I don't notice it at all until the tank gets below the 1/2 way mark which is when the slosh I would expect becomes more developed.

 

I also have the old-style gauge and sender that may have a slower response then the newer style but that is just a thought on it so my set-up might not be a good comparison. I say that because when I start my truck the gauge doesn't start moving right away, has a slight delay and then very slowly moves up to register the fuel level.

 

Should work either way you choose as most tanks I've come across don't have the basket like your does.

 

I swept pine needles out from the bed of my truck, took it for the first ride this year and have it jacked up in the driveway to do the yearly adjustment of the brakes. You seem to be making some steady progress and should be rid of that gas can feeding your carb soon enough to do a spring road test.  

[Los_Control]

OOOPS! did I do that? 

 

What a idiot I am, I looked at it again this morning .... I was in the wrong hole.

The tank is setup for a universal 6 hole electric fuel pump. The basket is for the sock on the fuel pump to sit in.

I did need to cut a couple inches off of the float rod because it hit the basket ..... now it looks right.

I did install it with the float about 1.5"-2" off the bottom ..... looking at it last night, it just looked wrong and I was questioning it.

 

Also put a dab of epoxy on the set screw .... looked a little wimpy and could vision it loosening up and the float rod falling off.

Now the epoxy will probably fall off and plug the fuel filter