C4 Fuel Sender

[Zo6 LVR]

I have a 1995 coupe and usually fill the tank when it gets down to 3/4 full. However the other day I let it go and found that I traveled over 250 mile and it still reads 3/4 tank. It will go back to full if I fill it up. Does anybody think or have experince that this is likely just a sending unit. Also does anybody know if you can get a sending unit without buying the complete assembly with the fuel pump?

 

[Itshakes]

Fuel Sender

I have been told that Chevron Techron is a good additive to cure your problem. It is available at Wal-Mart for about $7. Put one or two bottles in a tank of Premium fuel. Run that tank down to almost empty, and then do the same thing once more. It works!

 

[Zo6 LVR]

Is the theory that the injector cleaner cleans the contact surfaces in the sending unit?
Cheap fix if it works, I'll give it a try.

 

[Itshakes]

Yes--Apparently there is a sulphur build-up on the contact points. This cleaner is supposed to be able to clean it off, with no ill effects to the fuel system components. Whatever chemicals that are in there does the job.

 

[Zo6 LVR]

That makes sense, I have been in the habit of filling up at 3/4 tank for months, so it was never getting below 3/4 and the contact point below that has not been used for some time. Do you know if this doesn't work if I take the sender out if I can physically clean, what I would assume would be a rheostat?

 

[Toms007]

I had my Fuel pump out a couple of months ago when I changed out the pump, but I don't remember even looking at the rheostat so I can't comment on the cleaning. But I will say, it is about a 40 minute job to take out the pump and replace it.

 

[Itshakes]

Yes- It's an easy fix. The sender comes out with the fuel pump through the top of the tank. You will need a gasket for the unit when you put it all together. I read somewhere that you can clean it with WD-40, just spray it on the two contact points and clean it with a soft brush. I had mine apart to replace the fuel pump and the strainer, and was able to remove it VERY carefully, so as not to disturb the old gasket. When I put it all together it did not leak. Just be very careful when you remove the unit from the tank. Corvette Central has the gasket- Part #364450---84-96 gas tank sender gasket (rubber) $6.95. I would order one and have it there when you do this job--just to be safe! As long as you have the unit out, I would also replace the strainer, part # 364462--89-96 strainer--$17.95. If you have any miles on the car, and it's an original pump, the strainer gets awfully nasty. You can tell that when you get the old one out. The whole operation should take you about 30 minutes.

 

[Zo6 LVR]

Thanks for all the help guys!