Fuel Gauge/sending Unit??

[Diver]

Does the gas tank have to be removed to replace the fuel sending unit on a 1981? Any little things I should know before starting this project or hiring it out? Thanks, Terry

 

[JohnZ]

What are your symptoms? Your car has a rubber "bladder" inside the steel tank, and they frequently begin to collapse/contract and interfere with the travel of the float arm on the sending unit. Yes, the tank has to come out to replace the sending unit.

 

[cesully]

tip...

I wouldn't smoke if I were you during this repair.

Sully

 

[Diver]

The guage stays at just below the "F" regardless how much gas is in the tank with one exception. When I fill it up it pegs itself to the right of the "F". Was reading where the C5 drivers have same problems and most of them have used an additive and seems to have fixed their problems. Something about a buildup of chemicals caused by some brands of fuel. Maybe I'll try that in a couple of tanks before going the change out. Also read about cleaning the contacts of the sending unit. They also seem to have been a culprit as well. So will try that too. Smoking isn't a problem Sully. I don't smoke. Afraid it will stunt my growth. Thanks ya'll. Terry

 

[JohnZ]

The guage stays at just below the "F" regardless how much gas is in the tank with one exception. When I fill it up it pegs itself to the right of the "F".

Classic symptoms of a collapsing bladder that's jammed the float arm in one position; usually they won't take the rated capacity when you fill up, either. :eyerole

 

[Diver]

John does a collasped bladder mean tank should be replaced as well?

 

[JohnZ]

That's a real problem on the '78-up cars (I think that's when it started) with the "bladder" tanks - nobody makes reproductions, and the earlier non-bladder tanks won't fit. Maybe someone more familiar with late C3's can offer suggestions.

 

[Vettehead Mikey]

I remember reading on one of the other forums about a guy who removed the bladder entirely and ran without it- similar to older C1-C3 steel tanks.