Fuel Level Sender Problem

Ohmess

Ohmess

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So I had some spare time on Friday and the weather was nice and my CoupeKing exhaust sounded great, so I took Annabelle out to run an errand. In doing so, I noticed a small white/pale yellow light with a T became illuminated. The manual was at home (I had wanted to double check something on the wiring diagram) and I hadn't the foggiest idea what T meant. I knew it wasn't the oil light and my temperature gauge was within the normal operating range. Nothing sounded or smelled funny, so I continued on my way. At the store I had a minute, so I pulled up the owners manual helpfully posted here in the Tech Info section and learned that the white T light means low fuel, so I stopped and filled her up. After doing so, I noticed a distinct gasoline smell, and when I pulled the trunk floor over the gas tank, I could see gasoline leaching from around the fuel level sender.

The obvious near term solution to this problem was to take Annabelle onto some twisty roads in order to diminish the fuel level somewhat.

Now, the fuel level sender was a relatively low priority given all the other items on my list, but with the leak I may need to move this up the list. Is it possible to check and/or repair the fuel level sender, or should I just plan to replace it along with the gasket at the top?
 
1. You might just need to replace the 'O' ring under the lip of the sender. When you do make sure the surface of the tank around the opening is clean and smooth.

2. There is a plastic isolation insert at the top where the wire connections go through the top of the sender. If those have worn themselves loose then gas could leak from there. I think you would need to replace the sender at that point.

3. Have you checked the hose connection at the sender?
 
easy fix

Hi Chris, if you take the sender out the gasket is probably shot. I just fixed mine with the gasket from a Volvo V70 spin on oil filter. I said I would post the exact filter (with a picture) in my thread but I'm a bum and didn't. You need to put a small film of oil on the gasket because it is a little thicker than the original but it seals much better. You should not need a new sender if I'm reading your problem correctly. Could have used that light when you came to get the car :-)
 
Pull the unit out, and check for smooth travel of the float up and down and that all wires are clean and connected (they're fragile). Prehaps it can be straightened/repaired. New ones are pricey. Regardless, install a new gasket and check that the fuel hose has the plastic insert in it where it attaches to the sender pipe, and that it is clamped snuggly.
 
What is the plastic insert?

What is the purpose of the plastic insert in the fuel pipe please?
Thanks
Charles
 
Item number 2, perhaps?

http://www.vlvworld.com/indexframe.html?850/Section_2_1.htm


Peter Coomaraswamy said:
Hi Chris, if you take the sender out the gasket is probably shot. I just fixed mine with the gasket from a Volvo V70 spin on oil filter. I said I would post the exact filter (with a picture) in my thread but I'm a bum and didn't. You need to put a small film of oil on the gasket because it is a little thicker than the original but it seals much better. You should not need a new sender if I'm reading your problem correctly. Could have used that light when you came to get the car :-)
Click to expand...
 
Sender gasket

Hi Chris, this is the one I used, available from O'reily/autozone, Advance, etc. It should fit snugly around the "inner" diameter, but leaves a little space on the outer side, in other words, it is not an "exact fit", but as long as it is tight on the inside it will seal and since it is thicker you will need a very thin film of oil to get it on there but it will fit well and completely stop fuel from leaking.

Good luck :-)
 

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