Another Fuel Tank Sending unit question

[Scatterbrain]

I have also just bought a fuel sending unit for my car.  It is a 3/8th unit, my car currently has a 5/16 line (and sender to match)  Would it be possible to keep the 5/16 line? or do I have to change it out?  I will eventually change it out, but will it work for now?

[Chryco Psycho]

it will work for now

[MEK-Dangerfield]

All you need to do is buy the 3/8" rubber hose to connect the sender to your solid fuel line. The clamps will hold it just fine to the solid 5/16 solid line. Ask me how I know. 


   Mike

[dodge freak 2]

Better still is find a  vacuum hose to slip over the 5/16 line, then the 3/8 hoses will go on tighter-might have to spray it with silicone first.

[Scatterbrain]

Ok, so today is the first weekend in about 2 months that I don't have a birthday, wedding anniversary, family in town, thanksgiving/holiday shopping or freak cold snaps.  Nice 70 degree day to work on my car.  The fuel sender is in.  I can now tell how much gas I have in the car.  The bad news.... its got a small leak.  The old one was rusted up pretty bad and it finally came off with a couple of taps with a brass punch.  The new one seems like it seated. it looks flush all around, but there is a tiny leak.  If I tighten it more, the leak got worse, then the ring came off and gas was spewing everywhere.  (I only filled it to about 8 gallons just in case)  I reseated it and tightened it again only to get the leak down again to a mild seepage.  Its not a drip, just wetness that eventually fills to a drip after awhile.  I am scared to fill it up any further.  Anybody have any suggestions? 

BTW, great tip dodge freak 2, that worked like a charm.

[LAA66]

 It took me three tries to get it not to leak. Using the stock ring along with making sure the gasket does not move out of place worked for me. Use a adhesive on the tank side and set the gasket in place. Let it setup for a while, then when tightening the ring try to keep the sender in the center. I made a tool out of an out motorcycle shock spring adjuster that helped a lot too. Note: if working in a garage with a water heater make sure it is off until your sure the leak is fixed. Good luck.

[cudabob496]

You just gotta play with it. One time I thought I was tightening, and I was loosening. Take it off and make sure the surfaces are clean, and the tabs and indents are okay. Do a little bending if necessary. Before assembly, put a little silicone on the  gasket, or a little oil on the gasket to make sure things slide together. You may need a thicker gasket. I finally got mine to seal with a little bending and hamering before I assembled everything.

[Scatterbrain]

I was thinking maybe a thicker gasket.  It is down to seepage levels and no drips on my garage floor, but then again I did drive around town to burn off some gas.  I do have a gas water heater in the garage, but its in its own enclosed and sealed closet so its doubtful it will get any vapors plus its a 3 car garage, it would take a lot of vapor to fill it up, but I wouldn't want to chance it.

[LAA66]

 I tried doubling upthe gaskets too. I used silicone, and it was too slippery. The seal shifts as the ring is tightened and there is probably 1/16" movement until you are at the edge of the gasket. It's a pain but keep at it.

[FJ5_440]

I had to "massage" the retainer ring on mine, and increase the "bumps" so that it would hold tighter.  Make sure it is also flat on the mating surface, or it will never seal.