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Current crop of repro fuel tank sending units - update please

JeffTepper

JeffTepper

Well-Known Member
69 Mach 1 received a new 20 gallon stainless steel fuel tank and unknown brand sending unit about 10 years ago before I was recruited to become the "riding mechanic". While the fuel gauge did provide a reading, it was never particularly accurate below 1/4 tank. Gauge now reads "Empty" 100% of the time. Oil pressure and engine temp gauges appear to function normally so the CVR is not likely part of the current problem. Testing the fuel gauge by grounding out the sending wire at the tank results in a "Full" reading at the gauge. While replacing the float will likely bring back some functionality to the gauge, I am also taking this opportunity to bring back a higher level of accuracy to the gauge function.

Looking at the current crop of repro units, the general concensus seems that most are not particularly reliable or accurate. I am targeting those of you with some recent experience with one or another of the current offerings to help narrow the field and increase the odds of a positive outcome.

Rick's NPD catalog currently carries a few different repros for the 20 gallon tanks including one being sold under the Scott Drake brand name that is described as:

"These are the best made and most accurate stainless senders currently available."

Any recent real world experience (positive or negative) any of you would like to share? Thanks in advance!
 
For me , I don't care if the fuel tank is full.
I want to know when ih is nearly empty.
As for that particular sending unit...no clue. Sorry Jeff.
 
From everything I've read on the forums, the general consensus is to find a NOS Ford unit. Seems it may cost you an arm and a leg though.

www.ebay.com

1969 Mustang Mach 1 Boss Grande Shelby Cougar NOS FUEL TANK SENDER SENDING UNIT | eBay

Not Correct For Cougar XR7-Eliminator with Low Fuel Warning Light. This is an ORIGINAL FORD NOS PART. Excellent Condition. Ready To Install. IMPOSSIBLE TO FIND NOS. CHECK IT OUT.
www.ebay.com

www.ebay.com

NOS 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429/302 Mercury Cougar Fuel Tank Sending Unit C9WY-92 | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for NOS 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429/302 Mercury Cougar Fuel Tank Sending Unit C9WY-92 at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!
www.ebay.com

John
 
To clarify, the sending unit in the Mach 1 now is NOT an oem piece, the OEM unit is long gone and buying a used sender of unknown heritage and having it rebuilt now seems like something a concours car deserves. This one is a driver and as Bruno suggests the last 1/4 tank is the range that matters.
Circling back around, has anyone tried any of the current crop of repro senders and have any opinon as to reliability and accuracy??

Thanks for your thoughts.
 
Back a few years Craig made a test tank set=up for the senders. I was switching to a 20gal tank (I think) and my gauge never worked. We went through multi units. Found one that he calibrated and installed it.
Worked. Almost. As time went on it started to return to the usual. Sort of worked.

I just keep a check of mileage and use the gauge as a very inaccurate reminder.
 
KBMWRS said:
I just keep a check of mileage and use the gauge as a very inaccurate reminder.
Click to expand...
Best advice on this subject.

A sender is simply a variable resistor. As the float arm moves with fluid level change, it mechanically alters the connection point of an electrical circuit along a metal piece which lengthens or shortens the physical distance voltage has to traverse this piece raising or lowering the resistance which alters the voltage level fed back to the gauge. It is about as simple as it gets. One can look at the design structure of the unit to see if one seems more robust or made of better materials than another to try and pick the "best one". I'd bet just about anything the cheap materials they use today along with likely lighter gauge metals lead to mechanical issues of operation. Maybe even corrosion or simply wear is more prone as well on the things today. Wonder too if the ethanol mix causes more of the same problems.

I went to using floatless units in my stuff. Very accurate and does away with all the problems associated with the old float set-ups. My mustang has run one for some 7 years or so now without issue. TanksInc is where I get them.
 
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