Are all mid year fuel sending units created equal?

[M W.]

Hi all,

Now that I have determined that my 44 year old fuel sending unit is the culprit for my fuel guage flucation can anyone recommend a good retailer for my 64? I know all the parts houses as well as ebay sells these but I am certain some are better than others. Any help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance,
Craig W.

[Richard S.]

Re: Are all mid year fuel sending units created equal?

Craig,

There should be a great deal of information on this in the archives. Some senders have tested bad right out of the box. Don't ask me how I know this....

Rick.

[Joel T.]

Re: Are all mid year fuel sending units created equal?

Craig;

My recollection is that there are "domestic" reproductions and "imported" ones. Naturally there is significant difference in price. When I replaced mine I bought a "domestic" and have had it in there now for about 3 years without a problem.

One of the guys on this board; Ray Carney I believe, actually rebuilt his own (actually my old original)... You might poke him for a suggestion or two.

Regards,

Joel

[M W.]

Re: Are all mid year fuel sending units created equal?

I did reference the archieves and there is a tremendous amount of info on the subject of sending units. Basically I want to know if the GM service replacements have the correct stampings on them like my original one does and how is the quality?Thanks for the help so far.

Craig

[David D.]

Re: Are all mid year fuel sending units created equal?

Craig,

If you are getting a reading (even if fluctuations) I would suggest that if you bought a new float and sock for your current sending unit, should do the trick.

There are a couple things to know with regards to checking E and F settings with regards to float setting and keeping the float off the ceiling of the tank, especially when not even near full.

We referenced the latest Restorer article the discusses. Even though article is for '58-62 I believe the principles still work the same.

We just did this for a '60 and it worked out fine.

I would like to ask how you determined the 'fluctuation' is the sending unit? See my response to your previous question about fluctuations.

David

[M W.]

Re: Are all mid year fuel sending units created equal?

David,
In regards to my determining the fuel sending unit being the problem was a simple but effective test. Removed the brown wire from the unit did a ground test and she read empty. Removed the pink/black wire and grounded between the brown and pink/black and she read full or was it the other way..Either way this was the recommended way of testing to tell if it's you unit or something worse. I can foward you the link to the great articles on how to fix the fuel guages and many other items of interest.

Cheers,
Craig

[Joe R.]

Re: Are all mid year fuel sending units created equal?

I did reference the archieves and there is a tremendous amount of info on the subject of sending units. Basically I want to know if the GM service replacements have the correct stampings on them like my original one does and how is the quality?Thanks for the help so far.

Craig

Hi Craig:

A few years ago I bought a new GM sender, and it did not have the AC logo orthe large "S" and "I" markings. I don't think the reproductions have these either.

[Gerard F.]

Re: Are all mid year fuel sending units created equal?

Craig,

Take a look at this one in the archives:

https://www.forums.ncrs.org/showthread.php?t=33310&highlight=Imported+fuel+sender&uid=5243

I went back to my original, soldered on the broken lead, and cleaned up the inside of the variable resistor. Works OK but not like when it was new.

Had the imported cheapo in, when it went bad in a year, I then refurbed the original.

[John H.]

Re: Are all mid year fuel sending units created equal?

I wrote a feature article for CE a couple of years ago on midyear fuel gauge system diagnostics, which included evaluating an original AC sending unit vs. the "Fargo Automotive" reproduction sold at the time by Corvette Central. Aside from not having the "I" and "S" stamped on the flange adjacent to the connector terminals, the Fargo unit was otherwise identical to the AC sender, and calibrated very closely. Don't know if CC still sells that one or not, but it was a MUCH better piece than other offshore reproductions I've seen.

[Rick S.]

Re: Are all mid year fuel sending units created equal?

Approx 3 years ago I was fortunate to find a NOS fuel sending unit on Ebay and it came in it's original box. I paid a little over $100. It has all the correct markings and has worked flawlessly. Keep your eyes open to Ebay.
Rick