Fuel Fuel Gage Sending Unit - Can the Displacer/Float be Replaced?

AeroCoupe

lube between the nut and the face. I know my lubes

Founding Member

Oct 28, 2001

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Claremore, OK

Mar 15, 2023

#1

• Mar 15, 2023

• #1

Just like the title says, can you replace just the displacer on the sending unit? Have the tank out of my Coupe for some fuel pump wiring work and curiosity got the best of me. The sending unit and gage in my car are fine but I was just curious as all I can find is the entire sending unit. My guess is since they are not a hollow metal float like the older cars and are actually a solid plastic displacer they do not have the issues the old ones did.

 

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell

Mod Dude

Feb 18, 2001

43,259

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Massachusetts

Mar 17, 2023

#2

• Mar 17, 2023

• #2

IIRC, they are a styrofoam type material that can disintegrate. I think i've seen units where chunks were taken out, or the entire thing broke apart in the tank.

You are talking about the black float on the sender right? Not sure i've seen that available separate. I'm sure something can be crafted. It's just a float. Would need to be made out of fuel resistant materials.

 

Reactions: General karthief

AeroCoupe

lube between the nut and the face. I know my lubes

Founding Member

Oct 28, 2001

5,891

4,015

183

Claremore, OK

Mar 17, 2023

#3

• Mar 17, 2023

• #3

I was thinking since I was in the tank I would replace it but when I realized it is a solid displacer and not a float like what is in my T-Bird I realized there was not point. If it works it works so not messing with it.

 

Reactions: General karthief

Bree

Active Member

Jan 12, 2021

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Zanesville Ohio

Mar 22, 2023

#4

• Mar 22, 2023

• #4

Tanks are a pain in the @$$ to remove. Might as well just replace everything while you have it apart! It all goes bad eventually , so save yourself the hassle.

 

AeroCoupe

lube between the nut and the face. I know my lubes

Founding Member

Oct 28, 2001

5,891

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Claremore, OK

Mar 22, 2023

#5

• Mar 22, 2023

• #5

So the sending unit it the original Ford unit and has zero issues so and I would rather not put a parts store brand one in the tank. Anyone have any luck with the Scott Drake or Daniel Carpenter repops? Both are stainless steel so that is great for corrosion with today's fuels.

Scott Drake / Holley

Scott Drake E7ZZ-9275-A SCOTT DRAKE FUEL SENDING UNIT

This Scott Drake OEM-style, direct-fit replacement sending unit will easily install into your fuel tank and provide proper fuel gauge readings. Each unit is inspected, pressure tested and an OHMS test is performed to ensure trouble-free performance. The plastic float is identical to the original...

www.holley.com

Daniel Carpenter

1987-97 Fuel Tank Sending Unit - Stainless Daniel Carpenter Ford Mustang Restoration Parts. 1964-2014 Ford Mustangs. Wholesale Dealer only.

1987-97 Fuel Tank Sending Unit - Stainless

www.dcmustang.com

 

Last edited: Mar 22, 2023

2000xp8

SN Certified Technician

Aug 8, 2003

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NJ

Mar 31, 2023

#6

• Mar 31, 2023

• #6

I had the float fall off of mine, was driving and my gas gauge was physically going down as i watched it, thought i had a leak.

It's not a real complicated device and while i prefer original, not sure it's a big deal in this case.
Even if you leave the original i think it's ok, removing the gas tank when it's not full is relatively easy.

 

AeroCoupe

lube between the nut and the face. I know my lubes

Founding Member

Oct 28, 2001

5,891

4,015

183

Claremore, OK

Mar 31, 2023

#7

• Mar 31, 2023

• #7

The DC unit is quality but the lock ring and gasket that come with it are suspect. I bought new ones from AutoZone.