Fuel Tank Sending Unit

[RGS0907]

Does anyone have any tips on how to get the &^%$# retaining ring off of the gas tank sending unit on a '69? I used liquid wrench & I'm hitting the lugs with a hammer & pry bar to try & get it to turn but it won't budge.

Is there some kind of tool that I can use? Thanks!

 

[68GEETEE]

common for a part that hasnt been moved in 35 years. I had the same type of problem on my steering gear box. I finally got it to budge after letting alot of WD40 soak in. Liquid wrench is good too, but you may have to drench it and let it sit awhile before trying again. I dont know of any special tools for that job. Just be patient and you will get it.

 

[Hack]

A really good way to loosen old stubborn fasteners is a torch. Just heat it up nice and red hot.

JUST KIDDING!!!

Seriously, I had a shop replace my tank/sender. I just didn't want to mess around with it. If you even use a steel hammer and/or punch you can get sparks. One possibility is a large channel lock plier. That might help turn it.

PB Blaster is a good penetrant. I used to use Liquid Wrench, but I tried PB Blaster and I think it's by far superior.

It's not worth getting hurt over saving a few bucks. I'm as cheap as the next guy, but I draw the line at safety. IMO this is a good choice to farm out.

 

[Ronstang]

You are not going to make sparks with a screwdriver/punch and a hammer and even if you did the tank is still sealed up so no worries. If you are concerned just plug the sending unit and go to town. I have been using a large flat balde screwdriver or a drift to remove these for 25 years with no mishaps. You just haven't whacked it hard enough yet.

 

[nosaj122081]

You are not going to make sparks with a screwdriver/punch and a hammer and even if you did the tank is still sealed up so no worries. If you are concerned just plug the sending unit and go to town. I have been using a large flat balde screwdriver or a drift to remove these for 25 years with no mishaps. You just haven't whacked it hard enough yet.

I did it using the same method; big flatblade pressed against one of the raised parts, and kept increasing hammer size and power 'til it popped loose. Just keep whackin' and make sure you're going the right direction, and it will eventually start sliding around.

 

[TruckeeFastback]

I took the tank out first. Drain the gas. Soak w/penetrating oil a couple of times. Hit each of the tabs with a 1/4" dia or larger round steel punch. I think mine had 3 tabs. Work all of them, hitting tangent to the circumference of the retaining ring. Don't hit hard enough to deform the tabs. If it won't go, hit it w/penetrating oil again and let it sit. Repeat as necessary.

HTH,
Kurt

 

[latamud]

Hey, just use a regular pair of channel locks opened to biggest setting. Now, don't just clamp down and turn. The top part of the channel lock hook one of the 4 lifted parts of the ring so as when you are turning it will pull it off. The bottom part of the channel lock have the point at the end but up against the opposit lifted part of the ring so it in turn pushes. I can't explain it ant better, hope that helps, never fails for me.

 

[RGS0907]

Thanks everybody, it's really great to get a bunch of responses like this so quickly.. I will try all of your tips & if I don't get it to move this week, I'll take it to the local garage. It's funny, I have been going to bigger & bigger hammers but I guess I just didn't go big enough

 

[Timmy]

I would replace the sending unit and tank. My tank rusted from the inside out. I got the tank and sending unit shipped to my door for under $150.

 

[RGS0907]

I would replace the sending unit and tank. My tank rusted from the inside out. I got the tank and sending unit shipped to my door for under $150.

Does anyone know what the capacity of a 69/70 Shelby Tank is? The shop manual says 20 gallons, but I heard that it may actually be a 22 gallon..

 

[Ronstang]

The capacity of a 69 Mustang is 20 gallons and 22 gallons for the 70 Mustang.....Shelbys should be the same.

 

[Hack]

The capacity of a 69 Mustang is 20 gallons and 22 gallons for the 70 Mustang.....Shelbys should be the same.

I don't think that's correct.

They never made any '70 Shelbys. They are just '69 cars with a couple cosmetic changes. So I believe the '70 Shelby would have a '69 tank.

 

[iamadonut]

I just got a new tank and sending unit for my 70 from American Pony through eBay...$113 shipped to my door. Check their auctions on eBay. New tanks go for less than $70 and these are the same tanks they sell in their catalog for $100.

 

[Ronstang]

I don't think that's correct.

They never made any '70 Shelbys. They are just '69 cars with a couple cosmetic changes. So I believe the '70 Shelby would have a '69 tank.

You have a point....I just wasn't paying attention. The capacities I stated are correct for Mustangs and you are correct that the 70 Shelbys were left over 69 cars but I have a first generation Shelby so shoot me I have never really payed much attention to the later Shelbys.

 

[RGS0907]

You have a point....I just wasn't paying attention. The capacities I stated are correct for Mustangs and you are correct that the 70 Shelbys were left over 69 cars but I have a first generation Shelby so shoot me I have never really payed much attention to the later Shelbys.

Well Excussssssse ME.