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  • 1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk-
  • Classic Mustang Specific Tech

Sealing Fuel Sending unit

  • Thread starter Thread starter Rjovi
  • Start date Start date Jun 9, 2009
R

Rjovi

Member
May 4, 2005
44
0
6
Co
Jun 9, 2009
#1
  • Jun 9, 2009
  • #1
Twice now I have installed the sending unit with a new ring and it leaks. When I took it out it had some kind of putty looking stuff around it, does anyone know what this is or where to get it? Thanks

'65 if it matters.
 

tx65coupe

Active Member
Nov 29, 1999
1,551
1
37
Jun 9, 2009
#2
  • Jun 9, 2009
  • #2
There is supposed to be a rubber O ring in there as well. Did you put it back together with a new O ring or a new lock ring?
 
R

Rjovi

Member
May 4, 2005
44
0
6
Co
Jun 9, 2009
#3
  • Jun 9, 2009
  • #3
yeah, sorry I wasn't clear. I twice replaced the O ring. The first one I got was a rubber o ring so I thought it leaked because it was junk. The next one I got was like the original, kinda square and thick, but I still have a drip.
 

golf4283

Active Member
May 30, 2003
1,253
1
39
Orland Park, Illinois
Jun 9, 2009
#4
  • Jun 9, 2009
  • #4
Here's what to do.

Take out the fuel sending unit and clean the flange that the ring sits in with some rubbing alcohol or other spirits. Next thing you do is take a pliers and slightly crimp each of the three mounting tabs on the fuel tank itself.

Next thing remount the fuel sending unit with the proper o-ring and twist the lock into the proper place. Finally take a flat edge screwdriver and hammer the lock tabs down so the ring doesn't slip.

I had leakage in my tank and I did this on Saturday. Hasn't leaked a drop since. You just want to make sure that it's tightening enough to keep even pressure on the ring.



Sometimes with these cars you just gotta be creative and think of a solution. with a 40+ year old car sometimes it's not as straightforward.
 

brianj5600

Active Member
Sep 19, 2003
1,964
2
39
Middle TN
Jun 9, 2009
#5
  • Jun 9, 2009
  • #5
I vasolined my o-ring and it seemed to go together good. Mine was all new parts so that helped I'm sure.
 

golf4283

Active Member
May 30, 2003
1,253
1
39
Orland Park, Illinois
Jun 9, 2009
#6
  • Jun 9, 2009
  • #6
brianj5600 said:
I vasolined my o-ring and it seemed to go together good. Mine was all new parts so that helped I'm sure.
Click to expand...


I've heard that method too but I didn't have any vasoline around so I just worked with what I had.
 
R

Rjovi

Member
May 4, 2005
44
0
6
Co
Jun 9, 2009
#7
  • Jun 9, 2009
  • #7
hmmm, vasoline...brillliant I'll do all the above, thanks guys
 

dennis112

15 Year Member
May 15, 2005
1,561
36
79
Amish Wonderland of Central PA.
Jun 9, 2009
#8
  • Jun 9, 2009
  • #8
brianj5600 said:
I vasolined my o-ring and it seemed to go together good. Mine was all new parts so that helped I'm sure.
Click to expand...

Agreed--it has worked good for me too.
 

dennis112

15 Year Member
May 15, 2005
1,561
36
79
Amish Wonderland of Central PA.
Jun 9, 2009
#9
  • Jun 9, 2009
  • #9
brianj5600 said:
I vasolined my o-ring and it seemed to go together good. Mine was all new parts so that helped I'm sure.
Click to expand...

I agree that you must lube the O ring and Vasoline works well on them.
 

HookandLadder

Founding Member
Feb 17, 2001
261
0
17
St Louis
Jun 9, 2009
#10
  • Jun 9, 2009
  • #10
Vasoline. And it helps keep it in place while you get the lock ring on. No steel...sparks. Brass drifts only please.
 

RGS0907

New Member
Aug 21, 2003
429
1
0
New Jersey
Jun 10, 2009
#11
  • Jun 10, 2009
  • #11
Rjovi said:
Twice now I have installed the sending unit with a new ring and it leaks. When I took it out it had some kind of putty looking stuff around it, does anyone know what this is or where to get it? Thanks

'65 if it matters.
Click to expand...

I had an aftermarket sending unit where the fuel was dripping out of the post for the gas guage wire, nothing I did would stop the leak. I ended up tossing it and rebuilding my stock one.
 
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