Fuel sender, Cleanable?

BondoBob · May 28, 2006

I just got my Fire Cheif's hand me down truck, 2001 GMC extra cab. Anyway the sender is also acting up He just used the Trip meter but it bugs the hect out of me. Anyway if I remove the unit can the sender be cleaned with anything or is the problem unrepairable? He's funning about repairs sometimes getting him to let me buy the part may be hard sense the truck still runs.

RyanZ71 · May 28, 2006

Its not a repairable part. It must be replaced.

snoman · May 28, 2006

Its not a repairable part. It must be replaced.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Ditto.

ken1mod · May 28, 2006

Technically it is not a repairable part, this may be completely correct and I suspect it is correct. But what is the harm in trying, if that is something you enjoy.

But then again, I rebuild my own starters and alternators, power steeting pumps and steering rack seals.

point is, some people take a certain joy in this sort of thing. It may well spring apart into a million unidentifiable pieces when opened, but so what, it was already broken.

i carried this attitude into my attempted repair of a defunct 6.2 liter gm diesel fuel injection pump. Wow, talk about a million unidentifiable pieces of metal puree'. There was nothing in that little round box that looked like it could possible squirt fuel. The whole thing went into the dumpster, but it was still fun.

Ken

BondoBob · May 29, 2006

That’s what I was wondering, if I can use something to clean the contact area if the problem is Sulfur buildup. I'm like you I can usually repair a lot of stuff that isn't serviceable or a none repairable part. The main thing I was wondering if in fact it is a dirty contact that usally causes the problem or if the contact area breaks. Thanks

asilverblazer · May 29, 2006

Give it a go, atleast then if it breaks he will have to buy a new part. I wonder if it isn't serviceable due to it being cheaper to replace the part than fix the old one.

snoman · May 29, 2006

Give it a go, atleast then if it breaks he will have to buy a new part. I wonder if it isn't serviceable due to it being cheaper to replace the part than fix the old one.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Usually they fail because circuit opens or wiper/contact area becomes contaminated on surface or the material itself. Given the pain it can be to change sometimes, it is best to replace it and not try to recycle it.

asilverblazer · May 29, 2006

Give it a go, atleast then if it breaks he will have to buy a new part. I wonder if it isn't serviceable due to it being cheaper to replace the part than fix the old one.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Usually they fail because circuit opens or wiper/contact area becomes contaminated on surface or the material itself. Given the pain it can be to change sometimes, it is best to replace it and not try to recycle it.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Exactly, if you can clean the contamination off, and it works then you saved yourself about 400 bucks (IIRC). If it doesn't you've spent a little bit of time, no big deal if you have the time and enjoy using it that way.

ken1mod · May 29, 2006

It is completely possible that it is a broken wire to or inside the unit, fixable with a dab of solder.

It is almost certainly uneconomic for a professional to fix these things but that is the great thing about being an amateur.

Ken

RyanZ71 · May 29, 2006

Just remember your working around gas!!!

Elwood 2000 · May 30, 2006

ust remember your working around gas!!!

Yeah, you can use your soldering iron to light your cigar while working so you don't have to stick your gasoline soaked hand in your pocket to get your lighter!

BondoBob · May 31, 2006

Thanks all, I know it's a lot easier for the dealers to just replace it and go on. Also as stated above if it does break then he will have to get one. As for the trouble I'll do it at home on my lift.

mrfishaholic · June 1, 2006

i bought the replacement piece on ebay shipped for 47 bucks, out of florida do a mu1333 or mu???? ?=your mu number search on ebay, after the pain in the arsse it was to pull the tank I found it to be 47 well spent bucks. The sending unit is not avail anywhere else I could find wihtout the pump and all... just a thought but you will spend more than 50 bucks worth your time tinkering with it reinstalling and hoping it works!

willieboy · June 2, 2006

I spent 20 dollars on Techron additive. It fixed mine. Three bottle of the 25 gallon treatment Techron in a single tank of fuel, and now it works like a charm. Before it would go from full to ~3/4 to ~1/2 to ~1/3 to ~1/4 in "blocks." It was wierd to drive 150 miles without seeing the gas gauge move, and then another 5 miles and it has moved a bunch, LOL...