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Welcome to FordPinto.com, The home of the PCCA => General Help- Ask the Experts... => Topic started by: wbacon8780 on February 06, 2013, 04:49:14 AM

Title: Fuel level sender
Post by: wbacon8780 on February 06, 2013, 04:49:14 AM
Looking for a fuel level sender. Are there any aftermarket brands that will work?
Title: Re: Fuel level sender
Post by: Pinto5.0 on February 06, 2013, 10:13:52 AM
I picked up an NOS sender for my '80 on Ebay a year ago for $60 bucks shipped. Keep your eyes peeled & get a good Ford part. They are out there.....
Title: Re: Fuel level sender
Post by: D.R.Ball on February 06, 2013, 12:33:38 PM
While your on eBay get the seal/ring kit and buy a filter for the fuel inlet. Your car will thank you. Also have you tested the fuel sender and the wiring to ensure it's at fault ? Some times they get stuck from not being used, removal and cleaning sometimes will help in fixing the sender.
Title: Re: Fuel level sender
Post by: wbacon8780 on February 06, 2013, 01:46:09 PM
I haven't taken it out yet. All I know is my gauge don't work. I will order a seal/ring kit and filter..... Thank you
Title: Re: Fuel level sender
Post by: HOSS429 on February 06, 2013, 02:08:24 PM
unplug the wire connected to the sending unit and test it with a test lite .. the wire should make the test lite blink i think ...with the switch on of course
Title: Re: Fuel level sender
Post by: HOSS429 on February 06, 2013, 02:21:06 PM
another thing .. i have yet to do it but i purchased a new sending unit made for a 69 mustang and will attempt to make it work in one of my pinto`s .. the shape is very close ...just need to get a  good tank ...
Title: Re: Fuel level sender
Post by: wbacon8780 on February 06, 2013, 06:25:14 PM
Thanks Hoss..let us know if it works.
Title: Re: Fuel level sender
Post by: 289Wagon on February 07, 2013, 05:45:29 AM
  What year ?   What model ?
Title: Re: Fuel level sender
Post by: fast64ranchero on February 07, 2013, 07:38:04 AM
When you have it out check the float, it may be sunk, (full of fuel) and use a ohm meter to test the sender.
Title: Re: Fuel level sender
Post by: 72pair on February 07, 2013, 02:29:33 PM
Got 71-73 mustang sending units in both my 72s. Had to trim the notches in the tank a little for the tabs on the sender. IIRC the 69 sender has only 1 terminal. The 71-73 terminal matched the pinto.
Title: Re: Fuel level sender
Post by: wbacon8780 on February 07, 2013, 05:03:05 PM
I have a 1979 ESS
Title: Re: Fuel level sender
Post by: 289Wagon on February 08, 2013, 06:32:36 AM
Early units
Title: Re: Fuel level sender
Post by: 289Wagon on February 08, 2013, 06:35:34 AM
later units
Title: Re: Fuel level sender
Post by: HOSS429 on February 08, 2013, 06:50:05 AM
Quote from: 72pair on February 07, 2013, 02:29:33 PM
Got 71-73 mustang sending units in both my 72s. Had to trim the notches in the tank a little for the tabs on the sender. IIRC the 69 sender has only 1 terminal. The 71-73 terminal matched the pinto.
good info .. yes i saw the 69 had no return fuel line .. i was going to find a vented cap ..
Title: Re: Fuel level sender
Post by: 289Wagon on February 08, 2013, 01:27:27 PM
Before you spend $ on something you may wish to do some easy testing. Most often the problem is the sender there is also the wiring,CV regulator and the gauge itself to consider.
 1) As HOSS429 said check for low or intermittent voltage at the sender. That will show if the wiring & CV regulator are ok.
 2) Verify that you have a good ground thru the ground wire in the connector to the body. (I think it goes to a screw attached to the nearby cross brace.
 3) And then using the method us old folks did when we didn't have all those fancy tools,
 
The way to test the gauge is to unhook the wires to the sender and the gauge should read empty. Now, ground the sensor wire and the gauge should go all the way past the full level. If this happens your wiring and gauge are fine.
 If you should need a sending unit, there is a NOS one on Ebay for $59.99 w/free shipping.
Title: Re: Fuel level sender
Post by: 72pair on February 09, 2013, 04:00:56 PM
@HOSS: The 71-73 mustang sender is still only 1 fuel line albeit is 3/8". What I was referring to is the wiring. My 72 connector plugged right up and worked. I've got the fuel pump return plumbed into the factory vent on top of the tank on one car( after drilling out the fitting), and use a vented cap. If anyone is having float troubles get one from Dennis Carpenter. Its a solid design and compatible with new fuels and its 5 bucks.