PINTO CAR CLUB of AMERICA

Welcome to FordPinto.com, The home of the PCCA => Parts Resources, Here is where you can find this or that. => Topic started by: Walston on April 29, 2016, 08:38:48 PM

Title: Here is the fuel sending unit you need for a Pinto
Post by: Walston on April 29, 2016, 08:38:48 PM
I searched and searched for where to buy a replacement sending unit and no one had an answer. Turns out they are available, but they are set up for the Mustang II but not the Pinto, they are exactly the same. If you need one with one line connection you need FG179A at Rock Auto, if you need one with 2 line connections you need FG179B at Rock Auto. That is what I needed for my 1980. See pictures: Gas guage now works for the first time in years. I would post a picture but I am not yet allowed.
Title: Re: Here is the fuel sending unit you need for a Pinto
Post by: 74 PintoWagon on April 30, 2016, 07:25:17 AM
Thanks for the info..
Title: Re: Here is the fuel sending unit you need for a Pinto
Post by: one2.34me on April 30, 2016, 11:44:35 AM
^^^ X2. I may just retire my, "odometer miles at fill-up", gas gauge!
Title: Re: Here is the fuel sending unit you need for a Pinto
Post by: Walston on May 01, 2016, 09:50:09 AM
Here is the picture.
Title: Re: Here is the fuel sending unit you need for a Pinto
Post by: Keith David Kramer on May 01, 2016, 10:00:31 PM
I've been searching for the 2 sending units and fuel tank for our 1980 Pinto wagon.  I was directed to your site by a guy were possibly buying a 1977 fuel tank from...I need to know if the two years fuel tanks are exactly the same? I have seen your previous comments about the one sending unit with two tubes and its replacement part number. Wahoo, finally I have a part number however, I need the other sending unit part number and where to find them as well.  Thanks for your help!!
Title: Re: Here is the fuel sending unit you need for a Pinto
Post by: Walston on May 02, 2016, 05:34:38 AM
Fuel Tank for 1977-80 Pinto and 1977-1978 Mustang II is F81A at Rock Auto. http://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=1977712&cc=1135202&jsn=419
Title: Re: Here is the fuel sending unit you need for a Pinto
Post by: Keith David Kramer on May 03, 2016, 08:55:17 AM
What modifications do we make to allow this New smaller sized tank to fit  up in where the 27.5 x 32.5 tank set????  any photos would be great
Title: Re: Here is the fuel sending unit you need for a Pinto
Post by: pinto_one on May 03, 2016, 10:44:01 AM
the tank might just fit in with no mods , but I always wanted to put the larger tank from the wagon in my sedan for more range , the wagon tank is wider , the muffler sits straight up on the wagon and not flat like the sedan , do not know if the tank straps are spaced out , have to take some measurements , to see ,
Title: Re: Here is the fuel sending unit you need for a Pinto
Post by: pinto_one on May 03, 2016, 11:15:40 AM
Oh yes thanks for the sender part number , my gauge has been reading crazy sometimes , I changed the TVR behind the instrument panel to a after market (got it on E-Bay ) unit that is solid state , better but guess the sender is sticking , 3/4 tank reading you only have 3 gallons or less in tank ,  :o
Title: Re: Here is the fuel sending unit you need for a Pinto
Post by: bbobcat75 on May 04, 2016, 06:44:26 AM
great find - but i would replace that plastic float with a brass one before i installed it in my fuel tank!!

just my 2 cents!!
Title: Re: Here is the fuel sending unit you need for a Pinto
Post by: robertwwithee on May 04, 2016, 07:30:56 PM
My brass one had a tear in in where it sat in the holder.  Plastic appeared to be molded all in one piece. 

Sent from my SPH-L720T using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Here is the fuel sending unit you need for a Pinto
Post by: Walston on May 06, 2016, 05:46:46 AM
great find - but i would replace that plastic float with a brass one before i installed it in my fuel tank!!

just my 2 cents!!

I don't know. The brass one on the unit I removed had a hole in it. Of course it was 35 years old, who knows how long the plastic float may last.
Title: Re: Here is the fuel sending unit you need for a Pinto
Post by: dittothecat on December 25, 2017, 11:12:27 AM
For anyone still looking for the fuel sending unit, I can re-confirm the info in the 4/29/2016 post by Walston: I just had the FG179B fuel sending unit from RockAuto installed on my 1979 Pinto Runabout and the gas guage is working again.

As the 77-80 Pinto all had the same OEM part number, the FG179B unit presumably works across all four model years.  Likewise, the 77-80 Bobcat.

Exception: The original info I received on the OEM part indicated the station wagon used a different part number, so the FG179B may not work on the wagon.
Title: Re: Here is the fuel sending unit you need for a Pinto
Post by: Wittsend on December 25, 2017, 03:59:54 PM
If..., the the $66 (shipped) price is outside the budget there are a few things that might be attempted.


A lot of times the resistor gets varnished and needs to have this insulating coating removed. You might try oven clean on that if you can get the cover off. There is also the possibility that the arm isn't making good contact with the housing to ground it. I find a fine shunt wire soldered to the arm and housing help.  If the brass float isn't too bad I have drained it and soldered up any holes. The small amount of weight doesn't adversely affect the readings. Look at all the contact points and if corrosion exists try soldering them too. Just be careful because the insulating seal to external wire connector can melt and leak. I've had good success with JB weld resealing that.


Lastly be CAREFUL. You have an open gas tank with some residual of fuel in it (You did drain it???). If you are working from underneath use ear plugs. Why? I once got gas in my ear and it was one of the most intense pains I can ever remember!!!