[Healeys] Fuel sender

[BJ8 Healeys]

Fred, your readings are in the normal range.  You can remove the fuel and
reseal the float using the method you describe.
The Ford hollow brass float is not a replacement for the stock float.  It is
a replacement for the plastic floats that come on replacement sending units
now.  It is designed to clip into the end of the float arm like the plastic
floats, but the stock float is soldered to the arm.

The BJ8 fuel tank capacity is a little over 13 gals. U.S., so I would assume
the BJ7 tank is the same.

Your problem might not be with the sending unit at all (since it checks out
properly), but with a non-functioning gauge.  If the gauge always reads
empty, try tapping on the gauge face with a finger while the ignition switch
is on.  It may just be stuck, which is a common problem.  Make sure you have
the correct resistance readings between ground and the green/black wire at
the gauge, just to be sure the gauge is receiving the correct signal from
the sending unit.  Make sure you have 12 volts at the green wire to the
gauge.

Steve Byers
HBJ8L/36666
BJ8 Registry
Havelock, NC  USA


-----Original Message-----
From: healeys-bounces at autox.team.net [mailto:healeys-bounces at autox.team.net]
On Behalf Of Fred Wescoe
Sent: Monday, October 24, 2011 6:02 PM
To: healeys at autox.team.net
Subject: [Healeys] Fuel sender

List,

In an effort to track down the issue with a non working fuel gauge, I
removed the sending unit from the tank today.  It has not worked in years
but I simply drove 100 miles and filled up to be safe.  Not knowing how deep
the tank was made me not quite trust the "dip stick" method of measuring.

On the bench, I put an ohm meter on the case and the terminal and got a low
reading (empty) of 2.5 ohms and high (full) reading of 86 ohms.  Does anyone
know if this is the correct range for the sending unit?  If not, how do I
adjust it and to get what readings.

Yes, the float is full of fuel.  I will drill a hole, drain it and then seal
the hole.  I will try placing it in a pot of hot water to see if I can find
the leak and if I do, I will solder that closed.  Or, what is the part
number for the Ford replacement float, if that is the better way to go.  If
the Ford float is not hollow plastic or metal and is something that will not
hold fuel, it makes sense to simply replace the float.  Which is better
repair or replace?

I will be sending the gauge and the sending unit in for rebuilding if the
gauge still reads empty after resolving the float issue.

What is the collective wisdom on this problem?

I also measured the depth of the tank and it is just over 5" from the lip of
the sender hole to the bottom of the tank.  This is an original tank and it
shows no or very little rust in it.  I guess I just jinxed myself and it
will now start to leak.

Thanks in advance for the knowledge.

Fred
63 BJ7