Trick to the sending unit ring?

[stingray72]

Got a new gasket and sending unit locking ring.. what's the trick to getting it on all the way??

[68gmsee]

Originally Posted by stingray72

Got a new gasket and sending unit locking ring.. what's the trick to getting it on all the way??

Sort of a pain, but I lubed the seal and used a large brass drift punch I got from a local store (not sure which one) and just kept tapping the metal ring with a hammer until I got it all the way around.

[Brad]

Notice he said brass? Steel creates sparks. Unlikely, but I just wanted to ephasize safety.

[stingray72]

Ya. I'm doing the "tapping" thing but when it gets close sometimes the ring snaps out from under one of the flanges. PITA to say the least

Gas tank relocation here i come.. lol

[72swbcamo]

Try putting some silicone lube between the rubber ring and the retainer. Also try applying pressure on one tab than the next and then the next a little at a time.

[kcjones]

I had the exact same issue, still not resolved, so I'll be watching the "what worked for me" comments closely.

[Classic Heartbeat]

I guess I may be missunderstanding here, but the lock ring (cam) does not go against the "O" ring (seal). The seal is possisioned against the recess around the opening in the tank for the sending unit. The sending unit sets on top of the seal. The locking ring (cam) is on top of the sending unit. The sending unit does not turn on the seal, so no lubrication is needed on the seal. In fact I think that the lubrication might just be making the already tricky job more so.

Assemble everything like I explained above. Use a brass punch like you already have to tap the ring under their locking tabs. As you tap it around, watch for it to start moving off center and when it does tap around from the other side of the ring. That will realign the cam. Pain in the butt, yes!! Difficult naaaaaaa... WES

[leddzepp]

Wes is correct...this is not too difficult, just a little tricky. I actually found it easier to install the sending unit in the Blazer tank when I converted to under the bed

[stingray72]

I've got the idea and got everything done correctly.. o-ring, sending unit then locking ring. I get the ring all the way around to where the little raised part of the locking ring is going to go under the tabs and then it all goes to hell. Tapping too easy and the ring doesn't move, tap too hard and it pops out from under the tabs. I quit last night working on it before I destroyed something..

[Classic Heartbeat]

Try directing the force of the blow downward and forward. Like I said, it is tricky.. WES

[Aarons72s]

I just did one of theses today. You have to get all three tabs on the locking ring to go under the tabs on the gas tank. I use a screw driver to help push the ring down to help it line up to the tangs. But like the guys above said use a brass punch and if you have it, a brass hammer to do any hitting. Once you get this started tap gently on one of the tangs on the locking ring to get it started, usually the bottom. Once it starts to go and the other two tangs come close to popping out stop. And move to the top tang and start tapping it. And once you see the other tangs start to come close to popping out stop and go back to the bottom one. You have to altternate back and forth several times. Just take your time and be patient. Oh by the way dont put to much pressure on the fuel lines coming out of the sending unit. they like to crack where they are soldered to the sending unit. That is why I had to replace mine. Good luck.

[chrislehr]

I used a piece of 2x4 wood instead of a brass piece, same idea though...

[kcjones]

Thanks, guys, I know that helps me...I wasn't being patient enough!