Sending Unit Sock Remnants??

[slikside]

A couple weeks ago I replaced a clogged fuel filter in my q-jet carb. The pile on the right (looks like chopped chives, green too) is mostly what was in it then. Yesterday I decided to check how my new fiter was doing. The pile on the left is what came out this time (looks like a pile of whiskers, they are non-metallic).

Does either one, or both of these look like they could be remnants of the sock from the sending unit in the tank? The truck is a 72 C10 that I've had for 34 years, and I know the tank has not been cleaned out in that time. Highly unlikely that it was before I owned it.

Thanks all.

[VWNate1]

I've found all manner of odd things in old fuel tanks over the decades ~

Little frogs , stones , pieces of seat cushions, cigarettes, money , tools , cloth and clothing.....

Your best bet is to remove and clean it out , it's easy to do and always better than buying a crappy and dangerous new Chinese made tank .

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by slikside

A couple weeks ago I replaced a clogged fuel filter in my q-jet carb. The pile on the right (looks like chopped chives, green too) is mostly what was in it then. Yesterday I decided to check how my new fiter was doing. The pile on the left is what came out this time (looks like a pile of whiskers, they are non-metallic).

Does either one, or both of these look like they could be remnants of the sock from the sending unit in the tank? The truck is a 72 C10 that I've had for 34 years, and I know the tank has not been cleaned out in that time. Highly unlikely that it was before I owned it.

Thanks all.

Yep, that would be part of the sock filter that used to be on the end of the pickup tube. The metal ring that was crimped to the filter will still be on the tube....

LockDoc

[toolboxchev]

I just purchased a new sending unit complete with sock from Cooper Restorations for only 25 bucks!

That's a deal in my book!

[LongBox]

Perhaps a quick solution would be to get a new fuel tank sender unit, which should come with the sock (and a new gasket). This way, if you do not have time to remove and clean the tank, you will have some filtering right at the inlet to the fuel line.

I plan on doing this, as my sending unit doesn't work properly, and testing indicates the gauge on the dash is fine.

[cdowns]

I've gone to the local autoparts store and purchased a new sock for less than a buck and a new oring seal for the sender for a couple of dollars

[slikside]

Originally Posted by VWNate1

I've found all manner of odd things in old fuel tanks over the decades ~

Little frogs , stones , pieces of seat cushions, cigarettes, money , tools , cloth and clothing.....

Your best bet is to remove and clean it out , it's easy to do and always better than buying a crappy and dangerous new Chinese made tank .

Thanks. I agree.

[slikside]

Originally Posted by LockDoc

Yep, that would be part of the sock filter that used to be on the end of the pickup tube. The metal ring that was crimped to the filter will still be on the tube....

LockDoc

Thanks for the confirmation.

[slikside]

Originally Posted by LongBox

Perhaps a quick solution would be to get a new fuel tank sender unit, which should come with the sock (and a new gasket). This way, if you do not have time to remove and clean the tank, you will have some filtering right at the inlet to the fuel line.

I plan on doing this, as my sending unit doesn't work properly, and testing indicates the gauge on the dash is fine.

That's not a bad idea...an interim fix, if you will. I'm tempted, but at the same time, I know the right thing to do is to pull the tank and clean it out...

[slikside]

Originally Posted by toolboxchev

I just purchased a new sending unit complete with sock from Cooper Restorations for only 25 bucks!

That's a deal in my book!

I think that is a good deal on a complete unit. If mine was broke or missing I'd be on it.

Originally Posted by cdowns

I've gone to the local autoparts store and purchased a new sock for less than a buck and a new oring seal for the sender for a couple of dollars

Thanks C. This'll be my first choice since I seem to have no other fuel feed or quantity indicator troubles. Unless anyone thinks an old sending unit could otherwise fail, why should I replace it if all it needs is a new sock?

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by slikside

I think that is a good deal on a complete unit. If mine was broke or missing I'd be on it.



Thanks C. This'll be my first choice since I seem to have no other fuel feed or quantity indicator troubles. Unless anyone thinks an old sending unit could otherwise fail, why should I replace it if all it needs is a new sock?

Just check it out good when you remove it, especially the float. That is replaceable also.

LockDoc

[slikside]

Originally Posted by LockDoc

Just check it out good when you remove it, especially the float. That is replaceable also.

LockDoc

Thanks, Leon. Will do!

[LongBox]

If the sending unit has a good float, is it easy to use electronics contact or potentiometer cleaner to fix the variable resistor? I would imagine a good cleaning and a new sock and O Ring would then be feasible. It looks quite easy to get it out of the tank. One wire, one fuel line, and a fairly simple rotating lock ring.

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by LongBox

If the sending unit has a good float, is it easy to use electronics contact or potentiometer cleaner to fix the variable resistor? I would imagine a good cleaning and a new sock and O Ring would then be feasible. It looks quite easy to get it out of the tank. One wire, one fuel line, and a fairly simple rotating lock ring.

I have never tried any cleaner on the sender but I have on the interior light dimmer on the headlight switch. I guess they would be the same setup..... You can test it with a multi meter. It should read 0-90 ohms by moving the float arm up and down.

LockDoc

[VWNate1]

These are actually fairly simple to service and return to like new function .

First, remove it and see if it's not rusted away .

Then remember : it's delicate and must be handled very carefully .

The wiper contact usually is cruddy with old dried fuel, simple cleaning by spraying with aerosol Electro Contact Cleaner as you work the float arm up and down normally does the trick .

Chinese made senders are O.K., not great and will never last as long as the original one did .

For testing, use an analog meter, never a digital one as digital meters often give false readings when working with old mechanical devices .

Remember to add a ground wire ! .

99 % of all poor fuel gauge issues are caused by poor grounding .

In rust prone areas it's good to run a wire from the sender to tank screw to the gauge pod on the dashboard .

[ForrestHead]

I'd be concerned that the rest of the sock is sitting in the fuel line. I've replaced two tanks in 2nd gen C10's over the years, first one just replaced the tank and two months later had to replace the fuel line as well, second tank replaced the entire fuel system right off the bat. At least blow out the fuel line with a compressor while it's taken apart.

[slikside]

Originally Posted by ForrestHead

I'd be concerned that the rest of the sock is sitting in the fuel line. I've replaced two tanks in 2nd gen C10's over the years, first one just replaced the tank and two months later had to replace the fuel line as well, second tank replaced the entire fuel system right off the bat. At least blow out the fuel line with a compressor while it's taken apart.

Thanks for the heads up Forrest, I'll definitely do that!