Re: [Amc-list] 65 fuel tank sending unit/pickup

[Frank Swygert <farna@xxxxxxx>]

Yes, the exact replacements are rather high -- $90+. 
Is your pickup tube and the ring that goes in the tank hole good? If so, pry the case off the original unit and take the sender apart. That will leave a small flat plate on the pickup tube. You can mount a universal sending unit on that plate. Here's a link to the unit you want: http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/ItemBrowse/c-10101/s-10101/p-100000162409/mediaCode-ZX/appId-100000162409/Pr-p_CATENTRY_ID:100000162409
You may be able to find one at the local marine store (something like WestMarine). Just make sure the ohm range is correct as other gauges (such as Stewart Warner and GM) have different ranges. AMC,  

All AMCs used a 9-73 ohm (+/- 5% on both ends -- 5% of 73 = 3.65, so that's +/- 4 ohms at empty) sending unit through 1978. 10 ohms should be full, 73 ohms empty. Ford and Chrysler use the same range. Some TSMs give 62-63 ohms as reading empty, so you may want to adjust your float so it reads full at the highest point and 60-65 ohms at the lowest. I've never had a problem using these. Mine currently reads empty when I have about four gallons left, which is a good thing -- at about 2.5 gallons the EFI pump will start sucking enough air that the engine will shut off after a minute or two. Adjust the float by bending the rod. I always shorten the wire rod then bend it to fit the tank contours and give the readings I want. Just run a jumper wire from the edge of the tank to the body and from the sending unit wire to the unit with the tank on the ground. Turn the switch on and adjust the float. 

The 63 Classic sending unit plate had a slot in it for the arm, IIRC. I know I put one screw from the universal mount in the slot. The lower screw just overlapped the plate on one side of the screw, the nut acted as a clamp on the edge of the plate. You could also wire the unit to the plate. Just make sure the unit won't move and the fastening method doesn't interfere with float arm movement. 

I seem to recall you have access to welding equipment and know how to use it. If your pickup tube is bad bend a new one and tack weld a small plate to it to mount the ending unit. Guess I didn't really need to say this though, you seem to be pretty inventive when it comes to those things!

----------------
Date: Wed, 8 Aug 2007 18:57:01 -0700 (PDT)
From: d stohler <das24rules@xxxxxxxxx>

i am looking for a fuel pickup and sending unit. my
sending unit is messed up. besides being all corroded
up, parts inside of it are also broken. if anyone
could help, would be great. i have heard they are
availibl for $90 or so. i dont have that kinda money
right now. 

-- 
Frank Swygert
Publisher, "American Motors Cars" 
Magazine (AMC)
For all AMC enthusiasts
http://farna.home.att.net/AMC.html
(free download available!)


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