Quick couple of questions about the wire from the fuel sending unit to the gas gauge:

First is how to unplug it from the sending unit, I tried twisting and pulling but it's rather stuck on there and it appeared to let out alittle gas so I didn't go any further. Do I just have to keep muscling at it or is there some trick?

And second, assuming I need to replace the wire, where would I buy it? I don't see it listed at any of the major websites for parts, so I guess it's just a common sort of wire I can buy a spool of at an auto store or radio shack or something?

Once I can get the wire off I'm going to test to see where my problem with the gas gauge is (it reads half a tank low) and if it turns out to be the sending unit I plan to replace that, if not I'm hoping the wire will be the next easiest thing to replace because I'm not looking forward to disassembling the dash to replace a gauge.

 

Go for the sending unit. I know, I know...it sucks to have to drain out all that gas. It is like dollars dripping out from your tank. But I can bet the problem is in the sending unit. By the way, the wire should just pull right off. Mine had a loop type lug that just slid over the terminal. Drain the gas, pull the tank (you don't have too..but) and check the tank for rust while your at it, paint it, replace the sending unit then pop the sucker back in. Don't have to worry about it for a long time then.

 

I'm 90% sure its the sending unit, the car did sit outside here for quite a few years while there was gas in the tank so I'm pretty positive that wasn't good for the health of it. I'll have alot better idea of how it all goes once I get the current sending unit out and I can look inside the tank and see what's going on in there, but currently a new tank isn't really planned.

And I figured you just pull to get the wire off, but like I said I pulled pretty hard and it didn't come off, though it twists around pretty easy. This may have to wait till thursday when I don't have work though.

 

Just for your own info, the gas tank wire is included in the tail-light harness assemblys.
Jim

 

The tank unit can be had at any of the online suppliers.
Cal mustang has one (PN 9275BR for 69 stang w/o low fuel-light) it costs 46.95+ S&H

 

Yeck... so nearly $200 to get that one wire, since I don't need all the others. My problem better just be the sending unit at this rate.

That I can get $20-30 from NPD or colorado mustang.

 

If you have to replace the wire then just get some good quality wire spool and go that route. BTW if you do have to either replace the tank or clean it out, just get a new tank. $120 is not bad for some good insurance.

 

Cut the wire off of your tank unit where it turns 90 degrees. Then using a knife peel back the boot left on the sending unit to see why you can't get the wire off, maybe there's a nut on your sending unit. You know that there's a removable ring that holds the TU in the tank and gasket, right?


BTW, Theres no harm in splicing in a new piecoe of wire from some convenient place as long as your use a good mechanical connection and seal it from the weather.

 

Do you see a little nut holding the sending unit together? Tighten that a tad so it doesn't leak any more gas, then get a pair of pliars and yank on the wire where it is snapped onto the tiny bolt coming out of the unit. Ground that end and have someone tell you what the gauge is doing. If it goes to full, then the sending unit is your problem. Get drunk on several gallons of wine and save the bottles, then if your tank has a plug in the corner, unscrew that and put your gas in the bottles. Nah, that is stoopid. Get a gas can and use a funnel to drain the gas into the gas can. If you don't have a drain plug, then you are going to have to get some gas in your mouth because you are going to have to use an old piece of garden hose and put it in the tank as far as it will go, then suck on the hose until gas starts to flow, then spit out the gas in your mouth while you wrestle that hose end into the gas can. I suggest you put a two gallon can of gas in your trunk and drive the car until it quits, then fill it with the two gallons then you won't have so much to suck out.

 

I think the advice you've gotten is great, but I do want to know how it goes. Shoot me a note when you get it working, my gas gauge in the next project to tackle, as soon as the brake job is done.