Gas gauge sending unit

Redmackenzie · Oct 15, 2016

Is it possible to solder the tiny holes in the little float can,mine has chafed thru from the wire clamp.

T.R.K. · Oct 15, 2016

If it is brass I would guess so. I have soldered carburetor float holes before. Of course, remember you are working on something that was around gasoline.

Steve@Advance · Oct 15, 2016

Sure can!

First, get all the gas out. Heat some water, put the float in the water with the hole down until you see bubbles coming out. Then remove it. That should get it empty. Then clean the area with some fine sand paper.

Best to use the old fashioned soldering iron, something you can heat that will get the job done quick before heating the entire float or the air inside. You don't want the air to be breathing in or out, as that will blow the solder away before it cools.

Lead type solder works best with brass, but I suspect regular lead free plumbing solder and flux would work, at least that is what I would try just because I've got it.

Good luck!

504 · Oct 15, 2016

Just make sure to float it in some water before you install it again. You can get enough solder on the inside and it will sink!

jeffcat · Oct 15, 2016

Clean,Clean,Clean. I have several Weller D550 soilder guns. If you know how to service and clean them they heat like a solar flare! You want to get everything spotless and you can wash and gently rub the brass float with "Bar keepers friend". Buy at any super market. Makes them super clean and shiney with no scratches. If you can find the pin hole, take it out to your car and put it on the dashboard for a day or two with the hole facing upwards. The sun will dry it out very nicely. Use the plumber paste from home depot. OAKLEY? White and green little tin/plastic can. You only need a TINY bit. Works great! You might want to try and soilder a couple of pennys fist to get the hang of it. The new style soilder is harder, the real lead stuff is a bit softer and you can work with it a bit easier. I have fixed kerosene lamps and other items this way and a good high power soilder gun works like magic. PS.you do NOT want to use any soilder with acid or resin cores! Just straight fix your copper pipes type stuff.

Bob · Oct 15, 2016

If soldering it doesn't work out you can get a new one through a Ford car dealership for under $10.
Ford # COAZ-9202-B

<img src = "https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41K0rF%2Bm7mL.jpg">

dmiller · Oct 15, 2016

If you just want it to work again you can get a large cork and wedge it in the wire loop were the float goes. Have 2 old trucks here like that. One has been that way since the 80's.

Gas gauge sending unit

Redmackenzie

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T.R.K.

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Steve@Advance

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504

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jeffcat

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Bob

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dmiller

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