TR6 Changing TR6 fuel tank sending unit...

[Flummoxed]

Guys-
My Bentley manual has steered me wrong before. Is the only way to change this to drain tank, and pull it? I guess it seems straightforward that this would have to be the way (due to the location), but maybe there are some tips or shortcuts I'm unaware of. What about access through the filler hose neck area (removed, of course). Although I think the sending unit is the problem, it almost seems easier to at least change the gauge itself (I assume it's a Smith's and I've seen them for sale in Moss).

 

[rcn491]

I just finished repairing mine without removing the tank.
I removed the mounting bolts, loosened the filler hose, and slid the tank out about an inch. The sending unit can then be lifted and wiggled out. There is enough slack in the hoses to do this without draining the tank.

 

[Flummoxed]

Really? And installing it was okay? You can move the float arm enough to slide it in somehow? And you ust loosened the filler hose, didn't remove anything but the bolts? Very valuable info., thanks.

 

[Andy Blackley]

I also replaced mine as rcn491 describes. I removed the filler hose and filler cap completely and replaced the hose however. If the screws on the sending unit are not rusted it will come out easily. Don't forget a new gasket.

 

[Flummoxed]

I assume you are accessing the screws for the sending unit from the "back seat" area (panel removed, of course)? There seems to be more height to allow a tool in there to get the screws out. Pulling the gas tank about an inch out from the trunk seems as though there would not be enough space to access the screws to the sending unit (unless you are pulling it so far out that it is free to unscrew from the top)? Or is there a special tool that allows such a minimum clearance to get in there and uncsrew? Also, I just noticed near the top of my tank about a six by three inch patch, that is very solidly in place and does not leak. However, it does look gerry-rigged and concerns me a little. Has anyone heard of patching a gas tank before? Thanks for all the help.

 

[Andy Blackley]

I accessed it from the boot, with the trim panel removed. With the bolts removed the tank tips out far enough to get a screw driver on those screws from the top. On the TR250 there is only the filler hose to be removed. I think on later cars you would have to deal with evap plumbing as well.
Can't help on the patch.

 

[Flummoxed]

Thanks, Andy. With the tip of the tank that makes a lot of sense. Thanks to everyone.