1936 gas tank sending unit

[rlcokc]

Had gas tank done by renu--installed and now not sure my sending unit working. Saw some posts on another thread about access above by cutting panel above sending unit. Seems like great idea and I really don't want to remove the tank. BUT without knowing where sending unit located on tank no telling how many holes I would make before finding sending unit. My question--anyone have tank for 36 model 40 handy where they could measure the location of the sending unit on tank and I could then use those measurements to determine where I would need to cut access panel. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Rod

[Guest Jon Barker]

Are the trunk dimensions the same as for my 37 Century ? I'm removing the plate, which is quite large, this weekend and could give you its dimensions and distance from each side of the car if that's any use. I think whoever cut mine just cut a large enough hole to guarantee the sender unit would be there somewhere. Not very scientific and I suppose it could also depend on the type of tank you have. You'll probably get a more accurate answer some time !

[pont35cpe]

Are the trunk dimensions the same as for my 37 Century ? I'm removing the plate, which is quite large, this weekend and could give you its dimensions and distance from each side of the car if that's any use. I think whoever cut mine just cut a large enough hole to guarantee the sender unit would be there somewhere. Not very scientific and I suppose it could also depend on the type of tank you have. You'll probably get a more accurate answer some time !

Here`s the dimensions of my `36 Special gas tank, overall: 37 3/8" x 16 1/4"... viewing the tank from the rear with the filler neck on your right centerline of sending unit is measuring from the right lip(filler neck side) to the left 15 3/4" and from the back lip forward 5". My car is a coupe and when tank is mounted in the car, the sending unit is not under the trunk floorboard. Hope this helps...Good luck.. Tom

[rlcokc]

Tom

Could you take a measurement of your trunk--I think same as my model 40 but not sure. I tried to determine location without dropping tank and not sure if under trunk, divider between trunk and rear seat, or under rear seat. Really hope I can have access under rear seat.

Appreciate response from both and if anyone has access panel in their 36 would appreciate a photo.

Jon

Would like to have dimension of panel as well as photo of its location in trunk and measurements of trunk as well, if not too much trouble.

Thanks again

Rod

[danhar1960]

I don't know how close it would be to a '39 but here is a pic of mine.

Given that you recently had the tank out, I would imagine you have some recollection of approximately it was. Does it look anything like mine ??

Did it work OK before you had the tank repaired ??

If you had the tank painted and replaced the rubber straps, it maybe just that you have killed the earth to the tank.

Before you go hacking up the trunk floor, try an earth lead from the tank to the body ensuring a good, clean connection.

I also have the AC Instrument manuals that may be of some assistance in diagnosing your problem.

If you'd like a copy, PM me your email address and I'll send you a PDF copy.

Danny

[pont35cpe]

Tom

Could you take a measurement of your trunk--I think same as my model 40 but not sure. I tried to determine location without dropping tank and not sure if under trunk, divider between trunk and rear seat, or under rear seat. Really hope I can have access under rear seat.

Appreciate response from both and if anyone has access panel in their 36 would appreciate a photo.

Jon

Would like to have dimension of panel as well as photo of its location in trunk and measurements of trunk as well, if not too much trouble.

Thanks again

Rod

Rod, is your car a 2 or 4dr sedan with the humpback trunk? If so you could probably cut a hole working from the measurements I gave. My car is a coupe and where the sender is located it doesn`t have floorboard above it.. Me? I`d take the straps loose and remove the tank. Tom

[FLYER15015]

Rod,

Can you use a mirror and see where the sending unit is located. That is a start point to open up a hole in the trunk floor.

When I replaced the sending unit on my '40, I ran an extra ground from one of the mounting screws to the car's frame made of 10 gage wire. 6 volt systems like BIG wires.

Mike in Colorado

[rlcokc]

Appreciate the responses and I thought it may be ground but didn't think about using mirror to locate the sending unit. Car is on lift and I will see if I can get a peek and figure out where it is. When I purchased car it was not running and I replaced tank some time ago. I have photos of the tank when out but no measurements. I had thought about running separate ground to sending unit but could run to the tank itself and that should cure the ground issue.

Appreciate the offer of the AC manuals but I was one of the guys you provided to a couple of months ago. They are very helpful I just haven't had time to jump in and one of the tests requires access to the sending unit to determine if working.

I had a hell of a time getting the gas tank in and that is real reason I didn't want to drop. Used a come a long to hold tank as I tightened the straps. My problem was getting tank close enough to correct positon that I could start the straps. I did use material between straps and tanks to cushion. In addition I painted tank before installation--shouldn't be a surprise if grounding a problem.

I'll get up on lift and give it a look. Biginning to think I should drop the tank and I think I only have to remove exhaust to get it down. Any other ideas/suggestions let me know. Thanks again.

Rod

[Ben Bruce aka First Born]

Assuming the tank has a flange or other spot where one can attach an alligator clip, perhaps try attaching a jumper wire from tank to frame. Make both attaching surfaces clean and shiney first. Should prove or disprove ground.

ben

[danhar1960]

I remember the subject of grounding the sender unit came up some time ago. I can't remember who but they made a good point. The fuel line itself provided the earth as it was metal all the way to the pump. His had stopped working because he had put an in line filter before the pump and had used rubber hoses .

Is your fuel line original and metal all the way ??

Just another thought.

Danny

[rlcokc]

Excellent point. My fuel line is metal all the way with no rubber hose. Does make sense that should provide ground. Never thought of it.

Rod

[Guest Jon Barker]

Hi, I had a great time removing the panel from the trunk over the weekend. I took some photos but left my camera at home. I'll bring it in tomorrow. The measurements are as follows - the hole has been cut 17 inches from the lip of the trunk and 13 inches in from the left side of the car as you view it from the rear. This gives easy access to the sender unit. The plate is 1 foot square.