Redoing my hydrostatic fuel gauge with new red liquid

[JimG]

Glenn, Thanks for your continued thoughts on this. That vent tube is one of the larger diameter tubes, so seems less likely to be blocked, but it does end in that closed compartment inside the bell that you cannot access or see inside of. When I first pulled the tank unit out it was covered with black stuff all over (photos on post 25). I cleaned up what I could get at, but I'm sure the inside of the bell that is inaccessible probably had the same condition. Maybe cleaning the tank unit in an ultrasound cleaner like Sheldon does would be the only way to clean the inside of the bell. I did shoot compressed air down all the lines when I was cleaning the unit. The entire system has no moving parts - should be pretty straightforward.

[glennpm]

Originally Posted by JimG

... but I'm sure the inside of the bell that is inaccessible probably had the same condition. Maybe cleaning the tank unit in an ultrasound cleaner like Sheldon does would be the only way to clean the inside of the bell

I agree on junk in the bell and not readily accessible. I have a ultrasonic , Vevor, 10L unit, https://tinyurl.com/yavrmeh9. I got this so it would be large enough for a big Holley carb that I modified for my '40 and it works great. It has a timer and heater and as you can see would fit the tank unit.





Glenn

[deuce lover]

Thanks for posting that diagram(post 60) Glenn. I think that is where his problem lies.Maybe cost effective to find another sender but doesn't guarantee that it is not full of crud. I wonder if surgery can be performed? Maybe cut open the side ,clean it and then solder in a patch? Last unit on Ebay went for $150.There might be some others lying around in the lower 48?

Jim,After you mentioned that black crud all over the unit I don't think the ultrasound will clean it perfectly inside as it is.All that crud will have to be entirely dissolved.

[glennpm]

Originally Posted by deuce lover

Thanks for posting that diagram(post 60) Glenn. I think that is where his problem lies.

I wonder if surgery can be performed? Maybe cut open the side ,clean it and then solder in a patch?

You're welcome!

I was thinking of a patch too. Drill a hole close to the bottom of the bell with a patch in mind. You could use a copper pipe or fitting to use as the patch, apply flux to the bel and the patch. You would need to keep other soldered parts cool with a small piece of wet cloth for example.

Glenn

[Steve Fehniger]

Jim and many other Ford Barn members with extensive experience with these hydrostatic fuel gauges, Thank you for all the information which will be very helpful as my Dad and I chart a path to address non-functional gauges in the '33/34 and '35. Thanks again for the efforts to share your knowledge. Steve