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Old 03-23-2020, 03:59 PM   #1
Capuano
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Smile Alternate to MAC Gas Tank Sending Unit

Purchased Mac Gas Tank Sending Unit. Worked for a while even after changing to 12 volt electric with 12 volt to 6 volt reducer for gauges. Now always reads empty with about 5 1/2 volts on the unit. Read all the Drake Flack. Is there a good alternative to the MAC sender. Seems to be universal problem.
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Old 03-23-2020, 08:04 PM   #2
Aarongriffey
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Default Re: Alternate to MAC Gas Tank Sending Unit

What is a Mak tank unit? Is that a brand?
I only learned recently that you need a separate reducer for each gage.
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Old 03-23-2020, 08:15 PM   #3
JayChicago
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Default Re: Alternate to MAC Gas Tank Sending Unit

You could ask Joe at Joe’s Antique Auto Parts. (Yes, you will actually be able talk to the knowledgeable owner there) But chances are he will tell you that they all get their senders from the same source.
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Old 03-23-2020, 08:31 PM   #4
JSeery
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Default Re: Alternate to MAC Gas Tank Sending Unit

Quote:
Originally Posted by Aarongriffey View Post
What is a Mak tank unit? Is that a brand?
I only learned recently that you need a separate reducer for each gage.
You don't need a separate reducer for each gauge, that is one way to do it. Or you can use one reducer for all the gauges like Ford did. Many do prefer the separate reducers, but not required.

Mac is a supplier of early Ford parts.
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Old 03-23-2020, 09:34 PM   #5
Aarongriffey
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Default Re: Alternate to MAC Gas Tank Sending Unit

Ya thanks JSeery', I remember Mac’s. I have ordered from them, several years ago.
And you are right about the resistors.
I was renting trailers so often that I converted my F1 to 12 volts.
I use a 6 volt generator with 12 volt regulator, a starter converted to 12 volt$.
I used an adjustable voltage resister for the gages but the gages were all over the place not reliable so I installed a 12 volt gas gage and tank unit. Now all the gages, including the original temp and oil pressure gage are just fine on one resistor.
I run the original temp gage off one head and a separate 12 volt temp gage off the other head. They both always read the same.
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Old 03-24-2020, 01:16 PM   #6
supereal
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Default Re: Alternate to MAC Gas Tank Sending Unit

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We buy good ones at C&G (800)266-0470. They also have a selection of adapters for the
installation. The 36-55 unit is listed aa 01A=2975-DC $39.95. Be sure that the float arm is not hanging up in the tank, and the arm is bent to achieve the correct reading.
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Old 03-24-2020, 01:56 PM   #7
35fordtn
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Default Re: Alternate to MAC Gas Tank Sending Unit

As of recent Mac’s gets theirs from carpenter (as do we) as they are the only show in town right now. Shop around as prices vary drastically from vendor to vendor.
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Old 03-28-2020, 12:21 PM   #8
Capuano
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Smile Re: Alternate to MAC Gas Tank Sending Unit

Purchased MAC gas sending unit in 2013. Worked fine. Changed 1940 Ford to 12 volts with constant voltage reducers worked fine. Recently gas gauge indicated empty always. Checked voltage on unit at 5.5 volts and OK. Ordered new MAC gas sending unit. Removed old gas sending unit and notice the float was a double facing metal cup and partially filled with gas. Obviously reason why always indicating empty. New sending unit had a plastic half cup facing a metal cup. Hopefully this will last longer. I will report to MAC when they are open. Obviously someone made design change. Keep in mind if anyone has same problem they should consider changing float first. New unit worked fine.
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