Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Any updated fuel float options?

[ERuhl]

I'm installing my drawstraw today only to find the OEM float is deteriorating... and quite rapidly IMO. I found this thread which discussed finding a brass replacement option. Most of the other threads I found just ended up replacing it with a new sending unit. Has anyone found an actual replacement float that is more durable that the stock unit?

 

[ERuhl]

(crickets chirping)



Nobody has found anything? It's back together now but the float will surely fail in the coming years (or months, who knows). Seems a waste to replace the whole sending unit just because the float is bad (only to replace it with the same bad design).

 

[Bob4x4]

Back in the 70's we used brass. They weren't that much better,they would leak and take on fuel.



Bob

 

[MLee]

Heres another Idea

(crickets chirping)



Nobody has found anything? It's back together now but the float will surely fail in the coming years (or months, who knows). Seems a waste to replace the whole sending unit just because the float is bad (only to replace it with the same bad design).

Mine is not the same year but we have the same problem. My tank has a different configuration in that area . The last time mine went haywire I did two things. I didn't want to buy a new float and there was a little bit of abrasion on one corner, I coated the float with Epoxy and let it dry, this will protect from further abasion, made sure the float turned freely. When I reassembeld it eye bald the float to where it it would go into the highest point of the tank and not rub on the interior cause in this area it is rather close quarters. Pluse I installed a vent kit and this gave me a little more fuel capacity. To see both of these look into My Readers rigs. Sorry I didn't respond sooner, but next time here is an Idea.

Marv.

 

[BTowler]

I was working on a brass float, but have been too busy to get anything accomplished, and I haven't even hit my busy season yet. If I can overcome a few problems I have come across in the design stage I will post results after I finish.

 

[ILIANBG]

I just replaced mine. And yes, it was almost deteriorated in half(the float), and was stuck way up on that wire holding it, making my fuel level gauge in the cab to show empty tank, with annoying light of course. I installed a new sender unit, was about 50 bucks, but same design. The original lasted almost five years, so I guess that's the life expectancy on that float. I also am looking for better alternative for the future.

Ilian

 

[rweis]

Might be a stupid idea, but the old orgional fuel floats were cork or brass.



Would sealed cork work? The newer wine bottle "corks" are not actual cork, but a manufactured material. I have zero idea how it would react to diesel fuel.



My dad had a 100 gallon fuel oil tank for the home heater and it had a cork float in it. Fuel oil was about the same as diesel fuel as far as ability of the cork to survive.



On the brass ones, IF I remember right, the brass ones worked pretty well until they made the brass so thin that it would dent by touching it.



Just some thoughts,



Bob Weis