Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Fuel float options?

[Froadin]

What are my options for getting a new fuel float?

I called the dealer, and they said for my 01 that you have to replace the whole unit, $68, and he has to order it!

Mine is the black float with a small washer setup on the end to hold it there.

Do I have any options other then the stealership?

 

[PRout]

at least you dont have to buy the whole module for 400 bucks. . I can handle 68. . mines deteriorating fast also. . Would be great if someone had an aluminum one available.

 

[DMannon]

Try Ebay... I bought the whole fuel pickup module for mine for my 02 for $70.



Try item # 140030719552, #250030358713 ... . actually, I was amazed at all the stuff available when I searched 'dodge cummins fuel level'.



But there it is...



Good luck.

 

[MLee]

I have played with mine, and have replaced it. But this last time I had it out I decided to coat it with epoxy. Only to see if it would protected against chaffing. So far it has worked. But you need to make sure it is as clean as you can get it and dry. coat it and let it cure. When you install it make sure you line it up so it does not have contact with the tank when it is full. on my 95 the tank is very close in this area so you got to be presice. I have a picture in my readers rig gallery with the coating. I just looked my self, sorry about the clarity, any way it was done. With my other Mods I can get 43. 8 gals of fuel in there.

Marv.

 

[BTowler]

Gotta love Dodge dealers parts departments! I called one here who said I can't get just the sending unit or any other individual parts, I have to buy the entire unit for $293. 00. I then called a dealer a friend of mine has an account with thinking I could get it for at least 25-50% less at wholesale, WRONG!!! This dealer charges $340 wholesale and $420 list!!!! But this dealer says you can buy the individual parts?!?!? Go figure...



For my peace of mind, and a speedy install, I think I'll swing the $293. If I can get in and out quick, I can use the gantry crane at my wife's work to pull the bed.

 

[MLee]

Gotta love Dodge dealers parts departments! I called one here who said I can't get just the sending unit or any other individual parts, I have to buy the entire unit for $293. 00. I then called a dealer a friend of mine has an account with thinking I could get it for at least 25-50% less at wholesale, WRONG!!! This dealer charges $340 wholesale and $420 list!!!! But this dealer says you can buy the individual parts?!?!? Go figure. . If I can get in and out quick,

I can use the gantry crane at my wife's work to pull the bed.

As you just pointed out, dealers charge what the area will support. We, the customer are at there mercy when we need parts. When in St Augustine Fl. my clutch hydraulics went out and had to order one over nite, his price was $30. 00 more than Jacksonville. He new he had me. Above is what he told me when I questioned the difference in price. As you stated--Go figure--

The gantry is a good move. won't take long. be careful

Marv.

 

[BTowler]

Marv,



It gets better, those two dealers are less than ten miles from each other!

 

[Froadin]

MLee, what mods to get that many gallons in your tank? Move the vent to the top of the tank?



As for pulling the bed, it's EASY!!! with a crane/hoist, etc.

I just used a forklift because I already had some tractor parts hanging from the shop hoist Still, forklift was pretty easy as well.



Now, of all the things to happen, the blasted unit fell over last night and cracked a chunk out at the bottom of the unit. I know the thing would work, but it would no longer hold any reserve fuel like it was intended to do.

AARRGGHHH!!!!

Off to ebay to find a replacement unit like DMannon posted.



My question though, those show that they are out of a 35 gallon tank, and I have the 34 gallon tank (shortbed truck). Is there a REAL difference or not?

I need to know ASAP so I can get another unit and get my truck back on the road.

 

[MLee]

MLee, what mods to get that many gallons in your tank? Move the vent to the top of the tank?.

Go to my Readers Rig Gallery, I have a photo there. I don't know if your later model tank is the same or not. If you do a search on fuel tank vent mods you'll come across one that might be in 3rd gen. trucks. Like Spoolups Mod, this one sourced plastic fittings and done his for a fraction of the cost. I just copied what he done, but mine has two humps, and my supplier for hose did not have the diesel fuel hose so i got Hydraulic hose, for the same price because of the quote for the other hose. Get your clamps at home depot or like place for price.

To bad about the breakage. Was it the sending unit that fell over?

Marv.



Here is the place to go on the search [cann't figure how to get the link to work] vent kit for 2nd gen, would you and the - by MLee. JoeG has his pictured there also. My float is there too. after I put epoxy on it to stop the chaffing that ruins the float. so far [knock on wood] is still working.

 

[Froadin]

My tank doesn't have two large humps like that, just a single one at the rear.

No doubt the tank vent option would help hold more fuel, it's just a question of how much.



The entire module fell, the sending unit for the fuel gauge looks just fine though. That is why I am tempted to just put it back in. Of course I know this is a bad idea, but it IS tempting.

 

[MLee]

OK! that is what I thought, You can do the mod like what Spoolup has with just the vent tube. Or copy what JoeG, did witht he single line. Increase is about five to seven gal.

What I would do with the sender is look it over carefuly, for any extensive damage. And do a Ohm test on the float for the proper reading, top to bottom. I am sure some one will mention it. Or-do a search for it. Take a type eraser and rub lightly over the contact on the sender and clean off the film build up for a better reading. This is probably caused by the sulpher in the fuel. Some of the new cars are runing out of gas be cause of the sulpher in the gas and it is coating the fuel sensors and giving poor readings.

Marv.

 

[Holysmokes]

Member CEpp and I Changed mine out yesterday afternoon. I put Vulkins Draw Straw kit in and sending unit. The sending unit cost me $57 out the door from dealership. I called around to 3 different dealerships. They ALL stock this unit and are within $15 of eachother.