Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) fuel tank sending unit ?'s

[BBFields]

My '98 12valve fuel supply and return fittings at the tank are rotted out and leaking. the dodge dealer says i should just buy the sending unit with the in tank fuel pump. Any positive or negative feedback? I also busted the bolts off that hold the cross member up at the front off the fuel tank, gotta love salt in Michigan, is there any way to get the nuts out? They look like they are welded inside the boxed in part of the frame.

 

[Skydiver]

Not much experence with return fittings. I don't think 12 valve engines have an in tank fuel pump.
Much easier to lift the bed.

 

[BBFields]

It wouldve been easier that way, but ive got a fiberglass cap on the bed and no extra hands to help lift. The pump isnt in the tank, but I remember something about a retrofit unit because dodge no longer has the original pump on the engine avail.

 

[GAmes]

You need to find a dealer that has a parts man who knows what he is talking about. The in tank module for a 12 valve doesn't have a pump, and lift pumps are readily available through a lot of sources, Cummins being one of them and probably Dodge as well if you want to pay the price.



Some members have modded their canisters with a draw straw and there are are bunch of posts on that subject if you do a search. I opted for OEM and bought it from Save Big @ Mopar4Less.com!! - Full Line Of Mopar Parts -

If you call them be sure you are getting the internet price.

 

[snappy]

The Dodge dealers here (Canada) like to add in the in tank pump when the lift pump on a 24 valve and newer fails. I have not heard of them trying this on a 12 valver. The 12 V lift pump is very reliable, an in tank pump, not so much. I would not do that.

It has been awhile since I had sender problems. If the dealer can not source the plate with the bad fittings, I'd try a wrecker/salvage yard.

The nuts should be contained in a metal collar which is welded to the frame. You need to cut, pry or remove part of the collar to remove the nuts.

 

[BBFields]

And that was one of the mechanics at the dealer that was telling me to go with the in tank unit. I thought he was way off but I didn't feel like arguing with him. This is a prime example why I wont take my truck in to any local dealerships, they just don't have any knowledgeable diesel mechanics around here.

 

[BBFields]

Are these draw straws only for 24 valve engines? Cant seem to find 12v info.

 

[Taz]

I have 351k miles on my 12v. I have put two sending units in my tank so far. They eventually wear out and you have no fuel gauge.

If you are dropping the tank to replace the rubber lines, do yourself a huge favor and go ahead and replace the electric quantity sending unit. It's a part that bolts onto the in-tank siphon.

Both times I have dropped mine from below. Taking the bed off to me is harder (especially if you don't have help or an overhead lift than just droping the tank. The only b1tch of a problem with dropping the tank is the rubber links you need to replace. You have to do a lot of work to get them disconnected and reconnected. I could see replacing those lines with really long ones the next time I do it so I just coil them up as I raise the tank.