2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Getting into the fuel tank; draw straws, sending unit, and Espar heater

[Clinton]

I've been putting off getting into my fuel tank for awhile now. I need to refurb or replace the sending unit. I've found a bunch of good info on the sending unit, but what about the draw straw? I've seen the Vulcan draw straw in Geno's for some time. When, and more importantly why, do you replace the straw? I don't think I have a problem, but I only want to do this once (until the sending unit fails again... which is what seems to be the case). So I may get one and have it on hand.



Any confirmation on the sending unit part number and whether or not you coated yours would be appreciated. Also, anybody ever install one of the Espar Airtronic heaters? Not the coolant heater, but the forced air furnace-type unit for say a camper. I want to do all this while I'm in there.



I haven't made up my mind on dropping the tank vs. lifting the bed. I know lifting the bed is easiet, but I've got and ARE DCU metal topper on it and I don't want to take it off, then the bed, etc. What do you think? Some long straps and a telescoping boom forklift? I've got access to those. Anybody with any experience with that please let me know.



Thanks.

 

[Joe G.]

When I bought a new sending unit several years ago the MOPAR part number was 4797738. I didn't put anything on it, just installed it. Working fine since then.

I take the bed off mine when I need to work on anything to do with the tank or fuel system in that area. It's a lot easier to work on things if the bed is not in the way.

 

[budnate]

can a guy loosen the box bolts on the pass side and pull the driver side bolts completely and tip the box up enough to get in there and do the job??? I had thoughts of going at it like this.

 

[Joe G.]

Yes, you can do that. Be careful and support the driver side of the bed with something. It's like a big rat trap with you the rat.

 

[budnate]

I think my hyd engine hoist will lift it enough? then stick some jack stands or something solid intop of the frame and hold the box up if the hoist bleeds off.



anyone else go at this way have any feedback or tips?



this post is timed right my gas gauge started reading weird a few weeks ago, my sender is dying I am pretty sure. it only goes up to about 7/8's on the gauge face and is totally full.

 

[Joe G.]

The bed is not that heavy really so your engine hoist should have no problem with it. Most people lift them with a floor jack and a 2X4. You can lift it front up or side up. I rigged a cheap pulley rig in my garage that lifts the whole thing with a come along so I can roll the truck forward and have plenty of room to work.

 

[snappy]

I have installed two Espar Airtronic D5 and one Webasto air heater. The install kits have instructions that sometimes make you scratch your head.

 

[Missouri Mule]

Here are two there is an other one floating around on the stie also.



Fuel sending unit fix

Fuel sender repair



2nd fuel sending unit right up

https://www.turbodieselregister.com...ns/211404-fuel-sender-repair.html#post2041695

 

[Clinton]

Thanks everybody.



So, what about the draw straw? Why do you replace it? I'm guessing leaky fuel lines around the top of the module may point to needing a new draw straw, but like I said earlier I haven't found much info while searching on the draw straws.

 

[Road Dog]

I think the original draw straw is too small for higher horsepower applications so it get replaced with a larger diameter.