the flyin' scotsman

I got the sender wiring off and the fuel line but now Stan has me worried I may do more damage than good.

Per Stafford post I'll clean the connections and see if that makes a diff:

the flyin' scotsman

The sender is all apart and measures similar resistance values; all is clean and connections are good. Its going back in and I''l clean the connections:

SharkSkin

Did you make sure that the wipers are tight on the wire, and that the wire has no kinks? Also, if you don't fill/empty the tank regularly (e.g. winter storage w/less than full tank) you will get varnish buildup on the wire.

the flyin' scotsman

Wipers are tight and the wires (all 3) aren't kinky

The wires looked very clean to me:

the flyin' scotsman

The sender is back in and I restarted the car 3 times..............different fuel readings on every restart and its still 'wavering'.

Dave............is there a wipe you'd recommend on the wires? an alcohol of sorts?

For all others that are following along this is NOT a project for the faint of heart..........your dealing with gas and the extraction of the sender exposes the fuel tank and all fuel within. Be very very carefull.

Mike B

Malcolm...I'm sure this isn't your issue but many fluctuating instrument readings are causing by bad grounds or a bad ground wire (my personal experience).

Thought I would add that for those searching in the future.

the flyin' scotsman

Good point Mike..............the sender has a ground wire which leads to wherever...........another project; clean all grounds

SharkSkin

My weapon of choice for fuel varnish(also clearing flooded motors, etc. etc.) is Berryman's B-12. If they looked clean you're probably fine though. You might try jumping the connections -- kind of "break out" jumpers -- and connect the ground wire straight to the main ground point -- see if it behaves then. The change on every start sounds like a loose ground wire and the above test will confirm.

the flyin' scotsman

Is B-12 available at electronic stores?

I'll attempt to trace the ground; hopefully is joined into the rear harness and the the main grd plain close to batt grd.

SharkSkin

Auto parts, some hardware stores. Comes in aerosol, 16 Oz screw-cap and Gallon sizes. I keep a couple aerosols and a gallon on hand. The aerosol is good for quick cleaning of small parts, much safer than starter fluid if you want something to spray into the intake to test for spark. Removes paint, so be careful! When I used to be a tow operator I'd carry two cans. Nothing beats it IMHO for clearing a flooded engine. As a fuel additive, 16 oz in 1/4 tank then run till nearly empty will leave fuel passages/injectors/float bowls/etc. very clean.

Here's a pic of what the packaging looks like from their site:



I haven't had experience with their other products except for the chem dip (B-9, used to be B-99) which will make a carb look like it just came back from the rebuilder's, though you have to make sure you don't have steel and aluminum in contact with each other while in the dip because it will discolor both.

the flyin' scotsman

thx again Dave.........I'll see if I can locate the product.

SharkSkin

I should have mentioned, that stuff is what I prefer but you can use damn near anything to clean those wires. Alcohol, paint thinner, etc.

If they were shiny when it came apart they are probably fine.