Float material

[Omie01]

I have to adjust my new sending unit soon, when my gas tank is half full, it reads 3/4, so I am a quarter tank off. I installed the new sending unit with the plastic float it came with. Is that better, or should I use the original brass float? I know the old float does not leak. Any opinions?

 

[Stanglover]

I have to adjust my new sending unit soon, when my gas tank is half full, it reads 3/4, so I am a quarter tank off. I installed the new sending unit with the plastic float it came with. Is that better, or should I use the original brass float? I know the old float does not leak. Any opinions?

 Omie01, I may be able to offer something on this, having done this dance last summer. I did post on my replacing the tank, sending unit and fuel lines, but unfortunately my ineptness with computers, prevents me from linking it. (I'll have to get my Grandson to show me how!)

In my case, I ran into a problem with an incorrectly made sending unit from Spectra Premium I bought from RockAuto. The exit tube was facing the wrong way. I returned it and exchange it for a Doorman RB 692-222. It was a pretty good replica of the original with brass float and all stainless construction and yes, the exit tube was facing the correct way!! As for which float to use, I have really no idea which is best, others may be able to input on that.

As I had an empty gas tank, it was easy to calibrate it. The new tank is a Spectra Premium and a very good piece it is too. It is 20 US gallons so I put 5 US gallons in. With the car level, my gauge showed only 1/8th tank, should be 1/4. What I did was to jack up the left side of the car with 2 jacks to keep it even. It will need to be pretty high as when you remove the sending unit, no gas leaks out. It is now a simple bend of the float arm. IF I remember and got this right, I needed to bend it downward just a little resulting in a higher reading on the gauge. In your case I think you need to go the opposite way, bend it up a tad. It's a trial-and-error thing. Just be VERY careful working under a jacked up car!!

Hope that helps,

Geoff.

 

[Fabrice]

Last year received one from Ohio Mustang and it was a very good quality unit very similar to original w brass float.

(I needed to destroy it for my EFI needs, but thats another story)

But if you receive a unit that is similar in quality as this one and still have the previous one that was giving correct readings.

Then, you simply have to compare the angles of both floats and adjust/bend the arm to get the same readings.

I'm sure there must be some angles/specs listed somewhere or someone ( David to name one ) having an original that could help define the correct angles.

That's assuming the rheostat of the replacement unit is having the same ohms range. Because if the range is different, no matter the bending, you will never get the correct interpretation at the gauge.

 

[Stanglover]

Last year received one from Ohio Mustang and it was a very good quality unit very similar to original w brass float.

(I needed to destroy it for my EFI needs, but thats another story)

But if you receive a unit that is similar in quality as this one and still have the previous one that was giving correct readings.

Then, you simply have to compare the angles of both floats and adjust/bend the arm to get the same readings.

I'm sure there must be some angles/specs listed somewhere or someone ( David to name one ) having an original that could help define the correct angles.

That's assuming the rheostat of the replacement unit is having the same ohms range. Because if the range is different, no matter the bending, you will never get the correct interpretation at the gauge.

Ah yes, the Ohms reading. The Doorman I bought was pretty close to original spec as I recall. It didn't take much to adjust it for the 1/4 tank reading I was after. After all, it's the bottom 1/4 that's important!!

 

[secluff]

Omie01, I've heard from some of my friends about problems with the plastic floats.  There are also some Chinese brass floats that are very thin and leak due to poor soldering and same on the Chinese plastic versions. A Chevy buddy of mine is a member on the Tri-Five Forum (55-56-57) and the Ford float is what they suggest using on their fuel sender units. Looks like we are not the only ones dealing with inferior "Import" parts.

Most of the ones offered through Summit, Scott Drake, and a lot of the Mustang parts vendors are the genuine Ford unit (COAZ-9202-B) and much cheaper than from the dealer. If the need for just the float ever arises, I would check with Don @ OMS to see if he stocks this float and if it is the genuine Ford unit. Without knowing where you purchased your sending unit, if you find that it will not adjust to show the proper fuel level, I would.......Call Don!  Lol  

He has a pretty good handle on what is junk and what isn't on repo parts.

 

[Fabrice]

@StangLover

[ it's the bottom 1/4 that's important!!]

Very true! In fact I doubted many times that my US cars came with the "fuel tank" option

 

[Stanglover]

@StangLover

[ it's the bottom 1/4 that's important!!]

Very true! In fact I doubted many times that my US cars came with the "fuel tank" option

 Yeah, if fuel is coming out of the filler neck, it's full regardless what the "gauge" says. It's when it's about to run out that's really  important!

 

[Stanglover]

Omie01, I've heard from some of my friends about problems with the plastic floats.  There are also some Chinese brass floats that are very thin and leak due to poor soldering and same on the Chinese plastic versions. A Chevy buddy of mine is a member on the Tri-Five Forum (55-56-57) and the Ford float is what they suggest using on their fuel sender units. Looks like we are not the only ones dealing with inferior "Import" parts.

Most of the ones offered through Summit, Scott Drake, and a lot of the Mustang parts vendors are the genuine Ford unit (COAZ-9202-B) and much cheaper than from the dealer. If the need for just the float ever arises, I would check with Don @ OMS to see if he stocks this float and if it is the genuine Ford unit. Without knowing where you purchased your sending unit, if you find that it will not adjust to show the proper fuel level, I would.......Call Don!  Lol  

He has a pretty good handle on what is junk and what isn't on repo parts.

 Steve, While I can't be 100% sure, the Doorman I got from RockAuto, list the country of origin as United States (for import into Canada). The one thing I did look at carefully was the float, which appeared to be pretty solid and good. However I would agree with you, if it's unknown quality, get one that you know is good.

 

[Omie01]

I just pulled the sending unit out this weekend, not only did the stem filter fall off in the tank, but the plastic float has started taking on gas. It was about a tenth or more of the way full!! I got the one through napa, which is the one with the inlet facing the wrong way and returned it. I ordered the most expensive one that NPD had which is the Scott Drake unit with a brass float. Hopefully this is a good unit!!

 

[NOT A T5]

I don't know if Carpenter makes a brass float but I'd stay away from Drake parts!

 

[Stanglover]

Omie01,

I suggested ordering from RockAuto. Take it from my experience, the Doorman is a good unit. The float is heavier brass and the filter is far better quality compared to the filter I bought at NPD (and threw away). IMO you can't go wrong with the Doorman RB 692-232 (9026.10.0099) for about 40 bucks.

And I agree. I have found some Scott Drake products questionable, like the steering rag joint that has the (safety) pins far too short to even reach the column interface.

I often get the feeling, talking to some of my buddies, that there is an opinion that RockAuto products are not good. I have been using them for several years now and had nothing but a good experience. I get billed in Canadian dollars and they ship quickly. Returns have been no issue either. The products they sell are the same as you would buy from a good auto parts store, they're just an online middle man with better prices.

Geoff.

 

[Omie01]

I am looking at that part number on Amazon, comparing it to the image on NPD, and they look like the EXACT same unit. I think SD is just re-branding the only working sender. Everything from the color of the wire, to the tube filter, and even the "stainless" stamp look the same. I will keep everybody posted to my results. Thanks!!

 

[Stanglover]

I am looking at that part number on Amazon, comparing it to the image on NPD, and they look like the EXACT same unit. I think SD is just re-branding the only working sender. Everything from the color of the wire, to the tube filter, and even the "stainless" stamp look the same. I will keep everybody posted to my results. Thanks!!

As you seem to keep looking at Amazon and NPD, I went to RockAuto's website and unfortunately the Dorman I suggested is no longer available. They only list the Spectra-Premium and one other. Both have plastic floats. SO, I would suggested looking online for another supplier for the Dorman RB692-232. I'll do that myself as well because now I'm curious why RockAuto no longer lists it. It would be a shame if the major parts suppliers are now pushing cheap low quality crap on us. We deserve better!

I'll get back with my findings.

Geoff.

EDIT UPDATE:

 Take a look at www.dormanproducts.com then to fuel sender 692-232. Enter in key word or number box and search. It lists as direct replacement for OE # D1ZZ9275A. It came up with MY local suppliers of Dorman Products, so it should do the same for your location. IMO don't waste money on the other product. I'm VERY happy with my Dorman fuel sender and would buy again. ( maybe for another car!!)

 

[tony-muscle]

Don from Ohio is the man. I bought from him after the one i had bought from CJP was leaking. The one from Don was high quality and had a brass float.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

 

[Jeff73Mach1]

"Don from Ohio is the man. I bought from him after the one i had bought from CJP was leaking. The one from Don was high quality and had a brass float."

Pretty much what I came to post.

 

[Stanglover]

"Don from Ohio is the man. I bought from him after the one i had bought from CJP was leaking. The one from Don was high quality and had a brass float."

Pretty much what I came to post.

I'd be interested to know what brand sending unit Don is selling.

 

[Jeff73Mach1]

Mine's laying on my toolbox, I'll look this evening

 

[Omie01]

I got the Scott Drake Stainless one last night, and installed it. It actually seems higher quality than the original, and is reading right on. Actually I dented the original float trying to put it on the new sender, and the new brass float didn't dent or ding at all, and it felt heavier. I think this may actually be a good product, but at $48 something dollars you pay for it. I will keep everybody posted. I'm going to fill my tank tonight. I ran out of time last night.

 

[Stanglover]

I got the Scott Drake Stainless one last night, and installed it. It actually seems higher quality than the original, and is reading right on. Actually I dented the original float trying to put it on the new sender, and the new brass float didn't dent or ding at all, and it felt heavier. I think this may actually be a good product, but at $48 something dollars you pay for it. I will keep everybody posted. I'm going to fill my tank tonight. I ran out of time last night.

 If it works for you, then I'm happy for you.