[MT Bob]

Some of you may be interested in a problem I've had with a fuel sending unit on my 1700 Fisherman. Recently I added two cans (32 oz) of Sea Foam to my 26 gal gas tank (2002, Lund 1700), in an effort to help a carburetor problem - per recommendation of a number of Merc. outboard repairmen, and the local Lund dealer.

With a full tank of gas, I took the boat out two days ago and discovered that the fuel gauge read empty. I pulled the floor board and found the tank was full. I pulled the sender (WEMA model UFW 5.5, manuf date 3/13/02) and found that by manually moving the float, the sender was working OK. I then did a series of tests on the float with pure gas, gas diluted with Sea Foam and straight Sea Foam. I think that the Sea Foam lowered the specific gravity of the gasoline and the float was not able to displace its own weight with that additive in the gasoline. The result was that the sender's float apparently sank in the gasoline with Sea Foam added. Evidently this is caused by the plastic material will not floating correctly with a Sea Foam additive.

So, I've decided to purchase a replacement sending unit from WEMA that uses a stainless steel float. I've not received the new float yet, but will follow-up with a post when I get it installed. Hopefully the stainless float will not sink in the gasoline with Sea Foam additive. By the way - WEMA USA is the manufacturer of the sending unit and they have been great to work with, nice folks, good service.

[bhile]

You just have a defective float. It wasn't the Sea Foam.

[MT Bob]

Originally Posted by bhile

You just have a defective float. It wasn't the Sea Foam.

That's what I thought until I talked to the float manufacturer, WEMA. The float is actually made of a solid plastic material. There is no cavity in the float. It appears that the solid plastic design is only slightly lighter than gasoline and, when Sea Foam is added, the specific gravity of the gasoline changes and the float sinks.
I have now received a stainless steel model from WEMA (stainless body and float) and installed it. It works great.

[greenbush future]

Originally Posted by MT Bob

That's what I thought until I talked to the float manufacturer, WEMA. The float is actually made of a solid plastic material. There is no cavity in the float. It appears that the solid plastic design is only slightly lighter than gasoline and, when Sea Foam is added, the specific gravity of the gasoline changes and the float sinks.
I have now received a stainless steel model from WEMA (stainless body and float) and installed it. It works great.

I need to replace my sending unit on my Tyee, 96 what did you have to pay for the new one?
Thanks Dan

[ziemann]

Here is the link for WEMA for those that are looking for the info:

http://www.wemausa.com/index.htm

[MT Bob]

Originally Posted by greenbush future

I need to replace my sending unit on my Tyee, 96 what did you have to pay for the new one?
Thanks Dan

Sorry for the delay - I paid $68 incl shipping for model No. SSS-5.5S
This model has a stainless steel body, shaft and float.

[jpbohney]

I have a 2003 lund fisherman 1800. Where is the sending unit? What floorboard needs to be removed to find it? thanks

[Billfo]

Very glad I just read your post. I just had a fuel leak around the sender (bad gasket).(2000 Adventure 1800). When I reinstalled my float level device, now that you mentioned it, my float SANK... Didnt really think about it at the time as the fuel gauge worked fine a few days before.. ! However never the less, I did see the float sink ! yes, I added Seaform for the first time this fall..

I may as well replace it before I reinstall the floor.. Thanks, Bill

Originally Posted by MT Bob

Some of you may be interested in a problem I've had with a fuel sending unit on my 1700 Fisherman. Recently I added two cans (32 oz) of Sea Foam to my 26 gal gas tank (2002, Lund 1700), in an effort to help a carburetor problem - per recommendation of a number of Merc. outboard repairmen, and the local Lund dealer.

With a full tank of gas, I took the boat out two days ago and discovered that the fuel gauge read empty. I pulled the floor board and found the tank was full. I pulled the sender (WEMA model UFW 5.5, manuf date 3/13/02) and found that by manually moving the float, the sender was working OK. I then did a series of tests on the float with pure gas, gas diluted with Sea Foam and straight Sea Foam. I think that the Sea Foam lowered the specific gravity of the gasoline and the float was not able to displace its own weight with that additive in the gasoline. The result was that the sender's float apparently sank in the gasoline with Sea Foam added. Evidently this is caused by the plastic material will not floating correctly with a Sea Foam additive.

So, I've decided to purchase a replacement sending unit from WEMA that uses a stainless steel float. I've not received the new float yet, but will follow-up with a post when I get it installed. Hopefully the stainless float will not sink in the gasoline with Sea Foam additive. By the way - WEMA USA is the manufacturer of the sending unit and they have been great to work with, nice folks, good service.

[Billfo]

On my 2000 (1800) the tank is under the center section of the floor. The 2' x 6' section with about 16 screws.

Originally Posted by jpbohney

I have a 2003 lund fisherman 1800. Where is the sending unit? What floorboard needs to be removed to find it? thanks