Fuel Sending Unit Replacement

[Bill74]

I have a 2001 Wellcraft 210 Sportsman Center Console that has a fuel gauge that has recently stopped working. After inspection, I noticed that the fuel sending unit on top of the tank was badly rusted and corroded. I believe this to be my problem. My question is how much should I be looking to spend on labor for replacement of one of these units. When electricity & gasoline are involved, I typically like to let the pros handle it. I wouldn't think it would be a major undertaking but wanted to get input from anyone experienced in this area. Thanks in advance for any advice offered.

 

[scutly]

Re: Fuel Sending Unit Replacement

its an easy 5 bolt, 2 wire 1 gasket job if you can get your hands into the area to do it. most definitely should NOT take more than a hours labor. it took me about 45 minutes and that was my fat *** stuffed in the bilge with a flashlight in my teeth and both hands stuck through a access hatch made for midget. disconnect your batteries, dont smoke and go for it if your handy.

 

[burp]

Re: Fuel Sending Unit Replacement

its an easy 5 bolt, 2 wire 1 gasket job if you can get your hands into the area to do it. most definitely should NOT take more than a hours labor. it took me about 45 minutes and that was my fat *** stuffed in the bilge with a flashlight in my teeth and both hands stuck through a access hatch made for midget. disconnect your batteries, dont smoke and go for it if your handy.

......and make sure the area is well ventilated!!!

 

[Beefer]

Re: Fuel Sending Unit Replacement

I think on your boat you have full access to the top of your tank through a deck panel, right? If so, this really should take you less then 30 minutes to do, including the time it takes to remove the access panel.

Like scutly said, it's really just 5 bolts (or screws), two wires, and the gasket. Iboats sells the sending unit for between $23 -$50 depending on which size you need.

 

[LAC_STS]

Re: Fuel Sending Unit Replacement

WhenI bought my boat the fuel sending unit didnt work right either. Its VERY easy to change it out, but the hard part depending on the age of your boat is going to be dealing with one of those "universal" sender units.

I bought a "universal" unit for $27 from a local marine store. It comes with simple instructions to measure from the top of the tank where the sender bolts to to the bottom of the tank.

Then you compare that measurement on the paper they give you and it tells you where to mount the sender arm (part with the float on it) on the fuel sender.

Problem with my sender or application is if you follow these directions exactly the sender doesnt fit in the hole.



Try to get a sender made for your boat. Or better yet depending on the degree of rust on your sender you you might be bale to save it. My old sender ended up being fine. Problem was the cork on the end was saturated. So take yours out and look at the float. You can buy new corks at Lowes or Home Depot or you can buy Neoprene ones online.

 

[Bill74]

Re: Fuel Sending Unit Replacement

Thanks for the helpful tips. I believe I could do the job based upon your posts. The boat does have a small circular access panel that unscrews to allow access to the top of the tank. This is located immediately under the stern side of the console. I can clearly see the sending unit.

Sculty, I can sympathize. While not particularly round, I am particularly long (6"8"). However, I believe I can access it alright. You all calmed my nerves a great deal. I have read some horror stories about this being done improperly (hot wires) with bad results..........

Think I will take the advice and give it a try. Thanks again for the words of wisdom.

 

[metriccrescentwrench]

Re: Fuel Sending Unit Replacement

One thing to watch out for. You would think the 5 bolt holes would be evenly spaced, but they're not. There's one and only one way for all the holes to line up.

 

[shankbri]

Re: Fuel Sending Unit Replacement

I have read some horror stories about this being done improperly (hot wires) with bad results..........

As was stated earlier... Make sure you disconnect the battery...

 

[Solittle]

Re: Fuel Sending Unit Replacement

When you open the access panel you should see a data plate near the sending unit. It will have the name of the tank manufacturer, tank capacity, model #. Give them or Wellcraft a call and get the sending unit specific to your tank. It should be more accurate. I did my Wellcraft that way and the sending unit I got not only fed the gage on the center console but has an indicator on the unit that gives you a reading even if the electric power is off.