Thread: Fuel gauge sender - fixing the float

The fuel gauge on the '59 seems to work well, or at least a meter on the terminals gives a nice progressive change throughout the movement of the float arm, which I'm assuming means all is well.

The soldered metal float, however, contained some fuel - very sweet smelling, decayed petrol. It had no obvious leaks, and as the tank had been dry for years I'd guess the leak was very small.

Rather than attempt to replace the float, I thought I'd drain out the contents by drilling a 1mm hole in the top and bottom, which I've done and it's now dry.

Next I plan to solder up the holes. I could check for further leaks by immersing it in a bucket of hot water, which should expand the air inside and form bubbles where the leak is located. Any leaks can then be resoldered.

If no leaks are apparent, I can either refit it "as is", and/or coat the float in one of the fuel tank repair "paints" available from POR-15 or KBS etc.

Any thoughts? Anybody attempted anything similar? Did it work?

Should work - you have outlined the standard procedure for dealing with soldered metal floats! I would not worry about coating it - it will not corrode as long as it is in fuel. Only likely problem would be if it is to be left for a long time with the tank empty in a humid climate.

John