petrol tank sender

[Cwollen]

I am currently restoring a elan plus 2. The petrol tank sender is missing. As it is a full rebuild I was considering using a universal sender with a new gauge as I don't have the original. I can get the universal one to fit in the tank using the original whole. This would mean the sender when the tank is full would be immersed in petrol, as would the original.
would this be ok

please help

[wotsisname]

Sorry, this doesn't quite answer your original post. [I don't know the answer]
The original type is obtainable if that would be preferred by you. As new (remanufactured) or 2nd hand are often listed on e-bay. There are a bunch of people would frequently list used items and may have the part if you contact them directly. you may get something if you post a "wanted" add on this forum. otherwise try Paul Matty or Susan Miller and a few others

[john.p.clegg]

Mr Cwollen
The sender being immersed in petrol when the tank is full presents no problem,the original unit works this way,just be sure the sender matches the gauge or your reading will be out..

John

P.S. to obtain accurate readings one would have to play with the sender,bending/lengthening/shortening the arm to suit.

[Cwollen]

Thanks to all
I was concerned about the sender as the variable resistor part is partly open to the petrol

[john.p.clegg]

In the original,depending on the amount of fuel one has in the tank,the sender is submerged/partly submerged/in the vapour above the petrol...no problems about electrical connections etc.etc.

John

[billwill]

Yeah, that amazed me when I found that was the situation! Turns out petrol is a very poor conductor of electricity. However one should take extra care with the other end of the wire, where it connects to the guage; shorting that to the 12v lines could be disasterous.

The side cork gasket is prone to leaking small amounts of petrol, especially as the securing bolts screw into the (thickened) side of the tank but go right through. This leads to a smell of petrol in the car.

Alex Black (on this forum) has devised a procedure of using blind-riv-nuts in the tank itself so that fuel cannot crawl out along the threads of the bolts.