Fuel tank sender
Discussion
The S2 is now laid up and the weather is getting better ....disaster! ....and all because my fuel tank sender is leaking badly!
The original sender with the metal securing ring has been replaced with a plastic (TVR) sender which has several holes and is fitted by self tapping screws, this now leaks and has ceased to send any sort of signal to the gauge a while ago. These plastic senders are now apparently obsolete according to most TVR dealers I have phoned. I can no longer replace with the original type with the locking collar as the tank has been drilled to fit this current plastic job. I have been told that I will have to replace my otherwise perfect fuel tank with a stainless one at a cost of £550+vat to sort out the problem of the duff sender ....does anyone know where I can get the plastic sender from?
Otherwise I am going to fit a sealed plate over the sender hole and just guess how much petrol is in the tank by rocking the car a bit and listen to the sloshing noise ...at least until the end of the summer as it is so annoying that I can't use it for the sake of a poxy little leak!
The original sender with the metal securing ring has been replaced with a plastic (TVR) sender which has several holes and is fitted by self tapping screws, this now leaks and has ceased to send any sort of signal to the gauge a while ago. These plastic senders are now apparently obsolete according to most TVR dealers I have phoned. I can no longer replace with the original type with the locking collar as the tank has been drilled to fit this current plastic job. I have been told that I will have to replace my otherwise perfect fuel tank with a stainless one at a cost of £550+vat to sort out the problem of the duff sender ....does anyone know where I can get the plastic sender from?
Otherwise I am going to fit a sealed plate over the sender hole and just guess how much petrol is in the tank by rocking the car a bit and listen to the sloshing noise ...at least until the end of the summer as it is so annoying that I can't use it for the sake of a poxy little leak!
Hi Pies.
Ok thanks for that information.
I also saw a company at the Stoneleigh kitcar show last weekend who make bespoke tanks and had stn steel similar tanks to that in the S series for around £100-150 inc. VAT. If I can't source an alternative sender I may ask them to give me a price for a bespoke tank then fit a new sender. I'll post details of tank if price is favourable.
It seems such a pain to drop the exhaust and remove the tank, cut hole for sender and re-fit everything for the sake of an obsolete part, I wouldn't mind so much if my tank looked a bit knackered but it is as clean as anything. Having said that it must have a fair bit of crud in the bottom as I've had 3 new pumps in 3 years!
The pump should have a pre-filter according to the set of instructions with my new Bosch pump but I wish anyone the best of luck in finding a filter to fit that bore size of pipe.... very big indeed.
Ok thanks for that information.
I also saw a company at the Stoneleigh kitcar show last weekend who make bespoke tanks and had stn steel similar tanks to that in the S series for around £100-150 inc. VAT. If I can't source an alternative sender I may ask them to give me a price for a bespoke tank then fit a new sender. I'll post details of tank if price is favourable.
It seems such a pain to drop the exhaust and remove the tank, cut hole for sender and re-fit everything for the sake of an obsolete part, I wouldn't mind so much if my tank looked a bit knackered but it is as clean as anything. Having said that it must have a fair bit of crud in the bottom as I've had 3 new pumps in 3 years!
The pump should have a pre-filter according to the set of instructions with my new Bosch pump but I wish anyone the best of luck in finding a filter to fit that bore size of pipe.... very big indeed.
Hi Colin,
From what I can gather there are two different types, one has the locking ring to locate the sender and the other (like mine) is just a plastic flange secured by self tapping screws. They must be of similar size as mine has been changed to the screw fixing type.
The car needed a few bits doing and a new air flow meter setting up so it's currently at my local garage so I can't e-mail you any pictures at the moment. Lack of time forced me to use the Garage but I do prefer to do most work myself where possible.
My sender unit doesn't seal very well because the side panel of the tank is slightly distorted where it once accepted the course thread of the locking ring from the previous sender. Had my sender not been faulty I could have overcome the leak by fitting two or more gaskets to compensate but I now have to replace the whole thing.
I may look for a slightly larger sender and take a pair of tin snips to the hole to enlarge it then re-drill the tank with a hand drill (whilst spraying it with water) and hopefully resolve the problem. See what I can do when I get the car back.
I'll post details on the site of whatever I end up doing!
Thanks for your help & advice.
Kevin
From what I can gather there are two different types, one has the locking ring to locate the sender and the other (like mine) is just a plastic flange secured by self tapping screws. They must be of similar size as mine has been changed to the screw fixing type.
The car needed a few bits doing and a new air flow meter setting up so it's currently at my local garage so I can't e-mail you any pictures at the moment. Lack of time forced me to use the Garage but I do prefer to do most work myself where possible.
My sender unit doesn't seal very well because the side panel of the tank is slightly distorted where it once accepted the course thread of the locking ring from the previous sender. Had my sender not been faulty I could have overcome the leak by fitting two or more gaskets to compensate but I now have to replace the whole thing.
I may look for a slightly larger sender and take a pair of tin snips to the hole to enlarge it then re-drill the tank with a hand drill (whilst spraying it with water) and hopefully resolve the problem. See what I can do when I get the car back.
I'll post details on the site of whatever I end up doing!
Thanks for your help & advice.
Kevin
Hi Keith
There are actually 3 different types of sender, I have a FAX here detailing each type from the factory.
One is is the screw type (which I think is yours) which is what was fitted to early S Cars.
Second and most common is a Metal sender with a single electrical connector (earth on the tank itself) which used the locking ring, as detailed here www.tvrsseries.com/fuelsender/fuelsender.htm
However these type can no longer be supplied, only the 3rd type fitted to later cars, this is basically the same as the second one except it's plastic and requires the earth connector connected directly to the sender, but issues such as it requires 2 rubber sealing rings to make a tight seal to the tank, and rewired to account for the earth.
A third problem which the parts guy in TVR (factory no less) indicated was this sender has a locating lug on it which will stop it fitting into the place on the tank, this needs to be ground off prior to fitting.
I need a sender, but after looking into it was a bit worried about putting a sender in that needed rewired, extra rubber sealing rings to make sure it doesn't leak and bit's ground off it to make sure it fits !!.
So at the moment Im concentrating on passing the MOT before I sort out the sender.
Sorry none of this help you Keith, just information
Shmern
There are actually 3 different types of sender, I have a FAX here detailing each type from the factory.
One is is the screw type (which I think is yours) which is what was fitted to early S Cars.
Second and most common is a Metal sender with a single electrical connector (earth on the tank itself) which used the locking ring, as detailed here www.tvrsseries.com/fuelsender/fuelsender.htm
However these type can no longer be supplied, only the 3rd type fitted to later cars, this is basically the same as the second one except it's plastic and requires the earth connector connected directly to the sender, but issues such as it requires 2 rubber sealing rings to make a tight seal to the tank, and rewired to account for the earth.
A third problem which the parts guy in TVR (factory no less) indicated was this sender has a locating lug on it which will stop it fitting into the place on the tank, this needs to be ground off prior to fitting.
I need a sender, but after looking into it was a bit worried about putting a sender in that needed rewired, extra rubber sealing rings to make sure it doesn't leak and bit's ground off it to make sure it fits !!.
So at the moment Im concentrating on passing the MOT before I sort out the sender.
Sorry none of this help you Keith, just information
Shmern
For information.
Here is the highly detailed cross sectional 3D CAD drawing (or should that be just drawing!) direct from TVR Factory Parts Department, honestly this IS what they sent me !!!
Might be useful for reference.
www.shmern.org/coppermine/displayimage.php?album=11&pos=0
You can click on it to get a big version that should print ok .
Shmern
ps I'll also be posting pictures of me replacing the sender whenever i get round to it !
Here is the highly detailed cross sectional 3D CAD drawing (or should that be just drawing!) direct from TVR Factory Parts Department, honestly this IS what they sent me !!!
Might be useful for reference.
www.shmern.org/coppermine/displayimage.php?album=11&pos=0
You can click on it to get a big version that should print ok .
Shmern
ps I'll also be posting pictures of me replacing the sender whenever i get round to it !
Many thanks to you all for the information and suggestions, I will give the factory a call to see if I can get a substitute sender with same fitting method ....but I won't hold my breath!
The later plastic one in the photo looks like it may be a bit bigger than the one I have fitted so I may still be able to go for that type and very carefully enlarge the hole in the tank perhaps with a hand file??
Probably end up needing another new pump after all the metal filings fall in the tank!
The later plastic one in the photo looks like it may be a bit bigger than the one I have fitted so I may still be able to go for that type and very carefully enlarge the hole in the tank perhaps with a hand file??
Probably end up needing another new pump after all the metal filings fall in the tank!
Update.....
Just called the factory: -
TVR ENGINEERING LTD
Bristol Avenue,
Blackpool,
Lancashire
FY2 0JF
England
Telephone +44 (0) 1253 509000
Fax +44 (0) 1253 356097
E-mail sales@tvr.co.uk
They confirmed that there are 3 types of sender as we also thought. These were made by Stewart Warner, ETB and Lucas. They are all still available and the plastic one without the locking ring (secured by several self tappers) that I need is on back order for 3 weeks.
The helpful chap at TVR said that the TVR dealers I have been talking with who told me the sender is obsolete wouldn't know that they are currently on back order. So it is certainly worth calling the factory if you have any problems with supply of parts.
Thank you for the advice on calling the factory.
Cheers,
Kevin
Just called the factory: -
TVR ENGINEERING LTD
Bristol Avenue,
Blackpool,
Lancashire
FY2 0JF
England
Telephone +44 (0) 1253 509000
Fax +44 (0) 1253 356097
E-mail sales@tvr.co.uk
They confirmed that there are 3 types of sender as we also thought. These were made by Stewart Warner, ETB and Lucas. They are all still available and the plastic one without the locking ring (secured by several self tappers) that I need is on back order for 3 weeks.
The helpful chap at TVR said that the TVR dealers I have been talking with who told me the sender is obsolete wouldn't know that they are currently on back order. So it is certainly worth calling the factory if you have any problems with supply of parts.
Thank you for the advice on calling the factory.
Cheers,
Kevin
KentishS2 said:
Update.....
Just called the factory: -
TVR ENGINEERING LTD
Bristol Avenue,
Blackpool,
Lancashire
FY2 0JF
England
Telephone +44 (0) 1253 509000
Fax +44 (0) 1253 356097
E-mail sales@tvr.co.uk
They confirmed that there are 3 types of sender as we also thought. These were made by Stewart Warner, ETB and Lucas. They are all still available and the plastic one without the locking ring (secured by several self tappers) that I need is on back order for 3 weeks.
The helpful chap at TVR said that the TVR dealers I have been talking with who told me the sender is obsolete wouldn't know that they are currently on back order. So it is certainly worth calling the factory if you have any problems with supply of parts.
Thank you for the advice on calling the factory.
Cheers,
Kevin
Interesting..... as when I contacted the factory they told me something different !
i.e. there was only one version now available !
I must ring them again and check if i can get the version i need.
Did you get a name i can contact at the factory?
Shmern
>> Edited by shmern on Friday 7th May 14:16
KentishS2 said:
They confirmed that there are 3 types of sender as we also thought. These were made by Stewart Warner, ETB and Lucas. They are all still available and the plastic one without the locking ring (secured by several self tappers) that I need is on back order for 3 weeks.
I just spoke to the factory and indeed got the same guy KenishS2 got 'Oh a bloke from London was just asking about those'
Unfortunately for me he confirmed the sender i need (Lucas one) is not available anymore. The one KentishS2 needs is on backorder (Part number L0148) and the newer type (Part no S29L 10039) he has 12 in stock.
And for information a new locking ring is Part No :L0066 and rubber seal Part No:L0065
Now ordered and awaiting delivery, I'll post pictures of the replacement and the modifications needed.
Shmern
Thanks guys, I hope it all works out ...I didn't get his name!
I have always had the impression that Blackpools finest is a bit of a cottage industry and this was confirmed when the chap I spoke with grappled with his diary and I heard him flicking through the pages (no swearing and commenting that his password had expired etc). He quickly found the page he needed and was able to tell me what I needed to know. Shame I didn't think to ask his name ......doh!
I don't really want to call back just to ask his name, he didn't seem too impressed that someone has modified my car to accept a different type of sender unit.
Jumping jesus ....I hope he never sees the rest of my car as it doesn't have the original OZ 8 spokes any longer (now rides on 17" Wolfrace CAM296 alloys), the rear lights have been changed and so have the ugly Ford side repeaters for some nice shapely flush fit LED repeaters. Oh yes, I nearly forgot that it also has Audi TT mirrors (not an easy conversion to get these to fit). As you can tell ....I'm not a purist, just want the car to be a nice and individual but nothing too outrageous of course!
I have always had the impression that Blackpools finest is a bit of a cottage industry and this was confirmed when the chap I spoke with grappled with his diary and I heard him flicking through the pages (no swearing and commenting that his password had expired etc). He quickly found the page he needed and was able to tell me what I needed to know. Shame I didn't think to ask his name ......doh!
I don't really want to call back just to ask his name, he didn't seem too impressed that someone has modified my car to accept a different type of sender unit.
Jumping jesus ....I hope he never sees the rest of my car as it doesn't have the original OZ 8 spokes any longer (now rides on 17" Wolfrace CAM296 alloys), the rear lights have been changed and so have the ugly Ford side repeaters for some nice shapely flush fit LED repeaters. Oh yes, I nearly forgot that it also has Audi TT mirrors (not an easy conversion to get these to fit). As you can tell ....I'm not a purist, just want the car to be a nice and individual but nothing too outrageous of course!
KentishS2 said:
Jumping jesus ....I hope he never sees the rest of my car as it doesn't have the original OZ 8 spokes any longer (now rides on 17" Wolfrace CAM296 alloys), the rear lights have been changed and so have the ugly Ford side repeaters for some nice shapely flush fit LED repeaters. Oh yes, I nearly forgot that it also has Audi TT mirrors (not an easy conversion to get these to fit). As you can tell ....I'm not a purist, just want the car to be a nice and individual but nothing too outrageous of course!
ooo any pictures ??? especially the wheels and mirrors !!
Shmern
I have a few but will have to e-mail from home (at work at the moment).
They don't include all the changes so I may wait until next week when I have the car back to take some up to date ones to post to the site.
It's not an immaculate car but it's getting better, have new carpet to fit and looking to change the hood at some point too, plus a new paint job. Your car is a lovely colour .... I had a piccie of it on my desktop at work for inspiration until I moved to my new role recently. I'm off home in a minute - well not home really as taking my VW back to garage for them to fix it properly ....I'll do it myself when the warranty runs out!
They don't include all the changes so I may wait until next week when I have the car back to take some up to date ones to post to the site.
It's not an immaculate car but it's getting better, have new carpet to fit and looking to change the hood at some point too, plus a new paint job. Your car is a lovely colour .... I had a piccie of it on my desktop at work for inspiration until I moved to my new role recently. I'm off home in a minute - well not home really as taking my VW back to garage for them to fix it properly ....I'll do it myself when the warranty runs out!
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