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Sun Oct 12, 2014 5:51 pm

So I'm taking my Thing to the shop tomorrow and I'm trying to fix everything I can myself (it cheaper that way).

My fuel sending unit is constantly reading full. When I disconnect the wire from the unit it reads empty, but when I plug it in it reads completely full.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks for all the help!!!

Sun Oct 12, 2014 7:51 pm

Check your fuel sending unit (sounds like it's shorted).
Remove it from the tank.
Connect your ohm meter to the sending unit with one lead attached to the spade terminal, and the other lead attached to the frame of the unit.
With the float up, (full tank) you should see about 10 Ohms.
With the float down, (empty tank) you should see about 75 Ohms.

Also, look for a smooth transition from full to empty (with no radical jumps in resistance through the travel of the float).

It might be time for a new sending unit.

Good luck, Mondshine

Sun Oct 12, 2014 7:54 pm

I think it does need to be replaced, I just didn't want to admit it. I hate to replace it because the part number starts with 181.

I was hoping to keep the original sending unit, but I guess it happens.

I'll run the test tomorrow. Thanks for you help

Sun Oct 12, 2014 8:02 pm

You're right, I just looked at mine and see that it's a 181 part.
If you're not a stickler for detail, you can use a Beetle part which will require you crimp a female disconnect (insulated would be good) on the end of the brown wire.

For example:
http://www.jbugs.com/product/113919049D.html?Categ...-1968-1974
There might be better (German) ones available........

Sun Oct 12, 2014 8:12 pm

I'll probably end up going with a beetle one. I'm not that much into detail I just thought it was a cool feature.

Sun Oct 12, 2014 9:40 pm

Pbotsonis wrote: I'll probably end up going with a beetle one. I'm not that much into detail I just thought it was a cool feature.

Pull it out, figure out what is wrong with it, and then fix it if possible.

Sun Oct 12, 2014 10:09 pm

Thanks. I'll try to test it this week and will let you guys know.

Mon Oct 13, 2014 5:24 am

The Thing Shop has these with the stud for the cover.

Mon Oct 13, 2014 6:33 am

always reading full is usually easier to fix than always reading empty...

Always full is usually the arm stuck in the up position. Remove the sender and make sure the float is still on the end, then *gently* move it up and down until it moves smoothly.

Always reading empty is usually the arm rusting out inside and releasing the float. Always requires a new sender.

IIRC, The Thing Shop sells the correct sender.

Wed Oct 15, 2014 2:53 pm

My sender is bad. I can't find the correct one on TTS website so I just emailed them.

Fri Oct 17, 2014 11:32 am

The Thing Shop does not sell it anymore. Does anyone recommend a particular sending unit?

Thanks

Fri Oct 17, 2014 3:37 pm

Pbotsonis wrote: The Thing Shop does not sell it anymore. Does anyone recommend a particular sending unit?

Thanks

Watch the classified and maybe even post a parts wanted ad. Someone stripping a Thing may have either a good OEM unit or at least one you can rewind.

Fri Oct 17, 2014 6:06 pm

Use one from a 68up Beetle. The only difference I have found is the stud on top for the cover. VDO was the original brand and they still make them. If you want the cover you can use 2 sided tape on the cover to attach and if you want the right look you can use a small bolt and nut were the stud was with the nut showing. Now I'am giving up my secrets.

Fri Oct 17, 2014 9:30 pm

Thank you!!!!!