1976 T2 Transporter - fuel sending unit question

[muzikmark]

Hi All.
I'm replacing my fuel sending unit. I have an access panel to it and have it loose but it won't come out.
Every video I watched it just popped right out.
Am I missing something?
Thanks!!

[jlrftype7]

A picture or two of your vehicle , at the spot you're having trouble, would help.
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[airschooled]

How are you grabbing it to twist? It’s a bayonet style mount, so it needs a little spin lefty-loosey. I use a giant pair of channel lock pliers or the Harbor Freight oil filter pliers. Sometimes a screwdriver in the slot with just the right rubber mallet persuades it to break free even quicker.

Have a new o-ring on hand, a tiny bit of grease on it helps with reinstallation. If the sender spins in too easily and wiggles, congratulations you get to buy an oring from someone else and try again.

Robbie
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[muzikmark]

I used channel locks same way.
I have a new o-ring and fuel sending unit ready to go.
Just seems like I can't get this guy to come out.
Will post pictures of my bus and the sending units soon.

[aeromech]

Curious about which sender you’re installing?
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[muzikmark]

It is loose.
Twisted to the left and it only turns so far but it is loose.
I just can't get it to come out.

[mikedjames]

When it gets as far as it goes , try going back a small amount and rocking it from side to side, lifting. It could be that one of the bayonet mounting "fingers" is caught because it is turned too far..

It should come out fairly easily when you get the rotational position exactly right..

See how the sender has protrusions that carry little "ramps" that cause it to seal down onto the tank as you tighten it .

Borrowing a picture from the gallery..

( This shows a better made part than what you will get these days, the resistance track is wound with the correct progressive winding pitch change to make the gauge read more accurately. )
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[muzikmark]

Thanks for the responses and tips.
I finally got it out and installed a new one.
After all that, the gauge still does not read correctly.
I have nearly a full tank of gas and the gauge reads half tank.

Guess I'll be looking for one of those next!

Thanks again!
And what do most of you use to post pics?
Back in the day I used Photo Bucket but I haven't been on message boards for awhile.

[75 Westy FI noob]

Is there no speciality tool for this type FSU ?
I have a new one and it just will not turn.

1/2” drive 4 prong tool …. There outa be one.

Ive tried the harbor freight oil filter wrench.. working on it in the bus through cut hatch (expanded from a C cut to square hole).
Tapped a screwdriver .. Ive slightly raised the leading edge of the tabs and oiled them.. no luck.

this new one is very very tight.

ive cut myself and put in a lot of time.. wife is starting with the “just sell the damn thing” mantra so it’s getting serious.

I may give this a shot. Would like to find a 4 pin tool though so I could put some downward pressure on it.

https://www.amazon.com/1266-Adjustable-Wrench-Diameter-Construction/dp/B08LGZ93TK

[mikedjames]

[75 Westy FI noob]

What tool do you use to instal it ?

[SGKent]

if it is the rotating kind, the old seals swell and lock it in place. I use a chisel at 90 degrees to tap it around to unlock it. When locking it do not go too far. Use a new seal with a little silicone grease on it.
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[75 Westy FI noob]

do you use a chisel to instal it also?

Due to the downward angle, the far side pips up when i try that method.
Im very surprised there is t a purpose built tool for these things.

[busdaddy]

[SGKent]

I should have mentioned I use a brass chisel/drift. I've always had the tank out when doing this but I am coming in at 90 degrees. I start it with my hands wearing gloves as far as I can turn it first. I always use a new seal with some silicone grease on it.
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[SGKent]

looking at the top and tools available, I think I would get a piece of flat steel and cut it to fit the notches if one has to get to it only from the top. I found one tool on amazon but it says I live in the wrong place to order it.

https://www.amazon.com/OEMTOOLS-25156-Module-Spanner-Wrench/dp/B004FDL3BS

This one might be modified to work

https://www.amazon.com/Adjustable-Wrench-Remover-Spanner-55mm-160mm/dp/B08Z7T5QPJ

or get an old rusty ready to go toss socket and use a dremel wheel to cut 4 tangs that fit.
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[airschooled]

Vanagon sender shown but it’s the same concept on some new plastic senders.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vj6-XedyE1h6vIT6TKz1ewQYkSRF9xD7/view

If you have metal tabs, you’re using SuperLube grease on the o-ring right?
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[germansupplyscott]

Here is a tool I made for re/re the bayonnet style fuel senders. It's a modified cup style oil filter wrench. Works well.

There is a factory tool for the Vanagon plastic fuel senders, I'll post a pic of that later. I've never seen a VW tool for the metal senders but I'd be surprised if there wasn't one.
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[SGKent]

great job Scott.
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[Wildthings]

If you cut a square or rectangular hole in the rear deck, a large screwdriver or other pry bar against the edge of the hole will remove and install the sender nicely.