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wcfvw69 Samba Purist

Joined: June 10, 2004 Posts: 13636 Location: Arizona
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Posted: Fri Oct 31, 2014 11:55 am Post subject: Recommended fuel sender for 70 bus? Vendor/brand?**Update** |
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Ok, I've searched old threads and saw that not many where happy with the current fuel tube senders available. I see a wide variance in prices as well. CIP-1's are $79. WW's are $120. I'm "assuming" they are the part from the same manufacture?
The one in my bus is not working now. When I removed the tank to replace the original fuel filler and vent hoses, I found the tube had unscrewed from the rest of the sender and was rolling around in the tank. What was weird was it worked before I removed it though not very accurately. It read empty when I removed it and I found 8 gallons in the tank. I did inspect the old gauge and found both thin wires in good shape and no obvious issues with it.
I'd rather just buy a new one that I know (I hope) works vs. gambling on repairing this one and hoping it works. It's too big a pain to pull the tank in and out.
Thoughts on a sender/vendor?
thanks _________________ Contact me at [email protected]
Follow me on instagram @sparxwerksllc
40+ years of VW repair, and VW parts and vehicle restoration experience.
The Samba member since 2004.
**Now rebuilding throttle bodies for VW's and Porsche's**
**Restored German Bosch distributors for sale or I can restore yours**
**Restored German Pierburg fuel pumps for sale or I can restore yours**
**Restored Porsche fuel pumps or I can restore yours**
**Restored Porsche distributors or I can restore yours**
Last edited by wcfvw69 on Thu Nov 13, 2014 4:38 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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Peabody Samba Member

Joined: June 18, 2013 Posts: 372 Location: Tennessee
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busdaddy Samba Member

Joined: February 12, 2004 Posts: 52258 Location: Surrey B.C. Canada, but thinking of Ukraine
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Posted: Fri Oct 31, 2014 12:21 pm Post subject: |
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Peabody wrote: |
Guaranteed for life??? |
Do they come over and change it for you if it fails?, that's not an easy part to keep replacing even if it's free.
I'm not sure if all new senders are created equally, I know the CIP one is garbage from first hand experience.
If the fine wires are still intact on yours fix the ground rivet in the top and roll it for another 40 years, there's a thread describing how but search is broken right now so I can't find it. _________________ Rust NEVER sleeps and stock never goes out of style.
Please don't PM technical questions, ask your problem in public so everyone can play along. If you think it's too stupid post it here
Stop dead photo links! Post your photos to The Samba Gallery!
Слава Україні! |
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Tcash Samba Member

Joined: July 20, 2011 Posts: 12847 Location: San Jose, California, USA
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skills@eurocarsplus Samba Peckerhead

Joined: January 01, 2007 Posts: 17629 Location: sticksville, ct.
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Posted: Fri Oct 31, 2014 1:17 pm Post subject: |
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It took me 6, yes 6 of those senders to get 1 that worked.
Plan on cutting a access hole now. They are really that bad. _________________
gprudenciop wrote: |
my reason for switching to subaru is my german car was turning chinese so i said fuck it and went japanese....... |
Jake Raby wrote: |
Thanks for the correction. I used to be a nice guy, then I ruined it by exposing myself to the public. |
Brian wrote: |
Also the fact that people are agreeing with Skills, it's a turn of events for samba history |
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dorney Samba Member
Joined: July 28, 2011 Posts: 38
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Posted: Fri Oct 31, 2014 2:18 pm Post subject: |
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Hi. You might consider changing out your sender and fuel gauge to something modern, and a lot less expensive. I adapted this:
http://www.amazon.com/Moeller-Marine-Electric-Univ...uel+sender
...to my bus's fuel sender cover without much difficulty. I then took a Faria gauge that matched the resistance range of the sender and adapted it to my gauge cluster, using the original fuel level range plaquard from my original fuel gauge. It still has the original look. A dremel tool is essential, and you need to pay attention to proper grounding. Took me a day or two, but works well and is reliable.
When I get home I'll post some photos to the gallery.
Mike D. _________________ Mike D.
'78 Bus |
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wcfvw69 Samba Purist

Joined: June 10, 2004 Posts: 13636 Location: Arizona
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Posted: Fri Oct 31, 2014 8:34 pm Post subject: |
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skills@eurocarsplus wrote: |
It took me 6, yes 6 of those senders to get 1 that worked.
Plan on cutting a access hole now. They are really that bad. |
Yikes... I'm sure you were NOT HAPPY. Where did you buy them from and where the VDO gauges? _________________ Contact me at [email protected]
Follow me on instagram @sparxwerksllc
40+ years of VW repair, and VW parts and vehicle restoration experience.
The Samba member since 2004.
**Now rebuilding throttle bodies for VW's and Porsche's**
**Restored German Bosch distributors for sale or I can restore yours**
**Restored German Pierburg fuel pumps for sale or I can restore yours**
**Restored Porsche fuel pumps or I can restore yours**
**Restored Porsche distributors or I can restore yours** |
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wcfvw69 Samba Purist

Joined: June 10, 2004 Posts: 13636 Location: Arizona
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Posted: Fri Oct 31, 2014 8:37 pm Post subject: |
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Thanks for the link. It's made by someone else other than VDO. Does anyone have any experience with this sender?
Bus Daddy- Maybe I'll yank the original back out and post some pictures of the internals and someone can tell me what might be wrong with it.
Thanks for the replies all! _________________ Contact me at [email protected]
Follow me on instagram @sparxwerksllc
40+ years of VW repair, and VW parts and vehicle restoration experience.
The Samba member since 2004.
**Now rebuilding throttle bodies for VW's and Porsche's**
**Restored German Bosch distributors for sale or I can restore yours**
**Restored German Pierburg fuel pumps for sale or I can restore yours**
**Restored Porsche fuel pumps or I can restore yours**
**Restored Porsche distributors or I can restore yours** |
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skills@eurocarsplus Samba Peckerhead

Joined: January 01, 2007 Posts: 17629 Location: sticksville, ct.
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Posted: Sat Nov 01, 2014 6:39 am Post subject: |
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wcfvw69 wrote: |
skills@eurocarsplus wrote: |
It took me 6, yes 6 of those senders to get 1 that worked.
Plan on cutting a access hole now. They are really that bad. |
Yikes... I'm sure you were NOT HAPPY. Where did you buy them from and where the VDO gauges? |
they were purchased from a guy here that sells new parts. not his fault and he was very patient with the whole process. I on the other hand was getting a bit pissed.
my best guess is they are the repop's available from most vendors. the telltale sign is that the bottom plate unscrews, there is no nut holding the tube on.
I can dig through my stuff, as there are several different lengths of the tube style sender. I have the correct length written down _________________
gprudenciop wrote: |
my reason for switching to subaru is my german car was turning chinese so i said fuck it and went japanese....... |
Jake Raby wrote: |
Thanks for the correction. I used to be a nice guy, then I ruined it by exposing myself to the public. |
Brian wrote: |
Also the fact that people are agreeing with Skills, it's a turn of events for samba history |
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fes Samba Member

Joined: January 26, 2011 Posts: 999 Location: Prince Edward Island
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Posted: Sat Nov 01, 2014 7:50 am Post subject: |
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This was my brand new out the box unit i got from CIP |
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skills@eurocarsplus Samba Peckerhead

Joined: January 01, 2007 Posts: 17629 Location: sticksville, ct.
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Posted: Sat Nov 01, 2014 8:47 am Post subject: |
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^^^^^
that's the piece of shit! make sure it works, or be ready to either cut the hole, or pull your tank again
mine did not move off of the "R" until I had about 3 gallons of gas in the tank. that was with the correct length sender too.
on one hand, it's nice to know that I have a few gallons left. on the other hand, it is still a piece of crap _________________
gprudenciop wrote: |
my reason for switching to subaru is my german car was turning chinese so i said fuck it and went japanese....... |
Jake Raby wrote: |
Thanks for the correction. I used to be a nice guy, then I ruined it by exposing myself to the public. |
Brian wrote: |
Also the fact that people are agreeing with Skills, it's a turn of events for samba history |
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busdaddy Samba Member

Joined: February 12, 2004 Posts: 52258 Location: Surrey B.C. Canada, but thinking of Ukraine
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Posted: Sat Nov 01, 2014 9:22 am Post subject: |
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Aside from the obvious quality control issues the major issue (even if you score a seemingly good repro) is the float sinks when exposed to ethanol. _________________ Rust NEVER sleeps and stock never goes out of style.
Please don't PM technical questions, ask your problem in public so everyone can play along. If you think it's too stupid post it here
Stop dead photo links! Post your photos to The Samba Gallery!
Слава Україні! |
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wcfvw69 Samba Purist

Joined: June 10, 2004 Posts: 13636 Location: Arizona
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Posted: Sat Nov 01, 2014 1:00 pm Post subject: |
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fes wrote: |
This was my brand new out the box unit i got from CIP |
What is the wire? Is it the one that is suppose to be inside it? I'm curious, is this sender identified with a brand name or anything stamped on it?
Thanks for the pic _________________ Contact me at [email protected]
Follow me on instagram @sparxwerksllc
40+ years of VW repair, and VW parts and vehicle restoration experience.
The Samba member since 2004.
**Now rebuilding throttle bodies for VW's and Porsche's**
**Restored German Bosch distributors for sale or I can restore yours**
**Restored German Pierburg fuel pumps for sale or I can restore yours**
**Restored Porsche fuel pumps or I can restore yours**
**Restored Porsche distributors or I can restore yours** |
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wcfvw69 Samba Purist

Joined: June 10, 2004 Posts: 13636 Location: Arizona
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Posted: Sat Nov 01, 2014 1:03 pm Post subject: |
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skills@eurocarsplus wrote: |
wcfvw69 wrote: |
skills@eurocarsplus wrote: |
It took me 6, yes 6 of those senders to get 1 that worked.
Plan on cutting a access hole now. They are really that bad. |
Yikes... I'm sure you were NOT HAPPY. Where did you buy them from and where the VDO gauges? |
they were purchased from a guy here that sells new parts. not his fault and he was very patient with the whole process. I on the other hand was getting a bit pissed.
my best guess is they are the repop's available from most vendors. the telltale sign is that the bottom plate unscrews, there is no nut holding the tube on.
I can dig through my stuff, as there are several different lengths of the tube style sender. I have the correct length written down |
It would be interesting to know what brand those 6 crappy senders were if you have it. My tank had never been removed before I took it out so I'm confident it has the correct length sender in it though I would take your measurement to double verify.
Thanks Skills _________________ Contact me at [email protected]
Follow me on instagram @sparxwerksllc
40+ years of VW repair, and VW parts and vehicle restoration experience.
The Samba member since 2004.
**Now rebuilding throttle bodies for VW's and Porsche's**
**Restored German Bosch distributors for sale or I can restore yours**
**Restored German Pierburg fuel pumps for sale or I can restore yours**
**Restored Porsche fuel pumps or I can restore yours**
**Restored Porsche distributors or I can restore yours** |
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skills@eurocarsplus Samba Peckerhead

Joined: January 01, 2007 Posts: 17629 Location: sticksville, ct.
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Posted: Sat Nov 01, 2014 4:14 pm Post subject: |
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it should be 8 1/4 measured from the factory seal to the end of the tube _________________
gprudenciop wrote: |
my reason for switching to subaru is my german car was turning chinese so i said fuck it and went japanese....... |
Jake Raby wrote: |
Thanks for the correction. I used to be a nice guy, then I ruined it by exposing myself to the public. |
Brian wrote: |
Also the fact that people are agreeing with Skills, it's a turn of events for samba history |
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wcfvw69 Samba Purist

Joined: June 10, 2004 Posts: 13636 Location: Arizona
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Posted: Sat Nov 01, 2014 9:11 pm Post subject: |
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skills@eurocarsplus wrote: |
it should be 8 1/4 measured from the factory seal to the end of the tube |
Thanks again skills. BTW, if you can remember the brand of the lousy 6-8 senders you struggled with, it would help me and others to know which ones to avoid. _________________ Contact me at [email protected]
Follow me on instagram @sparxwerksllc
40+ years of VW repair, and VW parts and vehicle restoration experience.
The Samba member since 2004.
**Now rebuilding throttle bodies for VW's and Porsche's**
**Restored German Bosch distributors for sale or I can restore yours**
**Restored German Pierburg fuel pumps for sale or I can restore yours**
**Restored Porsche fuel pumps or I can restore yours**
**Restored Porsche distributors or I can restore yours** |
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fes Samba Member

Joined: January 26, 2011 Posts: 999 Location: Prince Edward Island
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Posted: Sun Nov 02, 2014 6:23 am Post subject: |
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Quote: |
What is the wire? Is it the one that is suppose to be inside it? I'm curious, is this sender identified with a brand name or anything stamped on it?
Thanks for the pic
_________________
Bill
Yep, That wire is supposed to be all bound tightly around the sender inside..as far as brand I cant tell you,no markings and came in a plain white box |
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skills@eurocarsplus Samba Peckerhead

Joined: January 01, 2007 Posts: 17629 Location: sticksville, ct.
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Posted: Sun Nov 02, 2014 6:29 am Post subject: |
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^^^^
what he said. plain white box. no idea who made them.
I got so pissed at sender #6 not working, I took it apart to find the wire broken, so I soldered it back to it's tab.
the rest of them either the slide would jam in the tube, or the wire was all wadded up inside, even with the transport pin in place.
of all the crappy parts I have purchased, this by far deserves the golden turd award _________________
gprudenciop wrote: |
my reason for switching to subaru is my german car was turning chinese so i said fuck it and went japanese....... |
Jake Raby wrote: |
Thanks for the correction. I used to be a nice guy, then I ruined it by exposing myself to the public. |
Brian wrote: |
Also the fact that people are agreeing with Skills, it's a turn of events for samba history |
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fes Samba Member

Joined: January 26, 2011 Posts: 999 Location: Prince Edward Island
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Posted: Sun Nov 02, 2014 6:44 am Post subject: |
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X2 on the golden turd award..Luckily, (I guess) the PO already did a hack job of the floor to get at the unit some time ago..
I still have no idea if the replacement sender unit is working properly,my needle can do some wacky things and like Skills,it took a fair amount of fuel before the needle moved off R.
There is a thread on here somewhere that somebody refurbished theirs,didn't look too complicated,just finickey |
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ned Samba Member

Joined: June 28, 2004 Posts: 1574 Location: Arroyo Grande Ca.
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Posted: Sun Nov 02, 2014 8:20 am Post subject: |
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I bought a Karman ghia replacement senders. Its a bit shorter but it works and I have a larger reserve. I have them in 2 of my buses so far and they both work. But then I have never had a great expectation of fuel senders for any bus I have had over the years. None ever seem to be acurate. Pen and paper is a must. Good luck. |
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