72 Vega Gas gauge sending unit - what fits?

[corvairdog]

72 Vega - searching for a gas gauge sending unit. Anyone know what fits? I would think all 71-77 Vega's would be the same however in checking different sites I'm having trouble with compatibility.

[Monza Harry]

Most of the "On-Line compatibility" systems fail miserably with our cars. For instance most say a long water pump fits (just because it fits the engine, they figure it fits the car ) So you will have to check, real hard when you have to order everything or rely on a knowing board member. There are a number of places that can rebuild it for you, one near me did some gauge work for me and I am happy I can send you that info if you would like? Harry

[dadhad1]

Hi John. If you have it out and confirmed it's bad send it to Surr. 800 390-3996. They did mine. You might have a grounding or wiring issue too. It it out of the tank yet?

Give me a call if you need a hand.

Mike

[corvairdog]

It's not out of the tank yet. So is the answer I have to have the original one rebuilt? I can't find a replacement one?

[dadhad1]

I'm not aware of any new sources. Someone can chime in if they know of a new source.

If I remember its somewhere around $100 to rebuild yours.

When I was there we confirmed your gauge is fine so assuming you've run it awhile to empty measurable gas out and its still reading full you have an open somewhere. Could be connection, wire break, or sender. I'd drop the tank and troubleshoot further.

Mike

[dadhad1]

I'm not aware of any new sources. Someone can chime in if they know of a new source.

If I remember its somewhere around $100 to rebuild yours.

When I was there we confirmed your gauge is fine so assuming you've run it awhile to empty measurable gas out and its still reading full you have an open somewhere. Could be connection, wire break, or sender. I'd drop the tank and troubleshoot further.

Mike

[corvairdog]

I had someone drop the tank. Connection and ground is good. They have not removed the sender yet to manually move it and see if it is sending the correct voltage. Why won't a 77 vega sending unit work? Rock Auto has those.

[dadhad1]

Likely because its a different tank. Early vegas had a smaller capacity tank. If they don't show the part number for a 72 but one for a 77 there's a pretty good chance they're not compatible.

Why not have it rebuilt? I can walk you though bench testing it if you want.

Mike

[Monza Harry]

The sender could be gummed up as well. I would start while the tank is out by soaking the sender in a little acetone (heed all the warnings on the can, as this is Bad @$$ Stuff) then cycle it a dozen or more times and then hit it with throttle body/carb cleaner and try it out, that will only set you back a half an hour and $10/$20 and will make it as clean as we can easily get it. I have a feeling that if the car was left with a nearly full tank the rheostat may be gummed up and if that is the case this might fix it up. (wishful thinking I know but worth a try IMHO) Harry

[cosvega76]

I seriously doubt that sender from Rock Auto fits a Vega, especially seeing what else it fits. Plus, looking at the photo, there isn't a fuel pump located on it.


Chuck

[corvairdog]

Got the unit out. Rheostat is toast. Everything else looks good. Thanks to DadHad1 - I am most likely going to send it out for repair to http://www.surrauto.com/

[Monza Harry]

Depending on your location (this place is just outside Metro Detroit) there are a few places, I used Bob's for my gauges and he does other thing as well, like fuel senders. I was Pleased with the work I had done, So, here's the links for him. His home page; http://www.bobsspeedometer.com/1/120/index.asp and senders here! http://www.bobsspeedometer.com/1/120/services.asp Does anybody else have a place they liked elsewhere in the country(ies) And for the masochistic you may try doing it yourself here is some wire that may work. (It may not have the right coating for gasoline, was originally sold for speakers and kids science projects) http://www.radioshack.com/product/index ... =CT2032227 Harry

[corvairdog]

Gauge is now working. In case anyone needs theirs done here is the contact info - andy@fuelsender.com. He turned it around in 1 day and shipped it back for $8. Mine wasn't bad so the repair was only $85. Great shop.