Sender/Gas Tank Removal

estame6

Member
Jul 12, 2007
31
Port Huron
Boat Info
1993 310 SunSport
Engines
twin 454, bravos
1988 30' Weekender 300 with 2x 260hp straight shafts. I have been babbling about my frustration with a sending unit in my stbd gas tank and spent the last few days preparing to tackle some troubleshooting. Covering the engine so I can climb around on it I finally had to cut the 4" blower hose to reveal the sending unit at the far stbd side with about 2 1/4" of top side space, totally unable to get my arm half way in. Even if I could, what could I do in that small space.

My post is to ask if there is a procedure here that I am missing. So far I see the only way is to remove the engine but then how do I remove the filler hose which is down behind the tank that has to be removed before it can be slid over.

I'm little nervous about what I'm going to hear but here goes.

Dave...
 
Dave, can you post a few pics of what your access looks like?
 
This can be one of those things that we over complicate. Fuel senders do fail and need replacement. Sea Ray knows this and on some models they have put a 6" inspection port directly over the sender location. Find where that spot is in your cockpit and tear apart what you need to to access it. Remember that the sender has a swinging arm so its only about 1/2 as long as the tank is deep. You may have to cut your own access hole with a hole saw if you don't have access already.......just be sure that there are no wires/plumbing underneath and that the spot is inside a cabinet or side wall.

If the sender is out in the cockpit floor somewhere, you may be able to access it by removing the hull vents on the side of the boat.

Good luck with it.
 
Thanks Dennis & Frank, I do need to take a closer look, also will post pictures if relevant.
Will have to wait till rain stops here just north of Detroit, suppose to have a weekend of it, whats new!!
Many thanks for your input,
Dave...
 
Man, that's really tight. The filler hose- even if it's a 90 degree fitting at the top of the tank, has to take up every bit of that. Filler hoses and clamps need to be replaced at some point, there really should be access.

If you can reach it, use a stubby scewdriver to remove the screws. I would bet you can get the sender in- the top wall of your tank is only 1/8" or so, allowing for a more or less horizontal insertion. I recently installed solid-tube type senders which are as long as the tank depth and was able to get them in, but I have a bit more room that you.

If you need to install an inspection plate, be sure to epoxy the exposed wood core (assuming you have a cored deck) before installing the plate. Personal "pet peeve" is that I NEVER put a screw into a cored deck if I can help it...I'd just silicone the inspection ring in place and not use screws to fasten it to the deck. Just my $.02
 
My layout is slightly different, mine has back to back seating and can be completely removed with no inspection covers. I will take some pics of area and try removing the air vents which are mounted to the rear of the tank. Even they seem to be an arms length away but then I will try to get to the rear of the tank from over the sewage tank. Will let you know my findings. Thanks.
 
I replaced mine on a 92 DA a few years ago. If it has the 6 screw mount holding it into the tank, you may be able to pull it up. I was suprised by how flexible the sending unit was as you removed and installed it.

Good Luck....
 
I have a 86 30 ft. weekender,I took off the speaker on the wall over the gas tank and the sender was right there.
 

Forum statistics

Threads
112,946
Messages
1,422,789
Members
60,930
Latest member
Ebrown69
Back
Top