Fuel Gauge Sender - Advice

[ckuske]

So it seems my gas gauge doesn’t work. I’m assuming the float is bad and filled with gas (gauge reads empty, barely rises when the tank is full)

Here’s the twist:

The wood in my bed is rotted away above the fuel tank - this is on the list of things to fix. But in the meantime, I can access the sending unit from above.

Obviously I shouldn’t have a full tank, but I am asking the experienced guys about safety here:

If I can access/replace the sender from above and obviously I keep flame/electricity/spark away, is there any need to drop the tank?

[81-F150-Explorer]

You do not need to drop the tank.

When you remove the ring that holds the sender to the tank you should use tools that will not create a spark. I use a small rubber mallet etc...

It is a common problem for the fuel sender themselves to be bad. Be prepared to buy a new sending unit, if the float guage and wiring are good.

I would recommend replacing the hoses as well with good quality fuel hose.

[Gary Lewis]

Amen to the above.  All of the above.

I use a brass drift to drive the lock ring since they don't spark.

[ckuske]

Thanks to you both. Those were the pointers I was looking for to remain out of the Darwin Awards.  Thank you!