Author Topic: 7 inch fuel sender???  (Read 4607 times)

homerj40

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7 inch fuel sender???
« on: January 11, 2017, 19:34:32 »
Hello, I have a 1966 250SE Coupe that I recently acquired. It is a US model in great unrestored condition. It took a while to get the fuel injection sorted out (timing was 180 degrees out, etc.) and then it started sputtering and died. Thankfully, it had only run out of gas - the gauge was stuck at 3/4 full. I refilled the tank and it was still sputtering so I took it back to the mechanic, who said that he had experienced that before and it was probably debris around the cage that collects fuel at the sending unit. I asked if he could check out the sending unit while he had it out and he said that it was not serviceable. However, he cannot find a replacement since the sender is a 7 inch long unit and not the standard 6 inch model. He said that he has only seen a few of these models and they are rather rare. Has anybody else encountered the 7 inch fuel sender or where to purchase one?

Thanks for any help you can give,
Darren


wwheeler

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Re: 7 inch fuel sender???
« Reply #1 on: January 11, 2017, 21:12:47 »
There are many sources you can contact to see if there really was a 7" sender. I would probably start at the Classic Center in Irvine, CA. They may not have it but can tell you if there was such a beast. You will need your VIN#.

If the cage in the tank was clogged, probably want to do a fuel filter change as well. Also be sure all of the fuel lines (supply and return) are clear.
Wallace
Texas
'68 280SE W111 coupe
'60 220SE W128 coupe
'70 Plymouth Roadrunner 440+6

homerj40

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Re: 7 inch fuel sender???
« Reply #2 on: January 11, 2017, 21:32:19 »
SOLVED

Hi Wallace, I did check with the Classic Center and they confirmed there was only one size for that sending unit. I called the mechanic back and it was a miscommunication - he said that he only had a 7 inch unit in stock (for 300SEL 6.3) and to look for the 6 inch one, my mistake. Ever hear of Mercury Retrograde? It's at it's worst when going direct (the last few days).

Thanks for your response, I will post more pics when I get a good sunny day.

Cheers,
Darren

ja17

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Re: 7 inch fuel sender???
« Reply #3 on: January 12, 2017, 04:55:24 »
They come apart. Half the time they can be cleaned-up and put back in service. Be gentle, there are some fine delicate parts inside.
Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio
1969 Dark Olive 280SL
2002 ML55 AMG (tow vehicle)
2002 SLK32 AMG (350 hp)
1982 300TD Wagon turbo 4spd.
1963 404 Mercedes Unimog (Swedish Army)
1989 flu419 Mercedes Unimog (US Army)
1998 E430
1974 450SLC Rally
1965 220SE Finback

rgafitanu@gmail.com

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Re: 7 inch fuel sender???
« Reply #4 on: January 12, 2017, 13:00:30 »
They do come apart but I couldn't fix my original so I bought one from eBay.de The fuel systems can clog in many places. I chased such sputtering and stalling for months. Plumb a fuel pressure gauge at your CSV and that will tell you if it's the fuel system or not and take it from there.
You have a great looking original, I'm over 2 years in my restoration and I still have to get original leather upholstery.

Radu

m300cab

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Re: 7 inch fuel sender???
« Reply #5 on: January 22, 2017, 20:14:50 »
also double check your fuel pump
there is a small screen on one of the nozzles
Michael Parlato