How do I remove this old fuel tank sender?

[sv_isara]

Hey all this question again relates to Catalina 30. The fuel gauge does not work and the fuel fill tube sounds as though it's being filled up after putting Just 4 gallons into it. I cannot tell by knocking on the tank where the fuel level is.

This fuel sender seems like it should be able to be unscrewed and removed however after removing all six screws it does not budge and I can see that sealant has been used.

How would I go about pulling this off without destroying anything? I don't even know where to begin to determine how to fix the components, my first thought was to buy a new fuel sender and gauge like I did with Isara
thanks!

[Lepke]

You need something thin, like a knife blade, to slip between the gasket and tank to break the seal.

You need to keep that aluminum tank clean and free of organisms and water. The waste from the bugs that can live between the fuel and bottom of the tank forms a sludge and can eat thru an aluminum tank.

Most car type gauges/senders aren't very accurate, healing, etc. I use a wood stick to measure fuel, but my fuel filler is a straight shot to the tank.

[deblen]

https://www.moellermarine.com/produc...es/mechanical/

[Calif.Ted]

I'd suggest testing sending unit and gauge to determine which is faulty, you don't want the hassle of replacing the sending unit if the gauge is broke.
https://www.catalinadirect.com/image...F3795B10352C6A

[Tsuru]

I think Lepke and Ted are both spot on. Cut the sealant with a sharp bland and try to understand your problem before starting.
If you are concerned about sludge in the tank this seems like it’s an easy way to inspect the internals. The Catalina Direct instructions below outline the plan.
https://www.catalinadirect.com/image...7CB95EBF94D15E
I’ve had reasonably good luck with electronic float fuel gauges and have found they oscillate very little. I currently use a calibrated stick to monitor our fuel use and fuel moving in the tank impacts the sick as much or more than a float. Not saying it doesn’t work but it’s not as good as a reliable electronic gauge IMHO. Ether way you monitor fuel use with engine hours and check with the gauge or stick.
Good luck

[sv_isara]

Originally Posted by Calif.Ted

I'd suggest testing sending unit and gauge to determine which is faulty, you don't want the hassle of replacing the sending unit if the gauge is broke.
https://www.catalinadirect.com/image...F3795B10352C6A

Ah yes thank you! The wiring seems to work great, the gauge too (measures empty as is, and full when shorting the two sender wires which have a good ground), but the sender measures 810 ohms at the unit itself. Time for a new sender! I will wait for the new one to come in before knifing out this old one.

Thanks for the advice all