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Old 01-02-2021, 10:10 AM   #1
Tim Ayers
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Default Silly question: How do you remove the gas gauge float retaining washer?

Tried doing a search, but I have a silly question. How do you remove the little washer on the fuel gauge rod that retains the float? The rod is peened flat and the washer isn't split?

Also, has anyone used one of those brass floats that Smith & Jones sells? I bought a cork one, but now I am second guessing that idea due to alcohol in today's gas.

Thanks,
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Old 01-02-2021, 10:21 AM   #2
Will N
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Default Re: Silly question: How do you remove the gas gauge float retaining washer?

I saw no other way but to clip off the flattened section of the rod. Some creative rebending of the elbow area lengthened the rod so I was able to install a new neoprene float (which I recommend over cork) and washer and have enough spare length to flatten.
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Old 01-02-2021, 10:50 AM   #3
Badpuppy
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Default Re: Silly question: How do you remove the gas gauge float retaining washer?

Just grind off the end. The brass float bends around the curve of the rod to hold it in place. For the others tear off the old cork and reshape the end to allow removal of the washer and replacement of the float, then squeeze it back flat to retain the washer.
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Old 01-02-2021, 11:07 AM   #4
al's28/33
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Default Re: Silly question: How do you remove the gas gauge float retaining washer?

I agree, use the brass float and it has a tab to bend over the angled rod. Mine has been trouble free for 11 years.
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Old 01-02-2021, 12:03 PM   #5
Kurt in NJ
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Default Re: Silly question: How do you remove the gas gauge float retaining washer?

I originally tried to work the flat back to round ,then reflatten, it broke off, i have since learned to cut the washer and bend it open, then squeeze the washer back around the rod
My now too short rod has a Mercedes ball shaped float salvaged from S550, still had to make stainless wire retainer, not large enough stub to use washer

i first had cork float, lasted 5 years, then brass float, brass cracked at about 15 years and it sunk, so far 6 years on salvaged plastic float, even though it is smaller it reads accurate

Last edited by Kurt in NJ; 01-02-2021 at 12:10 PM.
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Old 01-02-2021, 01:08 PM   #6
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Default Re: Silly question: How do you remove the gas gauge float retaining washer?

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My gas gauge was a "somebody's been in here before" - the cork was a wine cork that had been pushed on and coated with something (likely shellac). I went to install a new neoprene float and found that there wasn't enough length to put the washer on (likely previously cut when the wine bottle cork was installed). So I cut back the neoprene with a razor blade about 1/8" and then there was enough to get the washer over the wire, and I soldered the washer to the wire. Of course I had it all back together and reinstalled before I knew about the brass float, which I will use next time.

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Old 01-02-2021, 01:22 PM   #7
john charlton
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Default Re: Silly question: How do you remove the gas gauge float retaining washer?

When I do this i put the flattened end of the float wire in the vise and use my vise to flatten it to round . I remove the little brass washer and fit the new neoprene float and brass washer then back in the vise and squeeze the end back to a retaining oblong .Over the years I have done this many times and never had an end break off . The rod is soft mild steel and if done slow and careful works just fine .

John in cold Suffolk County England .
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