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MG MG Y Type - Fuel Tank Guage Unit

I have a lovely '49 YT4970. It would appear that the fule tank sending unit bar is worn out (not real good after only being built in '49) and I am seeking to locate a replacement unit or get advice on whether it can be fixed. Any advice would be appreciated.
Thank you
Russell.
Russell Brewer

Russell

The sender unit on the Y Type, both Saloon & Tourer is the same as the MGA. You will have less problem finding a MGA unit than a YT one and it will undoubtedly be cheaper.

Moss and all of the other main suppliers will stock this, so it shouldn't be a problem. I doubt if the new one will last 56 years!

Regards.

David.
David Pelham

Russell

The MGA unit (Moss part number 360-280) is compatible as a new replacement.

When you come to take your old unit out be careful. I sheared a lot of the heads off the old screw bolts that were rusted in. You will then need to drill the remaining stud out. Not difficult, but just a pain to center a small drill into the stud even after center-punching them.

Then, when you get your new sender it will come with a butile rubber gasket. I also obtained a cork gasket too from NTG (actually got 2 so I have a spare which I am going to use on a Magnette ZA/B tank refurb project I am working on too).

I then coated the tank, each gasket, the face of the sender, and each new screw bolt with a liberal coating of gasket joining compound (I used Red Hematite gunge if you can get that over in Aus) before reassembling into the tank face.

BEFORE you re-assemble the tank though with the new unit, I filled the tank with water to check for leaks and sealed all the pin holes with either JB Weld for the very small holes, or where there was a bigger hole, I had a specialist welder put a patch on it. I say specialist welder as they can innert the tank first, and having recently recovered from 18% burns from a gasoline explosion I can testify the Juice isnt worth the squeeze - get someone else to do it!

Then, get Bill Hirsch's Gas Tank refurbishing etch, and sealent - see Links page on www.mgytypes.org. Before using the etch, swill the tank out with neat degreaser too (available from most stores. Do this BEFORE fitting the new sender or you will trash the new sender! Moss sell a kit - degreaser, etch and seal - but the first is just generic degreaser, and the etch and seal is Bill's stuff at twice the price, so take your pick!

AFTER sealing, and coating the tank with Bill's stuff you shouldnt need to worry about rust inside the tank.

Make sure, when you refit the tank to use the shake-proof washers to stop it falling out again. The tanks are a fiddle to refit, but can be done single handed - I testify from experience! To get enough clearance to get under the car, I used my engine hoist with a strap and 2 shackle bolts to the rear bumper irons (bumper off) to lift the car about 2 - 3 foot in the air, and then put axle stands under the chassis legs before getting under the car.

If you need more info, contact me off-line.

Good luck,

Paul
Paul Barrow

Russell I am going through the same exercise with YT 3148 in Forster 300 kms north of Syd. We should chat 02 6557 6400.

I am so pleased you asked the questions on this BB and THANKS so much, PAUL, for all that advice which we will heed to the letter as it all sounds beaut and very practical.

Looking forward to your call.

Best regards

Rob
Rob Dunsterville

Hi Guys

I have been told recently that the sender unit fitted to Mini Vans was the same so there's another source.

Bye

Rob
Rob Dunsterville

Cant vouch for that personally. Are they the same model number? You might have to watch what year of mini you go for.

Paul
Paul Barrow

Paul and Everyone

Good point. I'll check my source again who is supplier of bits for Btits(!) cars and used to have an MGA.

Bye

Rob
Rob Dunsterville

This thread was discussed between 24/01/2006 and 29/01/2006

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