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MG MGA - Tank sender unit

Getting there, slowly. I now need to buy a new tank sender unit but am pretty confused:

1. There seems to be a choice of 3 units. Moss has one marked "replacement" AAU 8340 at £25.85 and another marked "original" AHH5114 at £36.20. And then MGOC has one marked AHH5114 at £59.95. I assume I should ignore the cheaper Moss one, but is there likely to be any difference between the other two.

2. The archives are full of problems of leaking sender units. I see Peter Edney is selling a gasket for £8.50 which is a lot of money for a gasket, but very cheap if it does a good job. Does anyone have any recommendations on gaskets. I thought I should use it but the archives seem to prefer cork, whereas Peter's is rubber. I intend to use Hylomar Blue (or similar) as well.

3. I read somewhere that it is sensibe to replace the six retaining screws and use hexagonal headed screws instead. But I cant seem to source them, any ideas?

Many thanks, Graham
g Victors

Sorry , can't help you with the sender unit differences. As for sealing the sender unit and gasket, maybe I can help you there. When you get the "new" unit, pay careful attention to the electrical connector bolt. I have installed new units with new gaskets , screws, etc. only to find that the unit was leaking from the bolt that provides the electrical connection. So, now I carefully disassemble the bolt after removing the cover plate, being careful not to disturb the fine wire that is connected to this bolt. I then use Hylomar AF on the gasket for the bolts and the bolt itself and re-assemble. I have had very good success sealing this bolt first before installing the unit in the tank. I have used cork, vitron, neoprene and thick paper gaskets here all with success as long as I coat the gasket and the screw threads with a little of the hylomar as well.

For what its worth... CR
C.R. Tyrell

The sender for the original Mini fits as well. I think that it needs to be fitted upside down. It reads off the scale when the tank is full, and only starts coming down after about 1/4 has been used.

It's what I have fitted on mine. It's cheaper than a special MGA one (might be the cheaper one that Moss offer).
Dan Smithers

Does fitting a Mini sender unit help with needle fluctuation? Mine bounce from 1/4 to 3/4
Paul
p anderton

CR. thanks for the tips. Very helpful.
Dan. I think I'm better to stick with MGA one. I suspect the MGOC one is same as the more expensive Moss one
g Victors



I've given up with the new sender units and send off an old one to be re-wound these days. I get much better results.

Cheers
Mark

Mark Hester

G'day Mark
From what I have read, that is the best approach. But you need an original one to start with!
Graham
g Victors

graham
I bought mine from Brown & Gammons about 3 years ago and it works fine I did calibrate my guage as per Barneys instructions - I confirm that the electric screw needs hylomar to prevent weeps
Paul
P D Camp

Paul, it only reduces the fluctuation when the tank is more than 3/4 full! Still bounces once it is on the scale.
Dan Smithers

Hi, Graham,

I can whole-heartedly recommend the seal from Peter Edney. I was messing about with gaskets and screws for ages until I bit the bullet and forked out for one of his special gaskets. The postage to Germany was ruinous too, especially as it came in an envelope.

I also had a problem getting a decent sender unit. My original unit started leaking. The first replacement was inaccurate, I think it kept jamming where the wiper rubs on the coil. I eventually bought a replacement from NOS-Locators in the USA. The replacement has the original double wiper on the coil.

In the end, I used the original screws to fit the sender.

HTH, Mike
Mike Standring

Mark,
Did you get your sender unit rewound in Oz or in the UK?
I have one that I would like rewound and would appreciate you letting me know who can do a good job.
Cheers
Colyn
c firth

Colyn
I spoke with Alan Davis here in the UK who says he can do it. I haven't used him so can't give any recommendations but sounds a genuine guy! http://thegaugeshop.com

Alternatively there is also John Ostick. He repaired my speedo a few years ago and did a very good job. Might be worth a call? http://www.jdo1.com

Mike,
thanks for the heads up on the seal. I will get one.

Paul,
Good to hear from you, hope to see you around these parts again soon. Maybe at Croxley Classics if you do that one?
Graham V

Steer clear of the 'Gauge Shop' and Alan Davies! Just do a Google search and find out why........................Mike
m.j. moore

Hi Colin,

I used Tim at

http://www.speedograph-richfield.com

To do a tank sender a while ago and just had him do two jaeger speedos and a combo gauge last week. Good service.

Cheers
Mark

Mark Hester

This thread was discussed between 14/05/2015 and 20/05/2015

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