Fuel Sender Unit-Filter Screen

[450SL]

I'm attempting to get my '75 Spider restarted after several years in storage.
I wasn't getting any fuel to the carb, yet the electric pump was running.
The line from the tank was plugged, so I removed the float unit from the tank and found it full of crud.
Most importantly, there is a bag-shaped fine screen over the intake end of the unit. It is hopelessly plugged with black sticky stuff.
Bottom line, I'd like to replace the screen bag without having to replace the complete float unit. Everything else seems fine.

Does anyone know where a replacement filter screen bag for the sending unit can be obtained?

[So Cal Mark]

I think I'd plan on cleaning the tank before dunking another screen down into the muck

[vandor]

Hi,

I just had my hand on one a new screen filters in my shed. I'll be happy to send it to you, after you clean the tank as MArk suggested
BTW, from your forum name I assume you also have an MB? I have a 280SEL 4.5.

[450SL]

Hello Vandor,

Thanks so much for the offer of the screen, but I found another solution.
Today I soaked the screen end in acetone, brushed it from time-to-time, renewed the acetone bath a couple of times and completely cleaned out all of the crud. So, I believe that part is good to go.
Of course the tank needs cleaning. I haven’t researched around here where I might get it done, but I’m thinking doing the acetone treatment to it as an easy way to get it done.
Anyway, my goal is to get it running, at least temporarily, so I can move it from a barn at the rear of my property to the garage at the house before the cold weather moves in.
This Fiat was originally purchased in Texas, moved to CA for a few years and then driven to NY. I’ve had it since about 2000 and put it into storage about 11 years ago.
And yes, I have a MB, a 450-SL which is also a California car.
I viewed all of the pics of your ’71 modified project. WOW! A lot of work, but something to be proud of. Real Nice!
Thanks again for the kind offer.
Regards, Karl

[narfire]

Might consider running a temp fuel line from a clean container to move the car or even push with some cold installation fluid for any that will help. The dirty fuel tank will be your continual boogey man with the carb and filter until sorted.
There are kits out there that will help clean and line the tank but it sounds like a trip to a rad shop is the way to go.
The flex fuel lines rot out and is a cheap bit of assurance to replace them.

[vandor]

Hi Karl,

Thanks for the nice comments!

>Might consider running a temp fuel line from a clean container to move the car

I concur, I've done this several times. Most fuel filters cannot filter out the really fine rust powder, so that would be getting into the carb and the engine too.

[450SL]

Thanks for all of the comments!
This is an update on what I ended up doing.
I got the car moved by inserting the fuel line in a 2 gal gas can. The car started right up after the lines were filled. Then I found that I also had to put the fuel return line in the can also. I might add that the large puddle of gas in the trunk indicated I should!
So I got the car moved to my garage where I could work on it.
I removed the tank, and it was was an absolute mess inside! The local rad shop wanted $400-$500 to take the tank apart, sandblast the interior and put a "life-time" coating in it and outside it. At my age a "lifetime" guarantee isn't too many more years!
So, I bought a new tank from Autoricambi for $293, inc. shipping. The tank installed nicely. I got a new fuel filler hose (info on that I posted on another blog here). I also replaced all flex lines, and a new sending unit from Autoricambi.
Now I have problems with the fuel gauge reading.
Looking for more help here, but I'll post that in another blog.