Mistral fuel sender

[alfazagato]

I am having problems with the tank sender. With a half tank the gauge registers empty (but no wanring light) and with a full-to-the-brim tank it registers nearly 3/4 full. I have removed the sender and outside the tank the range of readings go from warning light on and empty to only 3/4 full. The sender is a Smiths unit TBS 1214/003. Any ideas?

 

[allandwf]

Burst float?

 

[CatmanV2]

Burst float?

Not if he's working it across its entire range outside the tank, I'd have thought.

Damaged sensor, or not going through full travel would be my guess.

C

 

[allandwf]

Why? If float has fluid in it will give the exact above symptoms. Surely to operate by hand then float has to be out the tank?

 

[conaero]

I think Alan is correct, its the only way. Also measure the resistance while opperating it by hand.

I have had no end of issues from my sender in my 1969 Opel GT and it was poor/dirty contacts. Take it out, give it a clean and go from there.

Also if the float arm is bent it will give the same fault....so you might be able to make it more accurate by bending it to correspond with the gauge more accurately.

Just be put your ciggie out naturally whilst working round an open fuel cell.

 

[CatmanV2]

Why? If float has fluid in it will give the exact above symptoms. Surely to operate by hand then float has to be out the tank?

We'll he did say he'd removed it from the tank so I rather assumed he was moving it across its entire range.....

C

 

[CatmanV2]

I think Alan is correct, its the only way. Also measure the resistance while opperating it by hand.

I have had no end of issues from my sender in my 1969 Opel GT and it was poor/dirty contacts. Take it out, give it a clean and go from there.

Also if the float arm is bent it will give the same fault....so you might be able to make it more accurate by bending it to correspond with the gauge more accurately.

Just be put your ciggie out naturally whilst working round an open fuel cell.

View attachment 16958

Or not given that a cigarette can't ignite petrol. Even though I've seen it proven, not sure id have the bottle

C

 

[alfazagato]

Thank you for all your comments. I have now put a meter on the sender and at full the reading is 12 ohms, fractionally lower 1000, even lower back to 12 and then back to 1000. So it is the resistance wiring in the sender I think that is broken/worn. I have tried to find a replacement Smiths sender 1214/003 but with no success as yet. Anybody have a working spare for sale?
I am making a dip stick in the meantime so I have some idea of what's going on.

 

[allandwf]

Thats good, the variable resistor should be fairly easy to have repaired. Any reputable gauge/instrument repairer should be able to rewind it.

 

[conaero]

Indeed there must be someone who can refurb it.

 

[alfazagato]

I will let you all know. Thanks once again for your input.

 

[alfazagato]

Well, things have taken a turn in that there is an adjustable sender available which, on first blush, will appear to work. I will let you know.

 

[ZAM400209]

hey Allandwf-

"Any reputable gauge/instrument repairer should be able to rewind it" what do you do for a living? ; that's a very interesting statement...


I "might" be able to do something here. Alfazagato- can you post a decent picture of the offending article...?, or (as I now realise I missed the 2nd page of this thread!) have you had success?

 

[allandwf]

I'm an Instrument Tech. !

 

[alfazagato]

I hope so. I have found the manufacturer of similar new Smiths type senders and I am talking to them at the mement. I will post all the info if it works OK but thanks for the offer....I may well take you up if things do not go according to plan, thank you.

 

[alfazagato]

Right! There is good news, Caerbont Auromotive makes Smiths senders and their kit TB9006 is now fitted and works. The electrics are identical to the old Smiths TBS 1214/003 and it just plugs into the harness. However the diameter of the tank plate is 75mm for a six-screw fitting against 60mm for a bayonette fitting. I just trimmed the plate to the smaller diameter and fitted it. I suppose that this unit will fit the 3500, Sebring as well as Mistral cars.
Allandwf please could you PM me.

 

[ZAM400209]

oh well done then, that's all fine!

probably still worth a pic for other folk with this problem in the future...

(if it's not too late)