Billyaxe

I’m having my mechanic drop my gas tank to change the float hoping to get proper fuel guage readings. The last owner changed the sending unit and it didn’t help. ( my guage reads only between 1/4 tank and 3/4 ). But my question is: should I have him put in a new tank while he’s at it? Thanks for your opinions. —Billy

Oldsmaniac

The float and sending unit is all in one... perhaps your dash gauge is off... a new tank is only recommended if yours is rusty, sludged up, leaking of about to start leaking.

jaunty75

I would think that any mechanic worth his salt would inspect the tank without being asked, since he's taken the time and trouble to remove it from the car, and he would give you his advice, especially if it's the original, 52-year-old tank. If it passes his inspection, I'd reuse it. If he thinks it should be replaced, I'd consider replacing it.

Billyaxe

Of course that’s obvious that he’d inspect it. If he takes the tank out and determines I need a new one, He’d have to put the old one back in for me to drive the car out of there. He doesn't have room to store the car while I order a new tank.
I asked this question to check if it’s logical to just change a tank since a lot of work is put into removing it and they only cost a little over $100. I’m new to all this so It’s helpful to have knowledgeable opinions.

jaunty75

He can probably give the tank a good look-over while it's still on the car. You don't necessarily have to look inside it to determine if it needs to be replaced. If a preliminary inspection indicates a replacement is a good idea, he can stop right there and give the car back to you while the new tank is ordered.

Billyaxe

Thanks. I’ll do that. —Billy

Vintage Chief

I believe your best & next line of attack has already been stated by Oldsmaniac in Post #2. If the previous owner changed the sending unit (which is built into the float) & it didn't help, then your issue is not the gas tank. You need to check your dash fuel gauge.