320i 1987 Fuel Gauge Sending Unit

[RK1]

Hi

I am trying to replace the sender unit for the fuel gauge but not sure how to remove the unit. Don't see any screws or bolts,

The two pipes connecting to the sender unit are either missing or damaged so I'm assuming someone changed the sender unit in the past by removing these pipes.

Does anyone have any ideas how I go about removing this sender unit?

IMG_4263.jpg

[Brianmoooore]

That's the fuel pick up and return pipes, plus the level sender for an early E30, with an external fuel pump.
Pull the hoses off and turn the whole thing anticlockwise a few degrees, and it will lift out. Make sure you fit new hose clips when you refit it. Small jubilee clips can be used.

[Cloggy Saint]

It's a bayonet fitting, just rotate it.

[RK1]

It's a bayonet fitting, just rotate it.

Thanks for your help

[RK1]

That's the fuel pick up and return pipes, plus the level sender for an early E30, with an external fuel pump.
Pull the hoses off and turn the whole thing anticlockwise a few degrees, and it will lift out. Make sure you fit new hose clips when you refit it. Small jubilee clips can be used.

Thanks - a few questions:
1) What size are the jubilee clips?
2) When i pull off fuel pipes does much fuel come out?
3) Any idea where i can get replacement unit in case I damage resistance wires during the ckean

[Cloggy Saint]

Before removing the fuel pipes depressurise the system by removing fuse 11 (?), open the fuel filler cap and run the engine until it stalls. You'll get some fuel spillage but it should be minimal.

[Brianmoooore]

Before removing the fuel pipes depressurise the system by removing fuse 11 (?), open the fuel filler cap and run the engine until it stalls. You'll get some fuel spillage but it should be minimal.

Both pipes lead straight into the tank and are at near enough atmospheric pressure. If it weren't there'd already have been serious issues with the missing clips.
There'll be a little residual fuel in the pipes, but there's no pressure.
Hose clips are 13mm for the return hose, and, looking at your pic., 18mm for the supply.

[RK1]

That's the fuel pick up and return pipes, plus the level sender for an early E30, with an external fuel pump.
Pull the hoses off and turn the whole thing anticlockwise a few degrees, and it will lift out. Make sure you fit new hose clips when you refit it. Small jubilee clips can be used.

Is there an easy way to remove the hoses - they seem difficult to shift and I'm trying not to damage them

[Brianmoooore]

Because they're stuck to the spigots? Try to rotate them first. Put some lubricant around the end of the hoses and some of it will be drawn in as you turn them. If they still won't shift, you'll have to work around the ends with a very small screwdriver, lifting the rubber as you go.
If they show signs of cracking and splitting, they should be replaced anyway, and I'd advise checking the rest of the fuel hoses as well, especially the ones under the bonnet.

[RK1]

Because they're stuck to the spigots? Try to rotate them first. Put some lubricant around the end of the hoses and some of it will be drawn in as you turn them. If they still won't shift, you'll have to work around the ends with a very small screwdriver, lifting the rubber as you go.
If they show signs of cracking and splitting, they should be replaced anyway, and I'd advise checking the rest of the fuel hoses as well, especially the ones under the bonnet.

thanks...your advice worked. Rotated them first after putting some lubricant on them. Good point about the other hoses - I will check

[RK1]

Because they're stuck to the spigots? Try to rotate them first. Put some lubricant around the end of the hoses and some of it will be drawn in as you turn them. If they still won't shift, you'll have to work around the ends with a very small screwdriver, lifting the rubber as you go.
If they show signs of cracking and splitting, they should be replaced anyway, and I'd advise checking the rest of the fuel hoses as well, especially the ones under the bonnet.

thanks...your advice worked. Rotated them first after putting some lubricant on them. Good point about the other hoses - I will check

Any advice on how I can get the plastic sleeve off the Fuel Gauge Sending Unity? I've tried pushing in the plastic tabs hoping sleeve would pull away but not getting anywhere.

[RK1]

Because they're stuck to the spigots? Try to rotate them first. Put some lubricant around the end of the hoses and some of it will be drawn in as you turn them. If they still won't shift, you'll have to work around the ends with a very small screwdriver, lifting the rubber as you go.
If they show signs of cracking and splitting, they should be replaced anyway, and I'd advise checking the rest of the fuel hoses as well, especially the ones under the bonnet.

thanks...your advice worked. Rotated them first after putting some lubricant on them. Good point about the other hoses - I will check

Any advice on how I can get the plastic sleeve off the Fuel Gauge Sending Unity? I've tried pushing in the plastic tabs hoping sleeve would pull away but not getting anywhere.

All sorted - managed to get sleeve off without cracking case and breaking resistance wires inside