7 inch fuel sender???

[homerj40]

Hello, I have a 1966 250SE Coupe that I recently acquired. It is a US model in great unrestored condition. It took a while to get the fuel injection sorted out (timing was 180 degrees out, etc.) and then it started sputtering and died. Thankfully, it had only run out of gas - the gauge was stuck at 3/4 full. I refilled the tank and it was still sputtering so I took it back to the mechanic, who said that he had experienced that before and it was probably debris around the cage that collects fuel at the sending unit. I asked if he could check out the sending unit while he had it out and he said that it was not serviceable. However, he cannot find a replacement since the sender is a 7 inch long unit and not the standard 6 inch model. He said that he has only seen a few of these models and they are rather rare. Has anybody else encountered the 7 inch fuel sender or where to purchase one?

Thanks for any help you can give,
Darren

[wwheeler]

There are many sources you can contact to see if there really was a 7" sender. I would probably start at the Classic Center in Irvine, CA. They may not have it but can tell you if there was such a beast. You will need your VIN#.

If the cage in the tank was clogged, probably want to do a fuel filter change as well. Also be sure all of the fuel lines (supply and return) are clear.

[homerj40]

SOLVED

Hi Wallace, I did check with the Classic Center and they confirmed there was only one size for that sending unit. I called the mechanic back and it was a miscommunication - he said that he only had a 7 inch unit in stock (for 300SEL 6.3) and to look for the 6 inch one, my mistake. Ever hear of Mercury Retrograde? It's at it's worst when going direct (the last few days).

Thanks for your response, I will post more pics when I get a good sunny day.

Cheers,
Darren

[ja17]

They come apart. Half the time they can be cleaned-up and put back in service. Be gentle, there are some fine delicate parts inside.

[rgafitanu@gmail.com]

They do come apart but I couldn't fix my original so I bought one from eBay.de The fuel systems can clog in many places. I chased such sputtering and stalling for months. Plumb a fuel pressure gauge at your CSV and that will tell you if it's the fuel system or not and take it from there.
You have a great looking original, I'm over 2 years in my restoration and I still have to get original leather upholstery.

Radu

[m300cab]

also double check your fuel pump
there is a small screen on one of the nozzles