Fuel Sending Unit

[dirkbalter]

Hello,
I am restoring and or cleaning my fuel sending unit. I red the instructions in the technical manual. I removed the nut and the plastic washer. the aluminum end cap came off fairly easy as well. The manual says:

" Slide off the alloy sleeve , being very careful not to damage the two very fine wires along which the float slides. Clean all parts very carefully, then re-assemble and reinstall. Tiny plastic "maze" at bottom is there in order to dampen fuel flow (prevent indicator from dancing). "

My problem is that I cannot slide the sleeve anywhere. Is the plastic maze which appears to be some kind od plastic disk supposed to come off first?
I don't think the sleeve is supposed to slide over the maze?     
I am trying to be careful as the unit appears to be quiet fragile.
Has anybody a bit more detailed inside into the disassembly and can help me?

Thank you
Dirk

[Tyler S]

The "maze" should come off with the cylindrical housing. You may need to soak the end in some penetrant and give it a very gentle slight twist to free it.

[dirkbalter]

Tank you, will do.
It appears that the "maze" is "bonded" to the center rod.

[Tyler S]

Dirk, Have a look at this link. The unit is slightly different but the procedure is the same. Some great photos. They call the plastic piece a "Volute". If you can get it free from the housing by turning it slightly then it should unscrew from the post.
http://www.oldmerc.net/cleaning-the-w123-fuel-sending-unit.html

[dirkbalter]

Tyler,
Thanks again. I am letting it soak overnight in some WD40. As far as you know, is the plastic disk or maze literally screwed to the rod or is it just pushed on?
Thanks again,
Dirk

[Tyler S]

Its been a while since I had mine apart. Pretty sure it unscrews. That link has excellent details.

[dirkbalter]

Tyler,
Soaking did the trick. The "maze" came off easy this morning.
Thanks.
Dirk

[Tyler S]

No problem...  Now you can carefully clean the wires with some brakeclean or acetone and cotton swabs. Just dont get it near the plastics. Dont forget the contact for the low fuel light at the bottom.