'84 volvo 240 fuel gague stuck on full

cincykid18 · Post by **cincykid18** » 27 Oct 2008, 16:35

i have a 1984 240 dl, this is my first car and the first of many volvos i'd like to own. when i bought the 240 a little over two months ago the fuel gauge seemed to work fine. but about a week into owning it, shortly after filling the tank full for the first time, the gauge became stuck on full. I've been told this is the sending unit, and i think it's just jammed in a position, because when the tank has been completely filled it rises up to the f, whereas after some driving has been done it lowers itself. Can anyone tell me how to remove the sending unit and is it possible to knock it back into working? thanks!

Evan

Post by **billofdurham** » 27 Oct 2008, 17:14

Welcome to Matthew's Volvo Site.

The fuel sender unit is mounted in the top of the fuel tank and is accessed through a hole in the floor of the luggage compartment.

Before removing the unit give the top of the sender unit a sharp tap with the shaft of a hammer. Sometimes this will dislodge a sticking float. Check to see if the gauge is working before going further.

If you have to remove the unit it is held in place by a retaining ring with cut-outs in it. There is a special tool to remove the ring but it can be done by using a large screwdriver and a small hammer. Put the screwdriver in one of the cut-outs and tap gently with the screwdriver to turn it out. When you have the unit out you should be able to see if it is sticking.

If you are unlucky enough to have to take it out you will need a new O ring to reseal it when you replace it.

Let us know how you get on with this.

Good luck with your first Volvo. You are now hooked and will have many more.

Bill.

cincykid18 · Post by **cincykid18** » 27 Oct 2008, 17:45

so your advice about whacking it with a hammer seems to have worked. knock wood. i ran outside fired up the car and it showed a full tank. turned it off and hit it with a hammer a few times, and it started to plummet. this of course was a good sign, because i have about a gallon of gas, and that seems to be where the needle is sitting. I have a question about my stereo now but i think i'll mark it in a seperate post. thanks again!

Post by **billofdurham** » 28 Oct 2008, 13:30

so your advice about whacking it with a hammer seems to have worked

Aaargh - I said a sharp tap with the shaft of a hammer.

I'm glad it worked as it saves a lot of hard work.

Bill.

cincykid18 · Post by **cincykid18** » 28 Oct 2008, 14:28

haha yes i seem to have overlooked the part about the shaft, but it's okay i figured metal smashing against metal with flammables was a terrible idea. i happen to have an old hammer shaft that snapped and has no head, i'll be keeping it in my trunk for all future applications.

we'll see if it gets stuck again next time i fill up. i'm thinking thats a distinct possibility.