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MG TD TF 1500 - Leaking sender unit suggestions

Last fall the sender started seeping. I put it against the tank with some form of permatex that was supposed to be impervious to fuel without any gasket. The cover on the sending unit itself was a neopreme type. well I revomed the tank this morning and will have to do a respray after I get all the "cottage cheese" off the tank. New fuels make great paint remover.

Any how I bought some gasket material from a local pump house. The product is a fine cork like material 1/16" thick. Made by InterFace Soulutions Inc. Product code CN-705. Butyl impregnated. Supposedly impervious to fuel. I've cut new gaskets for the tank and the cover and was wondering what the thoughts were as far as using some type of sealer between the two. Most likely will have to be from the Permatex family. I don't think I'll find any Gasoila around this neck of the woods. Would any body put it together dry? I sure don't want to do this again. The sending unit is not warped so I think I'm good there.

LaVerne
LED DOWNEY

LaVerne - Not sure what sealer to recommend. I have been using Rectoseal 5, a plumbing thread sealer that I have fond very effective with the fuel pumps, but I don't know how well it will work on flat surfaces. First, make sure tha tyou know where the leak is coming from - the cover on the back of the sending unit or the interface between the sending unit and the tank. Be sure that you put sealer on the mounting screw threads and that you don't over tighten the screws. I have taken to just barely tightening the screws and monitoring the area for leaks, tightening just a bit to eliminate any leaks. Kind of a long and fussy procedure, but I have had good results. Cheers - Dave
David DuBois

LaVerne,

I have found the following moves useful in totally eliminating leaks from the Sender Unit.

Firstly,after draining the Fuel Tank,remove all paint on the Fuel Tank where the Gasket is applied between the body flange of the Sender Unit and the Fuel Tank surface.

As David has mentioned,check for any distortion on the flange of the Sender Unit.Tap up,mill cut file,paper off etc if any imperfection is evident.

Procure a double lip Neoprene Gasket from Peter Edney
(UK)which is placed between the Sender's flange and the Fuel Tank surface.

Use a Neoprene impregnated cork gasket to re seal between the Cover Plate on the Sender Unit.Check also
for any warp or wind on this Cover Plate.Rectify.

Punch out,using Gasket paper,small 'washers'to fit under the head of each and every setscrew associated with the Sender Unit.( Peter Edney also has these in a kit I think)-no commercial interest.

When fitting up the Sender Unit,an oil,water,and fuel resistant product called 'ThreeBond Gasket Adhesive'is most effective.A touch of this sealant on the threads of each screw and under the head of each screw is a good idea. Apply the sealant to both sides of the Neoprene Gasket and the perimeter of the Neoprene impregnated Cork Gasket also.

Tighten all setscrews evenly as you go.Leave Fuel out of the Tank for 24 hours.

Next time you look under your car,you will not see a drop or even 'vapour' of any fuel !

Rob.Grantham
TF3719("Aramis"),TF9177("Athos").
Rob Grantham

LaVerne,
I concur. I took the same exactly steps as Rob with great success. The only difference was I used Permatex Aviation Form- a - Gasket No. 3H. Four years, no leaks.
Cheers, Keith

K. McKenzie

LaVerne, get the seal kit from Abingdon Spares. They are greenish, hard material and they don't leak. I used Permatex Aviation sealer, on the screws also, been totally dry for a year. Have to be carefull with the rubber seals- a few years ago gas additives turned them into mush. George
George Butz

Thanks Guys. All sound ideas. The screw gaskets make good sense also. I should have the sender fixed up tonight but the paint will take a bit.

Rob.. off subject here but I would like to aquire a set of the MG logo rear wing/fender guards that seem to be applied to a number of TF's in Austrailia. Should you come across a decent pair for sale would you please give me a shout.

Thanks again,
LaVerne
LED DOWNEY

I did pretty well the same procedure... and when I tightened the screws i did about a 16th of a turn, then went to the next, and so on... took forever, but i swear, those are pretty evenly torqued bolts/screws!
gblawson(gordon)

Hi LaVerne,

The MG logo rear guard aluminium covers are pretty rare.However,if a pair ever come my way in the future,your name is on them !

Cheers for now.

Rob.Grantham
Rob Grantham

Thanks Rob, I appreciate it. I guess I may be sol. I saw them on a lot of the TF's when they did the ceremonies for the start of the F1 race. My wings are getting pretty nickered up it that area and I thought the gaurds might help.

LaVerne
LED DOWNEY

This thread was discussed between 14/03/2009 and 15/03/2009

MG TD TF 1500 index

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