How to Replace the Fuel Sending Unit on a 1984 Camaro

Jack up the rear end of your 1984 Camaro to remove the fuel tank.

Replacing the fuel sending unit on a 1984 Chevy Camaro is somewhat time consuming. The fuel sending unit is located in the top of the fuel tank, and consists of a steel line, an electrical connection, a rheostat and a float. When the fuel tank is full, the float at the top of the rheostat sends an electrical signal to the fuel gauge on the dash indicating the fuel level in the tank. As the fuel is used up, the float will drop and the rheostat sends a signal revealing how much fuel is left.

Things You'll Need

• Wrench set
• Jack
• Jack stands
• Socket and ratchet set
• Rags
• New fuel sending unit
• Large channel lock pliers

Instructions

1. 

   Use a wrench set to remove negative battery cable.

   Remove the negative battery cable from the battery with a wrench and lay aside. Jack up the vehicle and place on jack stands. Place jack stands under the frame of the car. Take as much fuel out of the tank as you can with a suction hose and ball that you can buy at most parts store.

2. 

   Use a socket and wrench set to remove holding straps bolts.

   Place a foot square piece of plywood on the top of your jack to keep it from damaging the fuel tank. Put the jack under the center of the tank and remove the two holding straps. Remove the fill tube and the vent hose with a flat screwdriver. Lower the fuel tank enough to remove the fuel hoses and electrical connection.

3. 

   Use large channel locks to remove retainer ring.

   Lower the fuel tank the rest of the way down and pull it from under the vehicle. Remove the sending-unit retaining ring with a large pair of channel locks and remove the fuel sending unit from the tank.

4. 

   Use a rag to clean the seat where the new o-ring goes.

   Clean the seat for the sending unit in the top of the tank with a clean rag. Place the o-ring in the groove and put the fuel sending unit in the hole at the top of tank. Align the fuel line to the front center of the fuel tank and replace retainer ring with a large pair of channel locks

5. Place the fuel tank on the jack and slide it under the vehicle, and jack up until you can replace the fuel lines and electrical connection. Finish jacking up in place. Replace the retainer straps and bolts, and tighten with a socket and ratchet.

6. 

   Use a wire brush to clean battery posts and cable ends.

   Replace fill tube and vent hose, then remove the jack from under the fuel tank. Place the jack under the rear axle, jack up, and remove the jack stands from under the frame and lower the vehicle down. Replace the fuel you drained out of the tank. Clean the battery post and cable end with a wire brush and reconnect the negative cable end to the battery.

Tips & Warnings

• Always double check your work.

• Always be careful when you're under a vehicle.

References

• "Chilton's Repair Manual, Chevrolet Camaro, 1982-92: All U.S. and Canadian Models of the Chevrolet Camaro;" Chilton Book Company, 1992