Fuel sending unit (Page 1/2)
donuteater306 FEB 04, 01:43 PM
Looks like we have two options now for fuel sending units: FieroStore, and Rodney Dickman. Can anyone recommend one over the other? I like supporting both suppliers.
Patrick FEB 04, 05:31 PM

I've had no experience with either sender... but there have been a lot of issues reported here regarding the Fiero Store unit.
donuteater306 FEB 04, 05:54 PM
I truly believe that we screwed up the install of my FS unit. First the gauge was stuck on empty (hit a bump and the it registered). Since then, it won’t go below 1/2 tank. 99.9% sure this was a “me” issue, not with the quality of the part. But it’s been several years so rather than removing the tank and trying to guess at which way to bend the arm for the float, I’m considering the RD assembly.
Patrick FEB 04, 05:58 PM

quote
Originally posted by donuteater306:

I truly believe that we screwed up the install of my FS unit.



You are by far not the only person who has reported problems with the Fiero Store sender.
Vintage-Nut FEB 04, 06:00 PM
Look at this thread...

Gen-Z-Garage - Replacing the Fiero Sending Unit! by 82-T/A [At Work]
https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum1/HTML/100420.html

Edit: I never replaced my fuel sending unit and suggest Rodney's before he closes his doors.....

------------------
Original Owner of a Silver '88 GT
Under 'Production Refurbishment' @ 136k Miles

[This message has been edited by Vintage-Nut (edited 02-04-2024).]

IMSA GT FEB 04, 06:02 PM

quote
Originally posted by donuteater306:

I truly believe that we screwed up the install of my FS unit. First the gauge was stuck on empty (hit a bump and the it registered). Since then, it won’t go below 1/2 tank. 99.9% sure this was a “me” issue......



No, it's a sender issue. The FS sender has an issue with hitting the baffle inside the tank. Basically it sits on top of the baffle rather than floating downwards inside of it. That's why you're stuck at half tank. The float is probably sitting on top of the baffle and will never go lower. This is a cutaway of the tank.

[This message has been edited by IMSA GT (edited 02-04-2024).]

gregr75 FEB 04, 07:19 PM
Ive returned one unit of the FS store already for faulty wiring.

1) Also,There is a note taped to every FS box that ships out to test the float before final install. . The reason for this is as previously mentioned it will likely hang up on the internal plastic tank baffle as it drops down and typically never show any lower than half a tank. You can accomplish this test by attaching a fishing wire to the tank float rod and installing it inside the tank without the oring, pulling on the wire to cycle the float thru its range of motion, and see if it freely shows 0-90 ohms. If it hangs up, the note says to bend the resistor bracket.. although I bent the float rod itself. I had to do this for both units I received.

2) The quality seems to vary with these units, the second unit I received had a more secure pump ground wire screwed to the unit instead of brazed. This was the failure point of my first unit.

3) If you compare an OEM unit to a FS unit, you will see that the OEM float is a little bit more inset, preventing any interference with the tank baffle. I don't know why FS can't make these adjustments so you don't have to do any bending, maybe this unit is used on other types of cars and is more universal.

4) Minor quibble but the FS metal vent line points downwards whereas the OEM points upwards, because of this I had to lengthen my rubber vent hose with a coupler and some more hose.

5) Having experienced these issues, I wouldn't recommend FS store for this particular car part. That being said I have been pleased with all their other products and they are very responsive and understanding when I have questions.

[This message has been edited by gregr75 (edited 02-04-2024).]

Larryinkc FEB 06, 11:24 AM
I have had the Fiero Store sending unit for about 6 years or so. I wasn't impressed with it when I installed it, I had to bend it to get the float to work, but I wanted a functioning gas gauge and it was the only option. It works pretty good but sometimes stays on empty till I drive a bit then works OK.

Based on the quality of all the other parts I have bought from Rodney I just ordered one of his units while they are still available.
donuteater306 FEB 07, 09:06 AM
Thanks everyone for the replies. I always try to support the FS and RD, they're our best resources. My fault for not bending the arm when installing the FS unit, it seemed to fit just fine. I just purchased a RD version. Going to be a few befpre I can drop that tank to re-do the job. I'll report back once finished. Appreciate you all.
FormulaGT FEB 13, 09:29 PM
I have a new Rodney tank with a new FS sender and the float is getting hung up somehow. It will read higher and lower while driving as if the sloshing of the fuel lifts or drops the float and then it gets stuck somewhere in the line of travel. Difficult to tell where or how as vision is limited. May just order up one of Rodney's unless someone has a detailed fix.