C5 X7 fuel tank level sensor collar

[MattBLancs]

"special tool" for tapping tank ring around

Flattened end

Thought I'd add a picture of the ring tapping tool. 6 inch nail, point cut off, flattened out slightly and flat, blunt end created. Offset helps keep business end fairly in line with ring's raised edges

Matt

[Peter.N.]

Thanks for that Matt, I already have one, its a short length of bamboo cane although you can use any thin hardwood, it doesn't break the fins off. The problem is I still can't get the thread to start correctly, it will go on partway cross threaded which doesn't help much. I got it to go on apparently square and then it started jumping the thread when I got it up tight.

I have drained all the fuel out which hasn't helped a lot, the ring seems to be to tight a fit, I have tried the old one which is no different. The threads all look OK but the boss is slightly out of round, I'm wondering if it was because I took it off in the very hot weather and left it off overnight. I am going to try immersing the ring in very hot water and see if that will expand it enough to go on.

Peter

[MattBLancs]

No problem Peter, bamboo also sounds a good option.

Your symptoms sounds the same as my battle, had countless occasions where started ok then seemed to jump to cross threading. My dad (who managed it in the end for me) reckoned that it went on by hand much further (before needed tapping round) when it did finally cooperate.

As previously mentioned, I think extra lubrication (used "red rubber grease" ) also conducive to success.

A higher risk strategy, but if you think the thread on the tank is the one that's out of round, perhaps there's a better target for application of gentle heat? (Suggest electric heat gun on low)

Good luck. I'm sure all I've said above is stating the obvious, and it's quite hard to convey the frustrating nature of it, not what might make the thing behave when ultimately it's "turn the threaded thing until it's tight but not wonky" !!

Matt

[Peter.N.]

Yes thanks. I greased it well when I first had problems but it didn't seem to help. I did try using aerosol freezer on the boss to try and shrink it. This has been going on for weeks now, fortunately its only a spare car but I would like to get it going again, at the moment I feel like putting it in the middle of the field and setting light to it. I replaced both front springs on it with less hassle than this.

Peter

[Gibbo2286]

Use a bean cane up to the roof (protect the headlining) to hold against the spring loading and try to see where the thread starts and ends on the cap and neck to align them before you attempt the fit.

[Peter.N.]

Yep, done that too Gibbo, hasn't helped a lot. We shall struggle on.

Peter

[KennyW]

Peter,

I've been thinking about how I refitted the collar and recall, threading it on and pressing down at the same time,checking it had NOT jumped a thread. Once the collar is on a couple of turns it goes on. I did add some lubrication as well.
I think downward even pressure is key I also had a rubber mallet ready for some gentle persuasion.

Kenny

[Peter.N.]

Thanks Kenny

I have tried that with a soft metal hammer and it won't seem to go but knowing you have had success I will give it another try. It feels as though it has gone on then when I look at it the gap one side is nearly twice that on the other and if you pull it on the high side it comes off!. If you turn it trying to hold it flat it just won't bite, goes round and round. I will persevere but must admit I'm getting a bit fed up with it. I don't think I have failed to complete a repair in my nearly 70 years of driving, I don't like being beaten.

Peter

[KennyW]

You will do it Peter, I remember my trials and tribulations with it.
Once done the satisfaction will be greater.
Kenny

[MattBLancs]

Here, here!

You'll overcome it, I'm sure!

[Peter.N.]

Thanks. It will probably take a month to get the smell of diesel out of the car.

Peter

[MattBLancs]

Thanks. It will probably take a month to get the smell of diesel out of the car.

Peter

I've been reading the forum post "dog pee" and seems answer for smells is citrus based or fell a eucalyptus!

Matt

viewtopic.php?t=71929

[Peter.N.]

Don't know if it works with diesel.

Peter