2001 EV low fuel sensor installation.

[sdcr]

After shorting and burning out my original sensor, I located a good used one. After removing the original, I inserted the replacement, and snugged the fastener to about 3-5 lbs. after a short test ride, I discovered that the sensor is leaking, just a few drops, enough to be dangerous.

I did not see a rubber seal in the original one, or in the replacement. I did not use any sealant.

Are these supposed to be installed dry,and  without a seal?

[Chuck in Indiana]

There should be a plastic sealing washer around the black tube. Yes, installed dry.

[sdcr]

Chuck,

Thanks. I did not find any plastic sealing washer on the original part, which I found surprising. But, since that one did not leak, and the replacement also did not have any washer, I made the assumption that it was how they did it in Italy.

Anyone know of a source for the correct sealing washer?

There should be a plastic sealing washer around the black tube. Yes, installed dry.

[sdcr]

Okay, so a little more digging, and I discover that the original sensor has a “ alloy crush washer”, that appears to be unremovable.

 So on the replacement LF sensor, which is still installed in the tank, will probably also be unremovable /unreplacable..

Any suggestions to seal the leaking low fuel light sensor, which is leaking through the threads?

[jwinwi]

Teflon tape? No experience here...

[twodogs]

I had to put the gas resistant Teflon tape on the one I did, it was yellow color not the white, hope this helps.

[sdcr]

Thanks, I’m going to try this.

I had to put the gas resistant Teflon tape on the one I did, it was yellow color not the white, hope this helps.

[Wayne Orwig]

On the ones I have seen, the seal is a hard white plastic (teflon?) washer in the fitting. Like a crush washer. Since it is not NPT threaded, teflon tape is not likely to work well.

I would take it to a friendly auto parts place and se if they have a crush washer that might fit. Of course finding a friendly auto parts place is nearly impossible.

[sdcr]

Wayne,
Thanks, I will take the original, inoperative sensor to a Napa store. Those guys usually are knowledgeable as well as helpful

.

On the ones I have seen, the seal is a hard white plastic (teflon?) washer in the fitting. Like a crush washer. Since it is not NPT threaded, teflon tape is not likely to work well.

I would take it to a friendly auto parts place and se if they have a crush washer that might fit. Of course finding a friendly auto parts place is nearly impossible.

[Rich A]

Check, but I think it's a 14 mm ID, 18 mm OD washer. One of these might work:

https://tinyurl.com/2n7m3mct

Rich

[sdcr]

Thanks Rich. I do appreciate all of the input, specifically regarding the washer.

What is a little confusing, is that on both of the sensors I have, the original kaput one, as well as the replacement did not have any sealing washer. Except, that there is a unremovable crushwasher in place.

At any rate, I’m willing to try anything to keep premium gas, from dripping onto a hot engine.

Check, but I think it's a 14 mm ID, 18 mm OD washer. One of these might work:

https://tinyurl.com/2n7m3mct

Rich

[Rich A]

The parts book shows a washer (go to page 20): https://www.thisoldtractor.com/mg_manuals/spare_parts_catalog_california_aluminum_special_sport.pdf

If one of yours has a crush washer, it's probably stuck to the sensor housing.

Rich