Fuel Sender Unit / Sluggish W460
Hi all, I've searched the forum and read a couple of threads about the Sender Unit and seems a common problem.
The fuel gauge is not registering the level of fuel, but for a while, it did tell me when I needed to refuel. Now it simply shows “red” at all times.
Firstly, Are these parts still available, or do I need to look for 2nd hand parts? - I need a Sender Unit for a W460, part number: A0055423717.
I had heard that it could be taken apart and the wires soldered back in place, although, looking at this sender unit, it looks like a sealed unit with no obvious way of gaining access.
Secondly, after trying many different things, my W460 is still very sluggish as if not enough air is being drawn into the system. It struggles to get up hills and no power when putting my foot down. If you take the air filter off, it drives perfectly (but a lot noisier of course!!)
This links back to something I read in an earlier post of “Gunge" in the Sender Unit / Fuel Tank potentially blocking the fuel pick-up and causing starvation and/or air to be drawn into the system?
Any ideas anyone. Can’t wait for the day when it’s driving the way I know it can!
Thanks
SB
Hello.
The sender unit should come apart relatively easily but please treat it as if 'twere made of finely spun sugar; it is very delicate.
At the bottom of the tubed sheath you will see a screw which, when you undo it, will allow you to slide the tube away to reveal a float that runs up and down resistance wire. It is probable that this resistance wire is kinked or even broken. You could get some from a telecoms engineer or I could post some to your address.
My vehicle is a diesel and there is a see through pre-filter in the line just before it enters the pump. I have found this to be useful as it keeps me in sight of any gunk that is in the system. Although it is easy enough to clean through there is always a spare available in the door pocket of my G. See through pre-filters cost buttons from motor factors or the internet.
Another classic impediment is to have a choked fuel filler cap. Mine has been thoroughly bunged up in its time which will inevitably made the system work harder than need be. It is a simple job to soak it in petrol for a while and then blow it all through.
Good luck with everything.
The air cleaner element responds very well to an overnight soaking in cleaner/degreaser followed by a thorough drying.
The filter element can also be bought new.
I would be reluctant to run any vehicle without an air filter in situ.
Please let us know how you get on.
The screw referred to by Nick in his second paragraph may not be visible as it is covered by a layer of wax/resin in a new unit which needs to be picked away before the screw is visible (unless someone has already been there before you). Otherwise the disassembly is straightforward.
Your fuel sender will be repairable or a new one
You say the car drives fine with air filter removed. Does the element look dirty or something has been sucked up in the intake tube???
I have seen the rubber on airbox tube split and when it needs a lot of air. Ie full throttle
The rubber tube /flap folded flat against body. So it stopped the engine getting the air it needed
Might be a simple fix but if it runs fine without filter i am sure it will be something simple
I know nothing about them but googled the part number and came up with this. Have you tried them?
https://uk.german-spob.com/start.php?&nr=62530744b227e0eb6fd71e06de039da...
Hi All, just reviving this post as I've had no luck finding a new sender unit for my W460.
Reading through your comments it looks possible to dismantle it and repair it.
My question is: Who can repair it for me as I don't have the tools.
Can the local garage do this kind of thing or am I looking for a specialist?
Thanks in advance.
Check your PM.
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Hi All, just reviving this post as I've had no luck finding a new sender unit for my W460.
Reading through your comments it looks possible to dismantle it and repair it.
My question is: Who can repair it for me as I don't have the tools.
Can the local garage do this kind of thing or am I looking for a specialist?
Thanks in advance.