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129 1011 1971 Chevy Suburban Project Superburb - mts Fuel Sending Unit - Photo 30531325

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  • The sending unit that MTS provided us with was a direct replica of the OE design. It uses a 30 micron cylindrical screen filter, made from a modern advanced synthetic, which will not rot or become brittle over time. Additionally, the unit features a sealed plastic float to discern fuel level within the tank. The system uses six small sheetmetal tabs with screws to secure the device to the plastic tank, and a thick neoprene O-ring provides a leak-proof seal.
The sending unit that MTS provided us with was a direct replica of the OE design. It uses a 30 micron cylindrical screen filter, made from a modern advanced synthetic, which will not rot or become brittle over time. Additionally, the unit features a sealed plastic float to discern fuel level within the tank. The system uses six small sheetmetal tabs with screws to secure the device to the plastic tank, and a thick neoprene O-ring provides a leak-proof seal.
The new fuel tank from MTS came packaged in a single box with a new sending unit and steel straps to secure it to the vehicle's frame. Prior to removing the old gas tank, we test-fit the new sending unit and confirmed that all electrical hook-ups were the same as our cancer-infested original. With the tank out of the box, we gave it a good look-over to ensure we had the correct product. With the two tanks side by side, it was obvious that we had the correct unit. The SuperBurb has undergone a steady array of retrofits since the project's inception in 2001. However, the original '70s-era steel fuel tank has remained since the beginning. The sending unit that MTS provided us with was a direct replica of the OE design. It uses a 30 micron cylindrical screen filter, made from a modern advanced synthetic, which will not rot or become brittle over time. Additionally, the unit features a sealed plastic float to discern fuel level within the tank. The system uses six small sheetmetal tabs with screws to secure the device to the plastic tank, and a thick neoprene O-ring provides a leak-proof seal. The MTS fuel tank incorporates all the original tie-in ports for fuel inlet, outlet, vent, and return lines. The unit even comes with the appropriate stainless-steel hose clamps to complete the arrangement. Here you can see some of the holes on the exterior of the original fuel tank. This type of corrosion is caused by rust attacking the unpainted interior walls from the inside. If the unit had been stored with a full tank, the rust probably would not have formed. Once the new sending unit was installed properly in the new tank, the remainder of installation process was fairly straightforward. The process required two tools: a 9/16-inch-deep socket on an electric impact gun and a flathead screwdriver. Thanks to the lightweight nature of a plastic tank, the unit was easy to lift in place under the floor of the SuperBurb. The new tank fits in the stock location perfectly and now we won't have to worry about rust holes.
One important thing to consider about switching to a plastic fuel tank is the unit's proximity to heat sources such as the exhaust system. MTS informs customers of this with the sticker shown here. Another noteworthy consideration is vulnerability to trail damage. While we don't feel the need to arm the underside of the SuperBurb's new fuel tank with a steel skidplate, you may consider such an upgrade if your vehicle regularly sees trail use.
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