VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1929-1932 '31 Fuel Sender Unit Cork Float

Got some new corks for the sender unit from the Filling Station. Only came with a brass washer. Is there supposed to be a flat push on nut to hold the corks in place on the metal float rod? If so, mine is long gone. Or does anyone have any options for this?
Thanks again.

mine had the end of the rod bent.

i opted to go with neoprene floats :) cheap and good to go with most fuels even ethanol

I do not know the details of how the float is retained on a ‘31 flue gauge sending unit.

What I do know is that I regret installing a new cork float on my ‘37 sending unit. After less than 3 months it had absorbed enough gasoline that it did not register correctly. It still worked but indicated at least 1/4 tank lower than actual. I think it is even further off now.

So now I need to adapt either a neoprene or brass float.

I have had the same result with cork floats. They absorb gas after a short time. I think that pushing the hole in the middle allows ethanol laced fuel into the center, cork swells and fractures the coating and bingo. I have used the brass floats by heating the end of the wire to orange/red and allowing to cool. That allows bending into a 3/4 circle to retain the brass float.

Hi Guys,
Where can I find a neoprene or brass float for my 31. I just got my gage cleaned up and working. I replaced the old float with a new cork float. I would like to avoid future problems before I install the gas tank.

Model A part suppliers have plastic floats. Many sell the brass float. It is SA-99 at the Filling Station for example.

got my neoprene from Snyders Antiques (https://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/product.htm?pid=979370&cat=41706)

can also get them at mac's (https://www.macsautoparts.com/)

yes they are Model A / T suppliers, but they have the parts that work :)

All the car parts suppliers think they have gold with their neoprene float costs. I buy mine at Aircraft Spruce (small plane parts supplier) for more than half the price less. Of course all bets are off these “Covid” days. I hope I didn’t screw myself and give away my secret source. Many times when the car parts guys were out of stock on floats, AS had them. I always shopped around in the beginning so that’s how I know. Car parts really don’t have official “specs” for road use but aircraft comes under much more scrutiny so the parts have to be good. Now everyone, don’t go buying up AS inventory of floats!!!

lol, nope they are my source for o-rings & grommets have been for years
and they are a little more pricey on the floats right now :( almost double but have to value in shipping as well :)