Tank float doesn't float....

[coyotegray]

Tank float doesn't float.... **Does Now**

While troubleshooting the aux fuel system on my MEP-003a today I discovered several problems. One is that if I remove the float switch from the tank and raise or lower the float it works fine. But it will not rise in the tank.

Anyone ever run into a float losing its buoyancy..?

 

[det rebel]

yea its got a pin hole in it somewhere or it has filled with fuel best way i know of is get you a something like a clear cup fill it with gas then stick the float in real slowly and look for bubbles

 

[coyotegray]

The float is solid but saturated with fuel so it sinks..
Anyone have this problem before..?

Delks wants $120 or so for a new unit so I would like to find a way to fix this one...

ETA: Idea. Im going to make a new one out of balsa wood and coat it with epoxy...

 

[LuckyDog]

The float is solid but saturated with fuel so it sinks..
Anyone have this problem before..?

Delks wants $120 or so for a new unit... so I would like to find a way to fix this one...

I've never tried this before but "therotically" it might work: Try boiling and/or baking?

First, does it sink in a bucket of water? if so, it is most likely saturated with water. If it floats, it is saturated with diesel or some oil.

Boiling (with a weight to hold it under water) might drive off the oils
Baking at a low temperature will drive off the moisture.
Then seal it up with a substance not affected by fuel.

Just an idea. (I'm full of 'em, some of them actually have worked!)

ETA: Idea. Im going to make a new one out of balsa wood and coat it with epoxy...

If you do this, cut the old one apart and see if/where the magnet inside. Float switches I am familiar with have a magnet inside that closes the switch when it moves up. Other than that, your idea is feasible.

Good Luck

 

[coyotegray]

Ok, I carved one out of balsa wood, drilled two holes for the magnets and gave it two coats of epoxy resin.

Works like a charm..