308 Fuel Tank Transmitter

It is fuel in the float. Eventually it will probably fill up and stay on the bottom of the tank. If you find a way to get the fuel out and still have a useable float then you are better than me. Allegedly some Fiat or Alfa uses the same float and it will pop right into the wire arm. I bought a used 308 float so I didn't have to go there.

On the plus side you should never run out of gas. When the gauge reads E you have more fuel than you think in there.

 

Best bet is to replace the float. You don't have to buy Ferrari though or replace the whole sending unit if its still in good electrical shape.

Go to your nearest large-ish marine supply outfit with your sender in hand... Look for a new sending unit with a float the same size as yours that will fit on the arm of the sender. The fit can be loose as long as it rotates freely and is close to the same size.

Boaters have to replace senders all the time and there are many aftermarket ones available. Boats tend to have longer lives than cars, especially sailboats and that means that these kind of parts are readily available.

Napa might have universal ones too. All you want is the float but you will likely have to buy the whole sending unit at about $40.

A new complete Ferrari sending unit for a 308 is about $400.

The new gasket on the kit will probably fit as well.

 

One option would be to cut a hole in the end of the existing float and put a cork float inside it. You need to make sure it can't come out so make it a tight fit. Leave a small lip on the hole and force the cork float in, don't just cut the whole end off the float.

 

I paid $246 for a new OEM fuel sender in 1998. Mine had a broken wire in the electrical rheostat, providing information only above 1/2 tank. If your fuel sender only needs a float I would consider that diy job a high paying way to use your time and imagination.

Know there is also a switch in the sender assembly for 'low fuel warning' which can go bad. While not critical, check it out also while you have access and tread gently around the rheostat, it is delicate.

Note how the sender came out while you still recall as it can be replaced wrongly rotated, seeming to work but having the arm hit the side of the tank and binding.

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I replaced the float on mine with one made for an English car, either an MGB or Jag. I'll see if I can find a part number.