'97 Gas gauge works after 3 years

[mike2004tct]

I got my replacement fuel level sensor on wednesday. I ordered it from GMPARTSDIRECT.com, cost was $72 plus change-including shipping and handling, an internet search found the closest supplier at $85 not counting shipping and handling. This is an ACDelco part, # 25314231,as the level sensor is an OEM part, there are no after-market replacements.
It took exactly 1 week to get here,even with a special order tag (factory shipment).

Today I went into the garage at 9am to start the tank removal process.This is something I will never do again, it's too difficult trying to wrangle that tank around laying on your back, even with a creeper. You need to be a contorionist (or much younger than 50). I ended up cutting the filler hose and vent tube, so I had to invest another $8. 00 in supplies plus $21 for a siphon pump (I had about 11 gallons in the tank).It took me 4 hours to get the tank off and the fuel pump out (I got a Haynes manual from the public library which gave helpful but not acurate instructions). The kit I ordered came with the round gasket for the pump assembly, plus it has instructions on how to remove and install the level sensor and pump assembly. Replacing the sensor was the easy part, re-installing the tank was a hassle because of the filler tube and vent tube, plus attaching the 2 electrical connectors and 3 feed/return/vent lines on the top of tank. It would have been nice to have an inspection door in the floor of the cargo area.

3pm this afternoon, with everthing back in place, I reconnected my battery, turned the ignition to on, the gauge read EMPTY, and the fuel pump was humming. YIPPEE, mission accomplished. I poured the fuel back in the tank, I now have 1/2 tank of gas. I haven't seen my gauge go below 3/4 in almost 4 years.

Difficulty wise, it's a pretty straight forward job, just physically challanging. I'll give it a 3 rating on a 5 scale. No special tools required, Ratchet, 17mm box wrench for nut & bolt that holds the tank straps-my biggest obsticle), flat blade screw drivers (hoses, feed lines) hammer and wood or brass dowel to get the ring off that retains the pump assembly. I did use one torx socket to get the plactic cup that holds the filler neck steady inside the fuel filler door.

MY FUEL GAUGE WORKS AGAIN.

[rlith]

Yeah, I've dropped tanks before, easier with someone helping you