Stuck gas gauge bezel stuck

G

Gold Digger

Well-known member
I have a gas gauge float that needs to be replaced but can't budge the bezel that holds the gauge itself in the tank. I bought the heavy duty wrench but still can't turn it. Any help on loosening it would be appreciated.
 
If you're using one of those cast aluminium tools, throw it away. Your only chance if it is tight is with a decent tool. I made my own and I've loaned them to others who had the aluminium ones. Only then were they able to get the job done.
 
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The wrench Bert's and Snyder's sell looks a little beefier.
 

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I've got the steel wrench but It just want break loose. I'm thinking about welding a socket on to it where I can get some real pleasure on it while pushing back at the same time. First time I've had one on this tight.
 
Gold Digger said:
I've got the steel wrench but It just want break loose. I'm thinking about welding a socket on to it where I can get some real pleasure on it while pushing back at the same time. First time I've had one on this tight.
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Not fun to think about, but what would fail first if the threads are completely seized, the sheet metal tabs holding the outer gauge housing from rotating, or the casting of the gauge?
 
use the good one from Bert`s or Snyder`s hold it on there tight and tap it with a hammer. i just had that some had buggered up the nut and i used a pair of channel locks on it.
 
Electric heat gun and a hammer around a gas tank? Think about that carefully. Also disconnect the battery.
 
A heat gun should be OK as long as you don't smell fuel fumes. A large heat lamp may be better. Just keep the temps near the point that it takes to boil water or things can be damaged.
 
once you do have it off and are ready to install the gauge back into the tank.

fit the outer bezel ring to the gauge before starting to install. make sure the bezel ring turns freely on the gauge body.
if it doesn't you will never get it in without the gauge trying to twist.
take a SMALL rifler file or similar, work your way around the inside of the aluminium surface that the the opening of the ring rubs on. don't touch the gasket surfaces. just enough so the bezel turns with no resistance.
once the bezel turns freely without resistance i use a tiny bit of grease for sliptivity on the brass ring and inside edge of the bezel which helps the tightening.

ou
 
I had the same problem. Ended up emptying the gas tank, flushing with water, airing it out for a week and then used a dremel to cut off the bezel. Definitely not fun, but I got it out.
 
I would use PB blaster, then tap the wrench. I would never use anything hot inside near the tank for fear of gas fumes. Lots of luck.
 
Y-Blockhead said:
I agree. I use the tools from Bratton's. They work great in combination.

The wrenches https://www.brattons.com/GAS-GAUGE-TOOL/productinfo/13520/

and the holder https://www.brattons.com/GAS-GAUGE-WRENCH-HOLDER/productinfo/13525/

I think the holder is a key element as it holds the wrenches on the bezel.
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I agree that a holder to seat the wrench in place makes a world of difference, allowing you to easily apply much more force onto the wrench without it slipping off. Easy to make from a piece of flat iron with a couple of holes drilled for the screws to hold it in place.
 
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