Fuel system setup

[SnowDrift]

I need to replace my fuel sending unit. Planning to buy one of Leroy's versions - looks like he has 3. High performance with 1/2" pickup tube for $145, stock for $249, and then a different high performance with 1/2" pickup tube for $160

I have his Walbro lift pump now and the stock FFM.

I plan to keep the stock FFM. What are recommendations for which FSU and what to do with filtering, etc.?

 

[dbrannon79]

I would say choose one of the high performance ones. what is the difference in them? I have heard the metrum rod is the best. at least I think that is what it's called. the 1/2" is cheaper than the stock and will give you room for later upgrades and activities if you so choose later down the road!

 

[SnowDrift]

All metrum rods. Not sure the difference at the moment.

 

[Paveltolz]

On sale, about $16. The $145 unit is just the rod. I have that and in my case, made the bouncing needle look more like a pole dancer twitching next to an ATM that only dispensed $1 bills.
I also dislike the fuel levels represented. Too long to explain fully. Just suffice it to say, I have only gone 60 miles when the gauge reads 3/4 remaining and 10 gal. left when the gauge reads empty.

Still, Maybe the full unit will work better...I'm about to give it a shot because I don't trust the quality of any of the OEM-ish products, it's about the same price on sale, and it can't be any worse than what I have now.

 

[MrMarty51]

I have the fuel tank SU from Leroy Diesel.
It is far more accurate than the original stock unit and the gauge doesnt bounce around near so much.
The stock unit if the gauge got near the reddish colored low fuel marks I better be setting at a fuel pump or I most likely will not get to drive the truck under its own power. That happened twice.
The Leroy unit the gauge now reads very accurate.

 

[SnowDrift]

Are either of you using the stock socket at the pickup tube?

 

[LinePilot]

Hey SnowDrift.....just for the heck of it, I asked ChatGpt about the pros and cons of deleting the tank sock on my '95 6.5L......I was surprised by the detailed answer it spit out. I thought it was a good read.....FYI.

 

[Paveltolz]

Are either of you using the stock socket at the pickup tube?

I'm using the OEM Diesel Tank Sock.
Marty, I'm glad the sending unit is working as advertised for ya. Did you buy the full replacement unit or just the metrum rod?

 

[MrMarty51]

Are either of you using the stock socket at the pickup tube?

I eliminated the sock. But I’m also running the air dog lift pump with its filtration system.
Before replacing these systems the PO had eliminated the tank sock and had installed a 3/8ths” inline steel shell fuel filter.

I'm using the OEM Diesel Tank Sock.
Marty, I'm glad the sending unit is working as advertised for ya. Did you buy the full replacement unit or just the metrum rod?

I purchased/replaced the entire unit.

 

[SnowDrift]

Are either of you using the stock socket at the pickup tube?

This should have said "stock sock" but I think everyone picked up on my error.

I'm trying to see a need for 1/2" pickup tube aside from cost benefit. I've sent an email asking why the high performance version is so much less expensive than the stock style.

 

[DieselAmateur]

I have a stock sending unit that I purchased from RockAuto without realizing it wouldn't fit my cab & chassis dump truck. Vent hose is pointed a different direction. Anyways I had already cut off the fitting for the supply line and put on a tube nut and flared it for a -6AN fitting before realizing it wouldn't work. I was going to transition from that -6AN fitting to 1/2" fuel line. If you're interested at all shoot me a message. I know your truck doesn't see salt, I just can't stand the GM fuel fittings seizing up.

I don't use the sock, historically I've just put an inline mesh strainer pre lift pump but am now installing a water separator fuel filter pre lift pump, think its 10-15 microns. I haven't used the stock FFM for years, I use either a 2 or 5 micron filter from NAPA. I can share part numbers when I get back in town.