Fuel Guage Sender, Can I ditch the metal tube???? Options

[jr91472]

I have a recurring problem with the float in my sender getting stuck at the 1/4 guage level. I have read all the articles about cleaning the sender and have removed and disassembled this one many many times. But I can't find anything visually wrong with it.

Yet once I get the float "unstuck" it works fine all the way till the tank is empty. But when I fill the tank up, the float gets stuck again. On the bright side; as I use up the gas and the level comes down, the float gets "unstuck" and provides accurate readings from 1/4 to empty (even the reserve light works), but will never go all the way to the top when the tank is full (unless I pull the sender apart again).

The wires look clean and straight. When apart, the sender provides good readings on the voltmeter (~75-5 ohms).

1st Question: Any secrets or clues on how to clean that I am missing?

2nd Question: Can the sender be used without the metal tube? I am asking cause I am thinking that perhaps the float is getting wedged against the tube (somehow). I assume that the purpose of the tube is to fill up with gas and provide some buffer against fuel slosh (thus providing more consistant reading while driving).

Any thoughts before I toss this one and buy a (peresh the thought) NEW sender?

thanks all

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