Impala Fuel Float Replacement: A Step-By-Step Guide For 1965 Models

If the fuel gauge on your 1965 Chevrolet Impala isn't reading correctly, you may need to replace the fuel sending unit float. This can be done without dropping the tank, but you will need to access the assembly through the trunk of the car. The process involves removing the battery cable, venting the fuel pressure, removing the spare tire cover and back seat backs, and pulling back the carpet from the access area. Once you've reached the assembly, you'll need to remove the retaining ring and fuel lines, and lift out the assembly to access the fuel sending unit. After replacing the unit, the process is reversed to reassemble the parts.

Remove the battery cable, vent the fuel system, and remove the spare tire cover

To remove the battery cable, vent the fuel system, and remove the spare tire cover of your 1965 Impala, follow these steps:

First, park your Impala on level ground in a well-ventilated area and open the hood. Loosen the fuel tank filler cap and identify the ground (black) battery cable. Disconnect this cable with a wrench to remove the battery cable.

Next, we will vent the fuel system. Locate the Schrader valve at the beginning of the fuel feed pipe on the fuel rail. Wrap a shop rag around the Schrader valve to catch any fuel that may spill out. Then, use a flat-head screwdriver to depress the inside stem of the valve.

Now, you can remove the spare tire cover. Take out the spare tire and any other items from the trunk of your Impala. Fold down the back seat backs to access the area behind the back seat, where the access panel for the top of the fuel tank is located. Remove the spare tire cover to expose the access panel.

These steps will ensure that you safely remove the battery cable, vent the fuel system, and remove the spare tire cover on your 1965 Impala.

Fold down back seats, remove carpet from the access area, and remove access panel nuts

To change the fuel float in a 1965 Impala, you'll first need to park the car on level ground in a well-ventilated area and open the hood. Next, remove the sight shield from the top of the engine using a ratchet and socket, if your Impala is equipped with one. Loosen the fuel tank filler cap and disconnect the ground (black) battery cable with a wrench.

Now, you're ready to begin folding down the back seats and removing the carpet from the access area. Here are the detailed steps:

Fold Down Back Seats and Remove Carpet:

• Fold down both back seat backs.
• Pull back the carpet from the access area, which is located between the back seat and the spare tire.

Remove Access Panel Nuts:

• Use a 10mm socket to remove the nuts (usually six) from the access panel.
• Gently pry up on the access panel—be careful, as it bends very easily.

At this point, you can use an air blower to clean the top-off area. Remember to relieve the fuel pressure before continuing. Now, you can proceed with removing the fuel lines, the retaining ring, and the assembly, following the steps outlined in the Impala Forums thread. Finally, you can install the new fuel float and reverse the disassembly process to put everything back together.

Clean the area, relieve fuel pressure, and remove fuel lines

To change the fuel float in a 1965 Impala, you'll need to access the fuel sender/pump assembly through the trunk of the car. Before beginning, park your Impala on level ground in a well-ventilated area and open the hood. Now, let's get started:

First, remove the sight shield from the top of the engine using a ratchet and socket, and loosen the fuel tank filler cap. Next, disconnect the ground (black) battery cable with a wrench. Locate the Schrader valve at the beginning of the fuel feed pipe on the fuel rail and wrap a shop rag around it. Depress the inside stem with a flat-head screwdriver, allowing fuel to drain into the rag.

Now, it's time to clean the area. Remove the spare tire and other items from the trunk. Take out the carpet from the trunk, exposing the fuel sender/pump access panel. Use a ratchet and socket to unfasten the nuts from the access panel and gently lift it away.

At this point, you'll want to relieve the fuel pressure. Use an air blower to clean the top-off and ensure no sparks are created. You don't want any fuel vapors to ignite. Now, remove each of the three fuel lines. Each line has a pinch retainer, so be careful when detaching them.

Next Steps

With the fuel lines removed, you're ready to move on to the next steps of replacing the fuel float. Remember to have your tools and replacement parts ready and always exercise caution when working with fuel systems.

Remove the retaining ring, rotate it counter-clockwise, and lift the assembly

To remove the retaining ring, rotate it counter-clockwise, and lift the assembly, you'll first need to ensure you have safely vented the fuel pressure from the fuel system.

Next, remove the spare tire cover and fold down the back seat backs. Pull back the carpet from the access area. Remove the nuts from the access panel using a 10mm socket and gently pry up the access panel.

Now, use an air blower to clean the top off. Remove the blue retaining pin and unplug the electrical connectors. Remove each of the three fuel lines, each of which has a pinch retainer.

At this point, you will be able to see the retaining ring. To rotate it counter-clockwise, gently tap on the steel post or the notch. You will need to rotate and twist the assembly until you can remove the retaining ring completely. Then, the assembly can be lifted straight up. Tip it a bit to drain the gas out of it.

Remove the fuel pump from the assembly and install a new one

To remove the fuel pump from the assembly, you will need a pair of needle-nose pliers and a flat-head screwdriver. First, locate the large O-ring seal between the fuel tank and the assembly. This can be found by lifting the retaining ring and fuel sender/pump assembly out of the fuel tank. Once you have located the O-ring, discard it and use the tools to carefully remove the fuel pump from the assembly.

When installing the new fuel pump, mount it onto the assembly using the same tools as before. Ensure that the pump strainer is not in the way of the float arm by swinging the arm and making the necessary adjustments. Place a new O-ring seal onto the assembly before inserting it back into the fuel tank.

To finish the installation, connect the hoses to the fuel sender/pump assembly by pushing the hose connectors against their fittings. Plug the fuel tank pressure sensor and fuel sender into the assembly. Tighten the connections and turn the ignition to the "On" position for two seconds, then off for 10 seconds. Turn the ignition back on and check for any gas leaks around the tank. Finally, turn off the ignition and replace the access panel, tightening the mounting nuts with a ratchet and socket.

It is important to work in a well-ventilated area when performing these tasks and to relieve fuel pressure before beginning any work.

Frequently asked questions