Fuel Tank Sender, for Beetle 62-67 & Ghia 62-66

OVERVIEW

Precision and reliability are the cornerstones of a functional vintage Volkswagen dashboard, and nothing is more critical than knowing exactly how much fuel is left in your tank. This EMPI Mechanical Fuel Tank Sending Unit is a high-quality reproduction designed specifically for the mid-sixties transition years when VW utilized a cable-driven mechanical gauge rather than the later electric versions. If your fuel needle is bouncing erratically, stuck on empty, or the internal pivot has succumbed to decades of corrosion and ethanol-heavy modern fuels, this sender is the definitive solution. Crafted to meet or exceed original equipment specifications, it ensures that the mechanical translation from the fuel float to your dashboard cable is smooth, accurate, and dependable for miles to come.

Constructed with a heavy-duty mounting plate and a durable float assembly, this unit (OEM Part Number 113-919-049C) is built to withstand the harsh environment inside a steel fuel tank. The five-bolt mounting pattern is a direct match for factory tanks, ensuring a leak-free seal when paired with a fresh gasket. Because this is a mechanical unit, it features the specific hook-and-eyelet connection required to actuate the Bowden-style cable that runs through the chassis to your speedometer assembly. Whether you are performing a concourse-level restoration or simply maintaining your daily driver, replacing an aged sender with this EMPI unit restores the confidence you need to take those long coastal cruises without the constant fear of running dry.

FITMENT

This mechanical fuel tank sending unit is designed for the following air-cooled Volkswagen models equipped with a cable-driven fuel gauge:

• Volkswagen Type 1 Beetle (Sedan & Convertible): 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967
• Volkswagen Type 14 Karmann Ghia (Coupe & Convertible): 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966
• Custom Dune Buggies & Sand Rails: Only if utilizing a 1962-1967 style fuel tank and matching mechanical gauge.

SPECS

Review the technical specifications below to ensure this part meets your restoration requirements:

• Part Number: 98-2020-0
• OEM Reference: 113-919-049C
• Operation Type: Mechanical (Cable-Driven)
• Mounting Style: 5-Bolt Flange Pattern
• Material: Zinc-Plated Steel Base Plate with Corrosion-Resistant Arm
• Float Material: Fuel-Resistant High-Density Plastic
• Connection: Mechanical hook for inner gauge wire
• Included Components: Sending unit and float assembly
• Required (Sold Separately): Mounting gasket and mechanical fuel gauge cable

PRO TIPS

1. Don''t Forget the Gasket and Sealant

One of the most common mistakes when replacing a fuel sender is trying to reuse the old, compressed cork gasket. To prevent fuel vapors from entering the trunk area or liquid fuel from leaking during a full fill-up, always install a brand-new gasket. For an extra layer of protection, we recommend applying a very thin layer of fuel-resistant thread sealant or a dedicated fuel-safe gasket tack to both sides of the gasket. This ensures a vapor-tight seal that can handle the vibrations of the road without loosening over time.

2. Check Your Cable Path and Tension

Since this is a mechanical sender, its accuracy depends entirely on the condition of the cable connecting it to the dashboard. Before bolting the sender into the tank, inspect the cable for kinks, rust, or frayed ends. If the inner wire does not slide freely within its outer sheath, your fuel gauge will stick regardless of how well the sender works. Clean the cable with a light lubricant and ensure there are no sharp bends in the routing. When hooking the cable to the sender arm, ensure it is seated properly so that it doesn''t slip off during extreme fuel sloshing.

3. Bench Test Before Final Installation

Before you tighten down those five mounting screws, it is a smart move to perform a bench test. Connect the fuel gauge cable to the sender while it is still outside the tank. Turn the ignition on (if your dash lights are wired) and manually move the sender arm from the bottom (Empty) to the top (Full). Have a friend watch the needle on the dashboard to ensure it moves smoothly across the entire range. This allows you to verify that the gauge, the cable, and the new sender are all communicating perfectly before you seal the tank and fill it with gasoline.