fuel tank screws

[stix217]

I stripped the heads on a couple of the fuel tank screws when removing the sending unit the other day. Do you guys know what size/type/material the factory screws are (from a 2001 1801)? They look like a standard machine screw but have a bizarre looking head and the shank almost seems triangular. I feel dumb asking this but are they stainless or something different (like aluminum)?

Can I just replace them with standard SS machine screws?

 

[Brent]

Does the sender look like this
http://www.wemausa.com/tank_sensors/tan ... nk_Sensors

 

[Harpoon]

I had to replace my sensor on season 1. If I recall 1 or two of the female sides were crappy and damaged. Therefore I have at least one "spinner".

I am NOT looking forward to the day when I need to remove that thing again, as I will probably need to drill and tap a hole or two.

My thoughts are to use air tools so there is no spark introduced. I would love to hear "the correct way" to handle this.

In the meantime I coat that whole area with grease every season to prevent corrosion.

 

[cbigma]

My screws looked like this before I replaced my sensor. Aluminum screws with heads mostly stripped out. I didn't notice any triangular-shaft-effect on the screws like you saw.

I replaced them with stainless screws. Probably should have used aluminum screws (since the tank is aluminum, and SS vs Aluminum could eventually be a problem) but I saw the notes on the WEMA site about drilling the tank and tapping for SS screws. NEMA Sending Bolt Hole Pattern so I figured I was OK as long as I kept the screws covered with grease after installation to keep out moisture.

Ditto what Fish said about not over-tightening the replacement screws.

 

[greatcir]

I'm sure you know to not let the aluminum shavings or screw parts fall into the fuel tank. I have used a vacuum on the area while removing corroded screws to help stop this if the fuel gauge access plate is not loose or cannot be rotated to I can catch any debris under the fastener.

I have used Boeshield T-9 developed by Boeing for years on all my boat corrosion problems. I use it on fuel tanks, copper tubing, battery terminals, through hull fittings, etc. I use it on garage door rollers and tracks at home and any place I see corrosion. See:

http://www.boeshield.com/

It can spay on over other coatings and is non-conductive..................Pete