Correct Gasket for In-Tank Fuel Pump

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cofred
Posts: 58
Joined: Wed Jul 24, 2013 5:38 pm
Location: Frisco, Tx

Correct Gasket for In-Tank Fuel Pump

Post by cofred »

Gents,

A while back I started smelling a bit of fuel vapor in my trunk, so I thought that perhaps the gaskets on the in-tank pump and/or sending unit may have dried out and failed, so I ordered the sending unit gasket and 161221116966: http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/partxre ... series=E24 AND 62168782015: http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/partxre ... series=E24.

It's been awhile since I ordered and my brain is aging, so I don't remember exactly how I ended up with both, but now I'm finally ready to do the work. I removed the pump and found an old crusty 16121116966 but no 62168782015, so I looked on RealOEM and realized that the two don't work together....it's either one or the other.

My car is a '85 M635 so according to RealOEM it should have 62168782015, not 16121116966 as it currently does. Apparently 16121116966 was used mostly on many US cars in particular the M6, and 62168782015 was used only on EUR cars, specifically the M635. So hopefully through all that you understand my confusion: do I put in the new 16121116966 or switch it to 62168782015? Is there a difference in the opening in the fuel cell on EUR cars that would be specific to 62168782015? Or is 16121116966 the better choice? Or am I just thinking too much about this?

Thanks!!
Heath
'85 M635
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Ralph in Socal
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Re: Correct Gasket for In-Tank Fuel Pump

Post by Ralph in Socal »

They are completely different. I have seen many euro setups with the O-Ring while most US are built with the Gasket Ring with 6 holes for the mounting flange bolts. Not interchangeable as you can tell if you have both seals in hand.

The O-ring applies to the system without an In-Tank Pre-Supply Pump. It is basically the Level Sending Unit with plumbing for the supply and return lines. This system mounts into the tank Bayonet Style. It pushes in then a slight turn to lock it in place.

The Gasket Ring is also rubber but it's fiber reinforced, flat and has the 6 holes for the tank mounting bolts. Used for the In-Tank Pre-Supply Pump system as found in most US cars. This system has a separate Level Sending Unit sealed with a different O-Ring and is mounted to the In-Tank Pump carrier with 4 studs/nuts.

I have converted a euro car to a US tank previously

Ralph
There is a very fine line between "Hobby" and Mental Illness.

85 635csi Zinno Auto
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cofred
Posts: 58
Joined: Wed Jul 24, 2013 5:38 pm
Location: Frisco, Tx

Re: Correct Gasket for In-Tank Fuel Pump

Post by cofred »

Ralph,

Thanks much! That clears up which gasket I should use. So I must have a U.S. fuel tank? The date on my pre-supply pump is 1985 so maybe it was changed when it was imported?? Interesting stuff!
Heath
'85 M635
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