Although others have addresses this issue, I thought I should add my $.02.
So a couple of weeks ago, I more or less filled up my TCS with gas and fuel stabilizer thinking that it should last the winter.
The gauge showed nearly full for the ride home. A week or so later, I decided to take advantage of the balmy weather. Now the fuel gauge is showing almost empty! On sticking one of the tanks, it was within a gallon or so of being full. On grounding the sensor wire at the tank, the gauge indicated full. Next I used a straightened wire hanger with a hook and pulled the sensor arm to its upper limit. Again, the gauge indicated full. Now I had to drain off enough gas to remove the sensor and check the float. Sure enough, the float was pretty much filled with gas.
On a hunch, I checked Moss Motors online catalog and saw a brass float that look like a viable replacement. I went ahead and ordered not only the brass float but a lock ring and rubber (viton) ring.
Then it was off to the local hardware store to pick up a PVC adapter to fabricate a lock ring removal tool. Wrapped with some masking tape, divided by 3, drilled 3 holes on the marks, completed cutting in 3 slots with a razor saw. Worked a treat.
As you can see in the photos, the brass float fits in the shepherds crook of the sensor arm as did the original plastic float. I wound up not needing the lock ring or the gasket; just wanted to have on hand in case... If the plastic float lasted 50 years, I guess the brass one should last until no more gas (petrol) is made anymore! Certainly past my life time.
Gerry
72102766R
PS: I meant to include the invoice with the part numbers in case anyone needs to order.