Should there be a large spring in my gas tank?

[cruiserdds]

Hey guys! I had the pleasure of meeting some of you at the cars and coffee meet. I was the guy with the soft top blue fj40.

Anyway... I was having an issue with my fuel gauge not working properly so I ordered a new sending unit. When replacing it today I found the issue was not that my sending unit was bad but rather the float was stuck on a large metal spring loosely rolling around in my tank. Does this spring serve a purpose? It's a 1970 if that matters. Thanks!

 

[CharlestonG8R]

Glad you made it to the clubhouse! I had the black FJ40 that day. Not sure about the spring, perhaps @Trollhole or @dbenke know?

 

[dbenke]

I would guess it was inside your fill hose. keeps it from collapsing

 

[cruiserdds]

I think you are right! I guess I should try to place it back inside the full hose. Thanks for the suggestion.