A Maintenance Controller reports he issued a deferral (MEL) for an MD-80 cockpit fuel display unit; but entered the wrong part number replacement on their Maintenance scheduling. As a result; incorrect fuel display was installed by mechanic.

Narrative

In January 2009; I issued a deferral (MEL) on Aircraft X for a cockpit fuel display unit being inoperative. On the resulting maintenance scheduling for maintenance accomplishment; I put in the wrong part number for that effectivity. In February 2009; I was informed of this. The Mechanic installed the wrong part on the aircraft and apparently didn't check whether it was right or wrong. I normally double-check but got in a hurry and didn't. Callback conversation with Reporter revealed the following information: Reporter stated that particular MD-80 he reported on used a five slot analog type fuel display unit that indicates the fuel loads in the left; center; right fuel tanks and two aux tanks. The part number he inputted; is a three slot fuel indicator; used on their other MD-80's that do not use or have aux fuel tanks. Although the aircraft flew for several days with the three slot indicator; there were not any flight crew reports to Maintenance Control about fuel quantity reading issues. He noticed the discrepancy between his part number input and the Illustrated Parts Catalog (IPC); when he was reviewing the accomplished maintenance work.