Fuel gauge or sending unit float???

[csloan3]

I have a Key West 1520EX with a Yamaha 50 4-stroke. The fuel guage seemed to slowly die, as in it would read 1/4 of a tank when there was actually no fuel in the tank. The gauge then started not working at all. All of the wiring on the back of the gauge is working correctly. Just took the sending unit out of the fuel tank, and here are the results: While in the tank the sending gauge reads 1/4 of a tank; when I removed the whole sending unit and checked the float and mechanical operation of the unit everything seemed fine. while removed from the tank and with me moving the float assembly the fuel gauge on the console and on the sending unti itself worked fine, however when i placed the unit back into the fuel tank the same thing happened (the gauge at the console and on the sending unit remained at 1/4). So my ultimate question is can the float go bad? That sems to be the only portion of the puzzle that isn't working. I just didn't think that the nitrile rubber would quite floating one day, seemes very odd.

thanks
chris

 

[I/O WALDO]

Re: Fuel gauge or sending unit float???

Sounds like the float is saturated.

 

[Fishstick1962]

Re: Fuel gauge or sending unit float???

Was the tank empty? If so... sounds to me like the adjustment slipped. Most sending units have to be adjusted to read correctly. Does your unit have an "Arm" or is it a tubular shape? The ones with an arm (Most common) are very easy to adjust. Measure from the top of the tank to the bottom. Then with the sender held up measure the distance from the mounting plate to the bottom of the float. Adjust as needed. Always adjust for an empty reading. Full doesn't matter as much. I usually adjust the float to set about 1/4 inch from bottom, this leaves a little "Reserve" to get home on.
Hope this helps. Good luck!

 

[Fishstick1962]

Re: Fuel gauge or sending unit float???

Just a note. If the float is saturated it will not float as good as a new one which means it will read low, not high. Sounds to me like the float is sitting on the bottom of the tank and because it is out of adjustment it will only go as low as 1/4 tank. Good luck.

 

[I/O WALDO]

Re: Fuel gauge or sending unit float???

Oops! You be right Fishstick.I mis-read thread.looks like a clearance /adjustment problem.