Fuel gage problems

[gmarshall43]

I've read a couple of problems concerning the fuel gage in this forum so I thought I would put my 2 cents in. I had a fuel gage that read empty all the time. I checked and found it faulty. I replaced it and turned turn on the ignition and it read full. The next time it went to 3/4 and when I turned it off it went to 1/4 instead of empty and that seems to be the operating range. I suspect my sending unit as my readings are not consistant with each check. How hard is it to remove the sending unit to check it? I have a 1973, 19' Crestliner.<br /><br />Thanks

 

[Solittle]

Re: Fuel gage problems

Replacing the sending unit is one of the easier jobs. They all use a standard mounting (5 screws I think). Most are located on the tank under a 6" or round so access plate right near the neck of the tank for the filler hose. You can get the sender at any good marine supply place and they come with directions.

 

[jlinder]

Re: Fuel gage problems

Can you clarify something? You say it went to 1/4 with the key off?<br /><br />When the key is off the guage should have no power and the guage should drop to nothing. If you have 1/4 with the key off there is something wrong with the guage mechanicaly

 

[gmarshall43]

Re: Fuel gage problems

Jack<br /><br />I initially thought the new gage was faulty so I checked it by removing the sender wire from the gage and turned power on. It indicated empty. Then I put a short across the sender and ground terminals on the gage and it indicated full. I then reinstalled the gage and put power to it and it read full but when I turned power off it dropped to about 1/4. When I turned power back on it read about 3/4 full. As I ran some fuel out the gage did drop some but the operating range is about 1/4 to 3/4. It won't indicate completely full or empty.

 

[jlinder]

Re: Fuel gage problems

radar,<br />Something is wrong. With the key off you should have no voltage to the meter so it should go to empty. Try removing the power lead from the meter and see if it goes to empty then.<br /><br />I hate to jump to conclusions, but if sounds like with the key off you are getting about 3 volts on the power lead to the meter (if 12 volts gives you full, then 1/4 could be about 3 volts).<br /><br />Try measuring the voltage on the power lead to the meter with key off and key on. Is it battery voltage, or something way off? Sounds a little like you might have corroded/bad connections.<br /><br />FYI - if you don't have a meter buy one. I bought a spare to keep in the boat for $10 at the local ACE hardware store.

 

[gmarshall43]

Re: Fuel gage problems

It may be a while before I get back to my boat but I will be sure to check this. If everything checks out normally with the power off, that is no voltage at the gage, then maybe I should start looking at the sending unit?<br /><br />Thanks for the help,<br />Gary

 

[allen.st]

Re: Fuel gage problems

Teleflex has a trouble shooting area to cover all gauges, the address is <br /><br /> http://www.tflx.com/tech.html <br /><br />One thing is if it is a metal gas tank make sure it is grounded.