Fuel Gauge problem

[CntrySngr]

I hope this is the right place to put this. I have a 1997 Maxum 1700SR with a Murcruiser 3.0L 135hp inboard motor. I purchased this boat on Friday and when I took it out on Saturday everything was in GREAT condition except for the fuel gauge.<br /><br />I found some posts on here about testing the gauge, so I did that last night and it does work correctly. So, I am guessing that I probably need to replace the sender and/or the float. I do not have any meters to test the ohms, but I could probably get one (and probably should).<br /><br />Problem I see is that the tank is located in a real tight space, and trying to get the sending unit out is going to be near impossible. Am I going to have to take this to a marine mechanic to get the sender replaced?<br /><br />Any ideas, thoughts, suggestions would be greatly appreciated.<br /><br />Steven

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Fuel Gauge problem

Did you check the electrical connections for corrosion? I would check the wires themselves for continuity first. Other than being tough to get at their not that hard to replace, you could probably do it yourself.

 

[CntrySngr]

Re: Fuel Gauge problem

I am home for lunch and I was able to find some screws holding a little "shelf" of wood above the tank. I removed these and can access the sender perfectly now. I looked and the connections don't LOOK corroded, but I will test them tonight or tomorrow, depending on the weather. Thanks for the tip!<br /><br />I thought the wires might be a problem, I planned on checking those as well.

 

[CntrySngr]

Re: Fuel Gauge problem

Also, I looked around town and found a sending unit just in case, but I need to know the depth of my tank. Any suggestions on the easiest way to find this out?

 

[tommays]

Re: Fuel Gauge problem

just wondering why you think it doesent work ?<br /><br />most usally tell you its full and empty and dont due to great of a job in between because they really never sit to level in the water<br /><br />at least not if you expecting it to be like a car and show 3/4,1/2,1/4 of a tank <br /><br /><br />tommays

 

[CntrySngr]

Re: Fuel Gauge problem

Originally posted by tommays:<br /> just wondering why you think it doesent work ?<br /><br />most usally tell you its full and empty and dont due to great of a job in between because they really never sit to level in the water<br /><br />at least not if you expecting it to be like a car and show 3/4,1/2,1/4 of a tank <br /><br /><br />tommays

It was always on empty, even with a full tank. I pulled out the sending unit and it was completely rusted. I replaced it with a $30 universal sender/floater and it works beautifully now!! I'm not going for the in betweens, I just want to know when I am close to E so I can head to the marina for more fuel.

 

[olbuddyjack]

Re: Fuel Gauge problem

I replaced it with a $30 universal sender/floater and it works beautifully now!!

I love a country song with a happy ending...

 

[CntrySngr]

Re: Fuel Gauge problem

Originally posted by olbuddyjack:<br />I love a country song with a happy ending...

I think I hear my drummer doing a rim tap!