Gauge problem

[Speedwagon]

Friend's boat(using my boat lift while I fix mine, so I get to use the boat), 85 Century. Has what I believe to be original gauges, made by Faria. The fuel gauge doesn't work, so I tried to put my Teleflex gauge in today. My gauge worked fine last expedition of my boat. <br /><br />The gauge turns on, but it looks like it's trying to go the wrong way? Are the fuel level sending units universal? Or are they specific to the gauge?

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: Gauge problem

Sending units send a universal signal although there are several types. The gauge is rarely at fault for a non-working situation. It's usually the sender, or corroded connections on the sender.

 

[Speedwagon]

Re: Gauge problem

Originally posted by WillyBWright:<br /> Sending units send a universal signal although there are several types. The gauge is rarely at fault for a non-working situation. It's usually the sender, or corroded connections on the sender.

Well, I tested for voltage at the gauge side, and all voltages were present. 12V across ignition/ground, and about 9V across sender/ground.

 

[gspig]

Re: Gauge problem

There are 2 resistance ranges used for fuel gauges. Check the manufacturer's websites to confirm that the guages share the same ranges. You may also need to pull the sending unit and see if it is operating through the resistance range.

 

[studlymandingo]

Re: Gauge problem

Can you get to the sending unit readily? If so, jump across the wires and see if the gauge goes to full. If so: bad sending unit; if no: bad wiring or gauge.

 

[Speedwagon]

Re: Gauge problem

I seem to have found my answer. The tempo fuel level senders run 30-240 ohms. Teleflex runs 240-33 ohms. So I'd guess that Teleflex and Faria run in reverse of each other, which would explain why the need goes down a bit when I power things on now.