Problem with fuel gauge

mlpaskett

Seaman
Joined
Feb 23, 2010
Messages
52
My fuel gauge seems to have suddenly died. What tests can I perform to identify the faulty part(s). The gauge does not even appear to have any life at all when I turn the key on.

Thanks,

Mark
 

CobiaXL

Banned
Joined
Mar 8, 2010
Messages
353
Re: Problem with fuel gauge

My fuel gauge seems to have suddenly died. What tests can I perform to identify the faulty part(s). The gauge does not even appear to have any life at all when I turn the key on.

Thanks,

Mark
Check connections behind the dash.Also on the sending unit at tank...If all looks good pull your sending unit and make sure its moving up and down and float isn't saturated with fuel.Use a ohm meter to check if signal is correct,If all is good there then I would say new fuel gauge is in order...
 

mlpaskett

Seaman
Joined
Feb 23, 2010
Messages
52
Re: Problem with fuel gauge

Thanks, but will the above test rule out the float, the gauge, both or neither? The sad part is the boat (and therefore gauges) is only 2 years new. :(

--Mark
 

boat1010

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Mar 10, 2009
Messages
781
Re: Problem with fuel gauge

Testing the float you will take it out and read resistance. When you move the float up and down the resistance should increase and decrease. Is the boat "new" or just new to you? If new two years is not good. I would sure lean toward the bad connections.
 

mlpaskett

Seaman
Joined
Feb 23, 2010
Messages
52
Re: Problem with fuel gauge

Boat is new. Has only been used one season. Gauge actually quit working at end of last season and I decided not to worry about it til now. Will check connections and see if I can borrow a tester to test the resistance. Will also check fuses (again)

Thanks
 

mlpaskett

Seaman
Joined
Feb 23, 2010
Messages
52
Re: Problem with fuel gauge

Connections seem solid. All fuses in block are good. Could there possibly be an in-line fuse hidden somewhere? The back light on the gauge works.
 

Beefer

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Aug 4, 2008
Messages
1,737
Re: Problem with fuel gauge

Double check the connections. Check the sender/float for functionality, but because nothing happens when you turn the key (it doesn't momentarily jump, right?), I'm really feeling wiring.

Are all the other electronics and gauges working properly? Simplest would be a ground, but that would usually have an affect to the other components tied into the same ground.
 

seabob4

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Jun 10, 2008
Messages
1,603
Re: Problem with fuel gauge

First things first. Knowing that the ground on the sender is "good", remove it and touch it to the sender lead (pink wire). The gauge should peg to full. If it doesn't, then chances are your sender is shot. Senders go bad WAY before fuel gauges...
 

Beefer

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Aug 4, 2008
Messages
1,737
Re: Problem with fuel gauge

Listen to seabob4 - he's the marine electrical guru.

Bob, you should right a book. Seriously!
 

mlpaskett

Seaman
Joined
Feb 23, 2010
Messages
52
Re: Problem with fuel gauge

Thanks. I have checked all connections. I will perform test as Bob suggests. I am a little confused about it though. Do I have to remove the float\sender from the tank to perform test? When I checked the wiring at the float\sender, there were 2 wires. A black wire (ground?) and a red wire...I guess it could be pink (sender wire?) These leads were "permanantly" crimped to the wires that lead to the gauge. Should I cut the wires and remove the permanant crimps and replace them with connectors that can be detached when necessary?

I will try and upload some pics later today.
 

seabob4

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Jun 10, 2008
Messages
1,603
Re: Problem with fuel gauge

Thanks. I have checked all connections. I will perform test as Bob suggests. I am a little confused about it though. Do I have to remove the float\sender from the tank to perform test? When I checked the wiring at the float\sender, there were 2 wires. A black wire (ground?) and a red wire...I guess it could be pink (sender wire?) These leads were "permanantly" crimped to the wires that lead to the gauge. Should I cut the wires and remove the permanant crimps and replace them with connectors that can be detached when necessary?

I will try and upload some pics later today.

You don't have to remove the sender or the wires there (black and pink). Simply attach a length of wire to a ground (either the batt or a ground bus bar), and touch it to the pink. If the sender is good, the gauge will peg to full. A sender works on resistance, not voltage (although the gauge needs voltage as it is an electrical gauge). Almost all senders are 33-240 ohms, with 33 being full, 240 empty.

I would also make sure the terminals on the gauge are good and snug. Most gauges have threaded posts so put a wrench on the nuts. Some gauges use quick-disconnect (spade) terminals. It helps to pull the leads off and squeeze down a little on the "ears" of the quick-disconnects...

Beefer, thanks for the compliment. I'd rather write a book on Proline, Stamas, Wellcraft, etc., now THOSE might be a fun read!:eek:
 

Silvertip

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Sep 22, 2003
Messages
28,771
Re: Problem with fuel gauge

There are no fuses in the fuel gauge circuit. This is an electrical issue. Go to the ELECTRICAL forum and use the SEARCH feature using the terms FUEL GAUGE PROBLEM. Diagrams, instructions, and test points are all spelled out -- probably about 75 times by now. I did it twice yesterday.
 
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