Failing Fuel Gauge

[Jason]

Slowly over time I have noticed my fuel gauge is reading worse and worse. It will read 3/4 when full and empty when at 1/2. I checked the ohm resistance of my sending unit which seems correct. 35-240 ohms from empty to full. I think my gauge is reading incorrectly. I want to keep the original look so would like to get mine recalibrated or rebuilt. Anyone know of anyone that can do this?

[ChfBrianB]

I noticed this weekend that I was having fuel gauge problems too...  I went to the pump and filled it till the pump popped and the fuel shut off.  Then, I did that one more time and figured that it was topped off.

The gauge was only reading 3/4 when Red and I went out and ran for 30 minutes that evening.

The next morning I put 6 gallons more into the tank with a fuel can.

I can never be quite certain with that silly gas gauge.  If there was a way to have it rebuilt, I would be interested.

[Jason]

I was thinking it was not full too but when it reads empty I can stick a rod down in the tank and see that it is still about half full. I can see directly into my tank through the fill hole. I would rather have a broken fuel gauge then aftermarket. Trying to keep her looking original!

[badgercarlson]

I had that same problem.  Got a new float (something like $20) and the problem was gone.

[badgercarlson]

I should have said I got a new sending unit instead of referring to it as a float.

[David CVX-16]

There are alot of auto gauge places, but not marine. Try

http://www.markclawson.com/

Marine dealers may have contacts, or boat restoration firms in Minnesota

Another thought is to get a replacement as a repair may cost more. 

[Jason]

My tank/sending unit is only 3 years old. Kind of doubt that's it but guess i've seen worse quality in new parts lately...... That does make sense though if it's a problem that is slowly getting worse as the float would be slowly filling with fuel. I'll fill my tank and check the ohms. should be 240 ohms when full.


Can't make anything good (in America) anymore can they?!

[David CVX-16]

I had matching Quicksilver Squarefaced speedometer, tachometer and 15 PSI water pressure gauges. The water pressure gauge broke down twice with stuck indicator needles and I gave up on Quicksilver and bought a Livorsi gauge that somewhat matched. It has never broken down and it is American made.

http://www.livorsi.com/

[Rosscoe]

Another thing might be to hook a new one up and see of the problem persists. If not, maybe mount it in an un-conspicuous place and leave the orginal in the dash.

[Jason]

Well, it turned out to be the 3 year old sending unit. Like I said, they don't make them like they used to. There were these little metal clips holding the float in place on a steel shaft. Well, after bouncing off 300 waves it moved one of the clips down the shaft so then the float was not placed properly. I little welding and the fuel gauge is accurate again! Thanks for the help guys.

[David CVX-16]

My fuel gauge is to lift the 6 gallon tanks and judge how many gallons are left by the weight since the 30 year glass indicators on top of the tank indicating the tank level are so dirty and warped. I removed the sending units and floats and just go by the weight of the tank. Plus I take two or three tanks.

In your case, you have built in tanks and a fuel gauge is necessary.

[Jerry]

David, 4 screws and they're off to clean up. I got new gaskets at Sea-Way Marine in Seattle.  My gauge is - - when it quits, switch tanks.

Also there is a shop in Bloomington that specializes in restoring old gauges. They changed my 6Volt gauge to 12 for my 48 Plymouth.

[David CVX-16]

Nice tanks Jerry. Gas tanks over the years really look yucky and so nice when refinished.

[V153]

My gauge is - - when it quits, switch tanks.

Ha ha ha! Yup that method usually works for me too Jerry. HOWEVER: It only works if'n yer other tank(s) have any fuel in 'em ...  (Oops!)

The only other problem I can see with this theory is when ya have to swap tanks at an inopportune time. Say like right in the middle of the Venice Inlet on a particularly nasty day with the tide running out & the wind blowing in? That'll kick the adrenaline up a notch lemme tell ya ...

One nice thing about portable plastic tanks is you can see the fuel through them. In my case I just look over my shoulder & rock the wheel side to side a lil and voila! Instant fuel gauge.


Edit. Hey I ain't got me no fancy curtain like David ...