fuel gauge not reading

[rasbury]

I boought a "new" 2007 Tahoe that only had about 20 hours on it....nice boat,but learning about it! The fuel gauge does not appear to be working properely. When you turn the power off, it goes down to empty but when you turn the power on it goes to full and does not budge as fuel is used. Is there anything mechanical inside the tank that might just be sticking from sitting so many years? It seemed to work when I bought it earlier this year, seems like it quit working when I put a battery charger on it maybe? All the other guages seem to work fine....

Also, If I want to change the plugs, are they "marine' unique or just a trip to the auto parts store? Where can I get a service manual at a reasonalble price? Mercrusier wants $150 I think it was....it's a 3.0L 4 cylinder....

Thanks for any input!

Rick

 

[rasbury]

Re: fuel gauge not reading

ps, If someone will give me a step by step and talk to me like I'm in forth grade, I can probably figure it out...I do have a meter also!

Rick

 

[jhebert]

Re: fuel gauge not reading

Is there anything mechanical inside the tank that might just be sticking...

Most electrically operated remote fuel tank level gauges rely on a sender unit on the tank to provide a variation in electrical current to signal fuel tank level. The current is varied by changing the resistance of the sender. The resistance of the sender is typically changed by being mechanically linked to a float on a lever arm in the fuel tank. These mechanical links can become stuck.

Also, check the electrical circuit from the remote gauge to the sender on the tank. If there are any short circuits to ground the fuel level will appear to always read the same.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: fuel gauge not reading

I can't make it any simpler than saying do a search for FUEL GAUGE PROBLEM and you will be presented with well over 50 of the same or nearly the same test procedures and diagrams. Oh heck -- I'll tease you with the diagram.
It's about time people learned to use this feature. The test procedure was just explained in a few posts above yours. Did not the term "Fuel Gauge" peak your interest? I don't mean to be critical. I'm trying to teach people how to help themselves to the information here.