Fuel Gauge Problem

M

MGuckin

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jun 10, 2001
Messages
760
I have an 18 gallon built in fuel tank. When the key if off, needle is at rest. When the key is on, gauge always shows about 3/4 full. I have cleaned out the tank and made sure the float doesn't hang up on anything. Think it might be a bad sending unit. How can I check it? If it is, how do I now which type to get? No name on the gage. I think it is OEM on this boat. 1976 18' Starcraft. Would it be easier to change the guage and sending unit?<br />Thanks,<br />Mike
 
T

Trent

Captain
Joined
Nov 17, 2001
Messages
3,333
Re: Fuel Gauge Problem

Try this...Remove the wire at the fuel tank and ground it to a good ground with the ign. switch on. The gage should show FULL. If not its the gage and/or wiring. Gages
 
M

MGuckin

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jun 10, 2001
Messages
760
Re: Fuel Gauge Problem

Trent,<br />Thanks for the advise, have already done the short test, sorry I didn't mention that in my post. Which is why I suspected the sending unit. Local dealer told me today that if I brought them the sending unit they could match it for me. Universal sendng units, as long as they are the correct length, should work with all guages. Does this sound about right? Need to get this fixed fast. Don't like guessing on the amount of fuel I have left when I am going offshore.<br />Thanks Again,<br />Mike
 
A

almost retired again

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Feb 9, 2002
Messages
438
Re: Fuel Gauge Problem

Hi Mguckin,<br /> You can check the sending unit if you have it out of the tank with an ohmmeter. Put onr lead to ground terminal and the other one to the center terminal, move the float up and down and observe the meter. The meter should go up and down also
 
P

petryshyn

Commander
Joined
Oct 3, 2001
Messages
2,851
Re: Fuel Gauge Problem

MGuckin<br />Carefull on the "one size fits all"<br />The fuel senders not only have to be a right length, they must be the right resistance range for the gauge. Take the old one with you and compare the resistances at the vendor.....<br /><br />For three or four dollars, you can buy a potentiometer that will allow you to simulate a good sender. This will allow you to check for proper function of the gauge. The gauge also has two internal coils which are measureable with an ohmmeter..... :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top