Fuel Gauge Problem

[wippel]

My fuel gauge on my boat always reads 3/4 of a tank. It's a used boat that I just bought so I don't know any history. I do know however that it reads 3/4 even when it is empty. I had to get towed this weekend because of it <br /><br />I assume by either opening or shorting the wires to the sender I should see the needle move full/empty or vise versa. I assume the sending unit should provide some variable resistance.<br /><br />My question is, if it is the sender, how do I replace it. Do I need an completely empty tank to do this safely, or is there really no risk beyond the usual risks associated with filling up the tank? It's a 20 year old boat and I assume it's the original guage.<br /><br />Any suggestions are appreciated.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Fuel Gauge Problem

To test the gauge, make sure the key is in the off position. Remove the sending wire from the center terminal on the sending unit. Run a ground wire from the sending wire to the battery ground or any engine ground, as long as it's away from the tank. Turn the key to the on position and ground out the wire. Gauge should go to full reading if it's good. If it is good, the sender in the tank is bad. To replace the sender, remove the 5 or 6 screws that hold it to the tank and pull it out. It's basically just a float on an arm that reads the fuel level and sends a signal to the gauge. You can buy a new sender pretty cheap. They come with detailed instructions on how to install the new one. No need to empty the tank. It's pretty straightforward to do.<br /><br />Just like this one: You will need to know the depth of your tank<br /><br /> Fuel Sender