Ran out of gas today, fuel gauge is way off. (Update! New possible problem)

[_chris_]

Re: Ran out of gas today, fuel gauge is way off. (Update! New possible problem)

How did you fix it?

On mine the tank was easy to get ot so I poped the top off an replaced the rubber hose with a more rigid one that could not flex like that. If your tank is under your floor and not easy to get to I would start with the other suggestions and save this for a last resort as it is not common but could happen.

 

[wajajaja02]

Re: Ran out of gas today, fuel gauge is way off. (Update! New possible problem)

pull the leads off the gauge and the sender and clean them and coat them with some Vaseline, could be a electrical resistance issue. intermittent, fluctuates with the voltage of the alternator.

 

[Billdc]

Re: Ran out of gas today, fuel gauge is way off. (Update! New possible problem)

first year with my boat and at first I was filling it every time out. Then I thought "hey it would be easier to tow with a half tank". My usual day is run about 5 miles to anchor followed by an hour or so of towing a tube or skier. Well, during the seventh day of doing so, I'm bragging to a friend who is with us " Yea this thing is great on gas, I still have half a tank". On the way in I notice the gauge is on E, I'm guessing the bottom half of the tank is about 5 gallons. Made it about 300 yards from the dock where we had to yell at some guys just putting in and they helped us out. Now I'm back to filling up every Saturday morning.

 

[captharv]

Re: Ran out of gas today, fuel gauge is way off. (Update! New possible problem)

Two things in life which are deemed untrustworthy: Boat gas gauges and a salesman on commission. DIstruct either with a factor of 10 or .1...
Seriously, go to radio sack and buy 3 resistors: 33 ohm; 100 Ohm, and 240 Ohm. Disconnect the sender at the tank and substitute the resistors, one at a time.
Turn on the key but do not start the engine.
240 Ohm=Empty
100 Ohm = 1/2
33 Ohm = Full

BTW, this works for gas, oil and temperature gauges, for both Teleflex and Faria. If the connections are dirty or corroded the gauge will read lower than normal.

The above advice about the sender is right on. If you have a multimeter, the sender can be tested with readings as above.