|
|
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 929
ChatMaster - 750
|
OP
ChatMaster - 750
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 929 |
The prior owner installed an after market polyethylene, I think, gas tank.
-The fuel gauge reads full constantly regardless of the amount of gas in tank.
-Any ideas what might be the problem?
Thank you,
Mike A
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 775
ChatMaster - 750
|
|
ChatMaster - 750
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 775 |
The original gas gauge is a resistance type device and has to be grounded to the car. Maybe the ground is not there since the tank is now plastic and not steel. Try running a wire from the frame to the body of the gas gauge.
On the other hand, the gauge may be installed correctly but isn't providing the correct resistance so the dash unit always thinks the tank is full. Tougher problem but you would need to remove the gauge and check if it gives the correct resistance through the range of operation.
Or it could be a short in the wire to the gauge. You'll have to dig around, try different things to solve the problem.
Brian
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 929
ChatMaster - 750
|
|
OP
ChatMaster - 750
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 929 |
The original gas gauge is a resistance type device and has to be grounded to the car. Maybe the ground is not there since the tank is now plastic and not steel. Try running a wire from the frame to the body of the gas gauge.
On the other hand, the gauge may be installed correctly but isn't providing the correct resistance so the dash unit always thinks the tank is full. Tougher problem but you would need to remove the gauge and check if it gives the correct resistance through the range of operation.
Thank you for the suggestion, haven't troubleshot electrical in many years. The ground amongst other suggestions makes good sense.
Thank you,
Mike A
Or it could be a short in the wire to the gauge. You'll have to dig around, try different things to solve the problem.
Brian
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 2,323 Likes: 6
ChatMaster - 2,000
|
|
ChatMaster - 2,000
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 2,323 Likes: 6 |
If you disconnect the wire to the tank sender, the gauge should read full. If you then place a ground wire on that terminal, it should read empty. That will check your gauge.
With the wire to the sending unit disconnected, an ohms reading to ground should be somewhere between 30 and 0. That will check out your tank sender, ground to the sender body and the wire to it.
My 1951 1 Ton is now on the road! My 38 Master 4 Door is also now on the road .
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,069 Likes: 9
ChatMaster - 1,000
|
|
ChatMaster - 1,000
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,069 Likes: 9 |
1946 Chevy 3100 1/2 Ton Pickup Purchased 11/18/17 Sold 9/20
1948 Chevy Fleetmaster Coupe, Purchased 6/20/2010
1965 Chevy ll 350 Purchased Feb 2021. 3-speed Saginaw Hurst Floor Shifter 3.08 Rear End
2019 Ford Ranger Lariat Super Crew
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,306
ChatMaster - 2,000
|
|
ChatMaster - 2,000
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,306 |
Hi Keith,
Thanks for the heads up on an inciteful internet magazine. The tech tips you steered us to are especially helpful. I have been trying to recondition my wiper motors with a soaking in transmission fluid this publication recommends brake fluid. Lots of other good tips.
Thanks, Mike
Mike 41 Chevy
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 929
ChatMaster - 750
|
|
OP
ChatMaster - 750
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 929 |
That is a good article giving clear instructions. Thanks again, Mike A
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,069 Likes: 9
ChatMaster - 1,000
|
|
ChatMaster - 1,000
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,069 Likes: 9 |
Does the sender have a ground wire? With polyethylene tank you need a separate ground wire.
1946 Chevy 3100 1/2 Ton Pickup Purchased 11/18/17 Sold 9/20
1948 Chevy Fleetmaster Coupe, Purchased 6/20/2010
1965 Chevy ll 350 Purchased Feb 2021. 3-speed Saginaw Hurst Floor Shifter 3.08 Rear End
2019 Ford Ranger Lariat Super Crew
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 6,149 Likes: 42
ChatMaster - 6,000
|
|
ChatMaster - 6,000
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 6,149 Likes: 42 |
With a polythene tank you will need to have a earth wire as the guage does need a complete circuit to operate correctly.
Tony
1938 1/2 ton Hope to drive it before I retire
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 929
ChatMaster - 750
|
|
OP
ChatMaster - 750
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 929 |
Thanks all for the advice. While working on my car today I was aware of a green wire coming from the gas tank sending unit area and hoped it would be the ground. I stripped the shield and grounded it to the frame. Low and behold I have a half tank of gas actually. Woopeee. One less problem to worry about.
Mike A
|
|
|
|
|
