My fuel gauge stopped working-gctid401899

[Guest]

Today it showed 1/3 of a tank and it didn't move while I was out for about 2 hours. I added 6 gallons and it didn't move off 1/3 of a tank. All of the wires are connected.

Any tips on obtaining and installing a new sending unit?

[Guest]

doesn't have to be the sending unit (or worst case). Tap on the gauge and see whether it moves. These instruments aren't that high a quality that water or humidity doesn't hurt them.

A more difficult way to test the same is to disconnect one of the wires at the sending unit and if it remains on 1/3 you know it's the instrument.

The sender is relatively easy to change if it's the culprit. There's a plate with the sender mounted in the tank. Unbolt it and bolt the new one in. Make sure that you don't generate sparks while the sender hole is open. Don't want to read about you in the newspaper. The senders have a generic mounting plate and all you have to know is the height of your fuel tank. Available almost at any boating place. No need to pay the dealer prices.

[Guest]

Thanks for the information. I'll measure the height of the tank since I've already tried tapping on the gauge. Maybe I'll try tapping on the tank with my rubber hammer and see if the arm is stuck.

[Guest]

Any suggestions or experience with these two brands?

Amazon:

Moeller Marine Electric Fuel Tank Sending Unit (6" to 12" Deep Tanks)

by Moeller Marine

4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (15 customer reviews) | Like (1)

List Price: $32.29

Price: $24.21

Teleflex Universal Fuel Sender

Fuel Sender, 4-24" Tank Depth - Teleflex Marine

Sale Price: $35.29

Save: $16.70 (32% Off $51.99)

[Guest]

Jimmy, this is a relatively small purchase. Once Amazon adds on the shipping charges, you might be within $5.00 to $10.00 of buying locally. If you're near a walk in marine supply store, why don't you just take your old sending unit down there and ask them to match it up? That way you have a local recourse if something goes wrong without having to pay return shipping charges and you have a local contact for advice on installation.

On the other hand, if it is a significant difference in the bottom line, then buy online.

[Guest]

What are the chances the hinge is varnished up and stuck?

[Guest]

kvjimbo wrote:
Today it showed 1/3 of a tank and it didn't move while I was out for about 2 hours. I added 6 gallons and it didn't move off 1/3 of a tank. All of the wires are connected.

Any tips on obtaining and installing a new sending unit?

Just for grins, did you try filling the tank to full? My sender is not particularly accurate when the tank is low. I'm assuming a 24 gallon tank, so 6 gal is only 1/4.

[Guest]

I put in 6 gallons and it didn't move.

[Guest]

kvjimbo wrote:
I put in 6 gallons and it didn't move.

How big is your tank? In my boat 6 gallons is only 1/4 of the tank

And when you say it didn't move, you looked at the guage then put the gas in and then looked at it again?

My point is that with a shallow tank that if it is not full the fuel guage is all but useless at some angles. Mine varies wildly at 1/3 a tank depending on distribution of weight in the boat and plane angle.

[Guest]

It is either 18 or 24 gallons-I haven't looked at the capacity for a few years.

The gauge didn't move off of 1/3 of a tank after I added the 6 gallons.

[Guest]

It started working today. I think I'll pick up a gasket and pull it and spray some carb cleaner on the pivot area.

[Guest]

It now works about 50% of the time and reads various positions form 1/4 to full. I plan on picking up a gasket tomorrow.

Has anyone had success cleaning the pivot point on their float arm?