Gas Gauge Problem

jams · #1 (**permalink**) 02-02-2004, 03:40 PM

Gas Gauge Problem

Need some help with this one! About 10 months ago I noticed that the topside of my gas tank was caving in as if there was a suction/venting problem. Thanks to OHBOY’s suggestion I loosened the top straps holding the tank down and the tank cam back to life. (By the way B & B installed the straps) I only like to take the blame for my mishaps. A few months after the simple gas tank fix my gas gauge stopped working. It never goes below ¾ of a tank but it will move to a full tank if I fill it up. Before I go ripping things apart has anyone had a similar situation? Any suggestions??? I am thinking that the gas tank float may have gotten bent when the tank deformed?

Thanks

Bruce Edwards · #2 (**permalink**) 02-02-2004, 05:56 PM

I have not had that problem as we build our own tanks out of aluminum but it sounds like you have a bent float rod. Drop the tank and check that's the only way you will ever know for sure.

kajun · #3 (**permalink**) 03-14-2004, 03:14 PM

Hey Jams,

Did you ever get your gas gauge to work. Im having simlar problem.

Kajun

jams · #4 (**permalink**) 03-15-2004, 05:50 PM

I might have... I still need to take it for a test ride. Nothing was bent. The pivot point that the arm and float moves on was very tight. This would cause the arm and float to move to the top of the tank when filled with gas and basically stay there. I loosened up the joint so it moves more freely. The only problem with my solution may be the gauge may fluctuate to much as the gas moves around in the tank.

I guess I would rather have my gauge fluctuate a bit rather than not move at all. If you ask me the mechanism is not well designed. If the arm is to tight it will get stuck and if it's to loose it will cause the gauge to fluctuate.

I manually moved the float and the electronics works fine. Just be careful working around the gasoline fumes!!

There may be a better fix out there. Any suggestions...

Jim

dgcomps · #5 (**permalink**) 03-16-2004, 07:22 PM

Jams, I had the same problem and did the same thing you did. In the back of my mind, I still don't trust the gauge and fill up after 120 miles of driving.

jams · #6 (**permalink**) 03-17-2004, 10:00 AM

I agree, Keep the tank filled!

johnbb · #7 (**permalink**) 03-17-2004, 10:24 AM

I had a gas gauge problem after a pump replacement on my 96 Ranger. Turns out there is a hose clamp on the float/pump assembly. If the clamp is turned a certain way, the float arm would catch on it.
Johnbb

kajun · #8 (**permalink**) 03-20-2004, 05:56 AM

Jams,

Thanks for the input, it WORKS!!! Should have run some gas out of her what a mess. Wife had to leave the house for a hour or two because of the smell, so all wasn't lost.

Thanks
Kajun

meangreeny · #9 (**permalink**) 04-09-2004, 11:29 AM

had same problem - I just bent the stel rod that holds the float so it does not get stuck against the site of the tank allowing it to accurately read gas in tank. Remember - disconnect battery before working on gas tank.

dq