Gas/Fuel guage bouncing - Engine light
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New User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 3
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From: Garner, NC
Gas/Fuel guage bouncing - Engine light
I have an '88 F-150 XLT Lariat with dual fuel tanks. Apparently when the fuel drops to the 1/4 tank mark, the guage just starts bouncing around.
I'm guessing it has something to do with the sending units.
If you've run into this problem and know what the cure is, I'd be most appreciative. I'd like to get this truck into shape to start towing a boat. I'm not sure I trust it right now.
I've also noticed that the engine light comes on when I'm at idle and the engine is hot which seems to be caused by a lack of oil pressure. I don't hear valves clicking so I'm wondering if the oil pressure sensor is bad as well. Again, any info you have will be appreciated.
I'm planning on getting a high volume oil pump which will hopefully keep the engine light off. At a Stop light, I can switch from D to N and the light goes off immediately. The difference in RPMs is only about 200.
HELP!
I'm guessing it has something to do with the sending units.
If you've run into this problem and know what the cure is, I'd be most appreciative. I'd like to get this truck into shape to start towing a boat. I'm not sure I trust it right now.
I've also noticed that the engine light comes on when I'm at idle and the engine is hot which seems to be caused by a lack of oil pressure. I don't hear valves clicking so I'm wondering if the oil pressure sensor is bad as well. Again, any info you have will be appreciated.
I'm planning on getting a high volume oil pump which will hopefully keep the engine light off. At a Stop light, I can switch from D to N and the light goes off immediately. The difference in RPMs is only about 200.
HELP!
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 582
Likes: 5
From: Kelowna B.C.
Gas/Fuel guage bouncing - Engine light
Sounds like your sender unit is going in the fuel tank. If you can live with the bounce leave it till it's time to do a fuel pump. You have a presure switch not a sender unit for your oil presure and it trips at about 7 lbs so your dopping below that if its right. check it with a mechanical gauge. If it says your low on presure check your bottom end tolerances when your doing the oil pump. A high volume pump wont make up for bearings that are out of spec.
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2003
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Gas/Fuel guage bouncing - Engine light
Mrwizard, he said the engine light, not the Check engine light. there will not be a code for the red engine light.
You need to get a real oil pressure gauge and get a measurement. I have this problem right now same as yours. I just had the pump and screen replaced because of a clogged screen. I think the cam baerings are shot because of it, but not sure. I have no knock or lifter tap. I understand, I worry about it too.
Right now: looking for a good used short block, but driving it just the same.
Mine is an '88 also w/ 351w and 4x4
You need to get a real oil pressure gauge and get a measurement. I have this problem right now same as yours. I just had the pump and screen replaced because of a clogged screen. I think the cam baerings are shot because of it, but not sure. I have no knock or lifter tap. I understand, I worry about it too.
Right now: looking for a good used short block, but driving it just the same.
Mine is an '88 also w/ 351w and 4x4
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Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,987
Likes: 7
From: Memphis, TN
Gas/Fuel guage bouncing - Engine light
The '87-89 engine warning light is just a low oil-pressure light, but most people call the CEL the "engine" light. I thought the engine warning light was only used on diesels. The Haynes manual has some errors in that circuit.
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