Notices
1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Fat Fendered and Classic Ford Trucks

Bouncing fuel gauge

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Feb 28, 2017 | 10:03 AM
  #1  
moejr's Avatar
moejr
Thread Starter
|
Fleet Mechanic
20 Year Member
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,688
Likes: 1,471
From: Mendon, Massachusetts
Bouncing fuel gauge

My truck has a Mustang fuel tank/sender with a Stewart Warner gauge, when the fuel drops the gauge starts bouncing around because of fuel sloshing in the tank. Any ideas on how to fix this? Thanks.
 
Reply
Old Feb 28, 2017 | 12:21 PM
  #2  
CharlieLed's Avatar
CharlieLed
Lead Driver
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,094
Likes: 654
From: Brentwood, TN
Club FTE Gold Member
The tank should have baffles to prevent this sloshing but if that is not an option then an electronic device would have to be inserted between the sender and the gauge. What this device does is sample the reading from the sender and average it over time before providing an input to the gauge. I designed one for a hot rod shop some time ago but I think that there are some available commercially today. You may want to check with Dakota Digital.
 
Reply
Old Feb 28, 2017 | 12:31 PM
  #3  
ALBUQ F-1's Avatar
ALBUQ F-1
Fleet Owner
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 27,299
Likes: 1,059
From: NM
Wouldn't a simple resistor/capacitor network across the leads dampen it?
 
Reply
Old Feb 28, 2017 | 01:08 PM
  #4  
CharlieLed's Avatar
CharlieLed
Lead Driver
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,094
Likes: 654
From: Brentwood, TN
Club FTE Gold Member
An R/C circuit might help somewhat but the "R" in the circuit would have to be the resistor in the sender, and that varies with the level of the fuel making the circuit function differently with the fuel level. An R/C circuit is best suited to an AC signal, in the case of the fuel level circuitry, the voltage is DC...at least when the fuel level is not varying wildly. Many gauges have this delay feature built into them.
 
Reply
Old Feb 28, 2017 | 05:23 PM
  #5  
moejr's Avatar
moejr
Thread Starter
|
Fleet Mechanic
20 Year Member
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,688
Likes: 1,471
From: Mendon, Massachusetts
Thanks, I'll check out Dakota Digital and see what they offer.......bummer S.W. didn't build a damper/buffer into the fuel gauge to compensate for this bounce Issue.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
makthenif
1997 - 2003 F150
1
Nov 21, 2013 03:46 PM
fourxdigger
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
1
Jul 26, 2007 01:04 PM
swhite005
Explorer, Sport Trac, Mountaineer & Aviator
6
Aug 3, 2005 12:54 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:22 PM.

story-0
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-2
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-4
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-7
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE