Notices
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Early Eighties Bullnose Ford Truck

Sending unit connector?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Apr 11, 2018 | 09:17 PM
  #1  
Christopher Workman's Avatar
Christopher Workman
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: Craigsville
Sending unit connector?

What does the fuel sending unit connector look like on a 1986 F-250 4.9l 300 Straight 6?(Mechanical fuel pump on engine, with carb)
We've been wondering since we bought the truck why the gas gauge doesn't work.
My mother's boyfriend was under my truck today & saw this connector's wires are cut in half & it's not connected to anything, just hanging from the frame near the tank. We can't see the unit without dropping the tank?
It 's a female connector with two holes, a yellow / green striped wire, & a black ground wire. If not the sending unit, what would this go to?


???
 
Reply
Old Apr 11, 2018 | 09:52 PM
  #2  
NumberDummy's Avatar
NumberDummy
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 790
From: Simi Valley, CA
Club FTE Gold Member
Don't know if this pic will be of any help:

 
Reply
Old Apr 12, 2018 | 10:03 AM
  #3  
Franklin2's Avatar
Franklin2
Moderator
25 Year Member
Photogenic
Community Builder
Community Influencer
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 57,027
Likes: 2,762
From: Virginia
Club FTE Gold Member
Your sending unit wiring is on page 95 in this link.

Fuel Tank Selector & Gauges - ???Gary's Garagemahal

Did your truck have dual tanks at one time? Maybe someone changed the bed? In the diagram, if you have a single tank the wire to the sending unit should be yellow/white and a black wire.

If you had dual tanks at one time, the front tank wire would be darkblue/yellow, the rear tank would be yellow/lightblue. Also remember the colors on the wires fade over the years and can look different. But that does look like a sending unit connector.

Look at your heat controls, if there is a switch way over in the right side area of the heat controls that says front/rear, then you did have dual tanks at one time.

Another check you can do; Turn the key to run, engine off, and then take a testlight or voltmeter and probe the two wires in the plug. You should get a flashing voltage. If you do, while watching the fuel gauge, take a jumper wire and short the two wires in the plug together. The fuel gauge should move.
 
Reply
Old Apr 12, 2018 | 01:29 PM
  #4  
1986F150six's Avatar
1986F150six
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 6,477
Likes: 19
From: Sheffield, AL
Sometimes, you can lower the tank by loosening the bolts, but not enough for it to drop all the way. You can reach to the top and use a mirror to examine.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
TonyJestis
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
2
Jul 5, 2010 06:20 PM
spotamiss
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
7
Mar 18, 2009 09:24 PM
cowboyty
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
4
Aug 9, 2006 12:20 PM
NJbronco138
1978 - 1996 Big Bronco
6
Aug 16, 2003 12:49 PM
rambleramcnut
Electrical Systems/Wiring
5
Jul 29, 2003 05:20 AM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:14 AM.

story-0
10 Ways Ford is LOSING to the Competition

Slideshow: 10 ways Ford is losing to the competition

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-15 09:52:01


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now

Some great targets in today's expensive world.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-15 09:35:19


VIEW MORE
story-2
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-3
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-4
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-5
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-6
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-7
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-8
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-9
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