Gas gauge question
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Jun 2024
Posts: 28
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Gas gauge question
Is there a way to calibrate or check the accuracy of my dashboard gas gauge? It will show 1/4 full for my front tank and i usually put about 6.5 gallons in and that makes the gauge go up to just under the max fullness on the gauge. Reading online shows that the tank holds about 16 gallons. Any thoughts?
Tuned
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 345
Likes: 25
From: Michiana
Well If it was me... Since you said front tank, guessing you have 2 tanks. As long as the rear tank works. I would run the front tank dry. (Yea, not the best thing, but have done it to mine for a long time.) Then drive on rear tank till you hit a gas station.
Ok, when you have some time... And it is slow at the gas station... If you "think" it is a 16 gallon tank. I would put in about 4-5 gallons. (after running dry) You can stay at pump and run the truck a minute or 2... Let gauge stabilize. That will show you where 1/4 would be. (I would write this down.) Then give it another 4 or so gallons. Run truck and see where the gauge is reading... Should be half tank. Another 4 and that is 3/4, check gauge again, and then fill it up. That will tell you total capacity. Plus give you an idea how many gallons is 1/4-1/2-3/4.
There are other ways, pull the sending unit, check resistances. But if you have time this will give you an idea without you getting dirty.
Ok, when you have some time... And it is slow at the gas station... If you "think" it is a 16 gallon tank. I would put in about 4-5 gallons. (after running dry) You can stay at pump and run the truck a minute or 2... Let gauge stabilize. That will show you where 1/4 would be. (I would write this down.) Then give it another 4 or so gallons. Run truck and see where the gauge is reading... Should be half tank. Another 4 and that is 3/4, check gauge again, and then fill it up. That will tell you total capacity. Plus give you an idea how many gallons is 1/4-1/2-3/4.
There are other ways, pull the sending unit, check resistances. But if you have time this will give you an idea without you getting dirty.
Tuned
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 345
Likes: 25
From: Michiana
BTW as far as calibrate... Only way I know is bend the float arm a little at a time on the tank. Most of the time it is not worth the hassle... I would do the little test above and keep in mind what the levels are...
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Jun 2024
Posts: 28
Likes: 1
Thanks Brian Ski 44, I will try that test later this week. Thanks for the advice!
My4Fordtrucks: it’s a possibility because I know the previous owner had some parts replaced before that didn’t always match up. I’ll check the dimensions of the tank and see if it lines up with the 16 gallon tank dimensions.
My4Fordtrucks: it’s a possibility because I know the previous owner had some parts replaced before that didn’t always match up. I’ll check the dimensions of the tank and see if it lines up with the 16 gallon tank dimensions.
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