fuel gauge
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Tuned
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 400
Likes: 2
From: South Texas
fuel gauge
I have an '88 bronco that sat for about six months. I went to fuel it up and it still marks on the E. It seems to move slightly but not like it should. I am thinking the float that marks the gauge is stuck from sitting but I have never seen the mechanism so I don't know if it has a float or not. I was going to go beat on the tank to see if that knocks it loose but thought I would get some input here first.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 444
Likes: 0
Beating on the tank won't help anything but maybe get your frustration out. There is a float inside the tank. It's attached to the sender and the fuel pump. I have been told that it is not uncommon for the floats to somehow crack and get filled with fuel and drop to the bottom. I've been battling a fuel gauge problem for 2+ years. Check the connection at the top of the tank. Check the wires for any breaks. The only two ways of getting to the sender are to drop the tank which can be a hassle, or cut a hole through the body from the top and get to it that way. I've done both and the going through the bed is way easier. Could also be the gauge itself, or as I have also been made aware, it could be the voltage regulator that is attached to the dash on the backside. At least it is on my 86. Anyway...
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 655
Likes: 0
From: Miami
I took a diffrent route. Ford said that I could not get the fuel sender without buying the whole assembly which includes pump for $150 +. I have a carb. So what I did what buy a marine universal fuel sender and installed it in the tank. I still have to wire the truck, but I will let you know if it works. The marine sender uses am standard ohm. reading that most gauges use. Worst case scenario is that I have to install a universal gauge, Summit sells them, No biggie. I will post when the truck is wired up, and let ya'll know what happens! I will attempt to use the stock gauge first.
Al
Al
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 444
Likes: 0
I just thought of another option. I was at the dealer last Sat. and was asking the parts guy about my gauge problem. Our senders/fuel pumps are sold as all one unit ($180.00). But the ones in a 94 F150 can be bought seperately for about $55.00. He said if anything, buy the sender for a F150 and just swap in the sender part. I've studied mine and it will come right off the pump. Clip a wire and now its really off. Just attach the new one, re-connect the wire and it should be ready to go. He was skeptical of the "universals" being able to work. But that could have just been the "salesman" part of him.
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 655
Likes: 0
From: Miami
Removing the sender from the pick-up does not seem that difficult. I would just compare the two before trying the install, sounds like a plan to me. I am eventually going to eliminate all factory gauges and install mechanical with actual numbers. So if the universal does not work with the factory gauge,or does work with factory gauge, you guy's will be the first to know.
Al
Al
