New problem: gas gauge jumping around
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New problem: gas gauge jumping around
My 1988 F150 302 V8 dual tank truck has been running fine, but all of a sudden the gas gauge is jumping around, when til now it has accurately and steadily shown the fuel level. Is this the start of a bigger problem in the fuel system, or is the gas gauge just having a bad day?
Thanks for any help.
Frank.
Thanks for any help.
Frank.
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Yes, from what I have heard this is a common problem with this year of truck. Mine did the same thing since I bought the truck 2 years ago. It will stay on F for about 150 miles and then start going down really fast. Somebody may know what is going on, but you are not alone.
Bull
88 F-150 XLT Lariat, Ext cab, Long box
Bull
88 F-150 XLT Lariat, Ext cab, Long box
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From: Oak Harbor, OH
It is most likely just the fact that the floats are either cork or brass. They get soaked all day in gas, well the brass ones do develop leaks and fills with gas, and the cork ones slowly absorb it over time. What happens is that as the gas is used up the float drops into the gas, and sinks... It will read full on a full tank because of the density of the fuel, but as air is let into the tank the floats fill up and sink.
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From: 3rd Rock
Originally Posted by tinmandavidj
Ive got the same problem...any help out there?
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I too have an 88 with a quircky gas gage. Mine has moods. It either pegs at past full, reads right, or bounces all over the place. For about three years I have gone by my resettable odometer to judge when it was time to fill up. As I type this I have sitting next to me two boxes, each containing a new gas gauge sending unit. One for the front and one for the rear. I am told (and I hope it is true) that replacing these things will solve the problem. So I ran my front tank dry and when I get a chance I will drop it and change the part. If it works I will do the same to the rear. Cost for both was about $170.00. It pains me to say this but these parts are not made in the U.S. My local dealership said "not available" so I had to go aftermarket. Just a FYI, Karl.......
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