I do believe that NPD sells the float separately.
Fuel Gauge Not Working
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 432
Likes: 0
From: Germantown, MD
Fuel Gauge Not Working
The other day I put 40 bucks of gas in, which was about 10 gallons. The gauge read about 3/4 tank when I left the gas station. Then I drive about 5 miles to my house, and went inside for about 20 minutes. I came back out and as I was driving I noticed the gause read empty. This is the first time it's happened, and the gauge has read empty ever since. So, according to my gauge, the tank has been empty for the past couple days. When I turn on the truck the gauge moves up from its bottomed out position, and points right to E. Any ideas? Gauge? Sending unit?
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 8,786
Likes: 28
From: Northern California
It's not the gauge.
If it was the gauge it would not move up to empty like you describe, it would stay at the position like when the truck is off.
When the sending unit goes bad, they usually give wild innacurate readings, not just fail completely like a switch.
Since it happened so suddenly, I would guess the float sank, due to a hole or split in it. If the float is the cause, which I think is likely, in this case, you will have to improvise a float, because Ford doesn't sell the float and sender seperately for 1980 and newer vehicles.
I have used a float off of a 1979 and earlier truck with great success on my 1981, so you might be able to try that.
Hope this helps.
If it was the gauge it would not move up to empty like you describe, it would stay at the position like when the truck is off.
When the sending unit goes bad, they usually give wild innacurate readings, not just fail completely like a switch.
Since it happened so suddenly, I would guess the float sank, due to a hole or split in it. If the float is the cause, which I think is likely, in this case, you will have to improvise a float, because Ford doesn't sell the float and sender seperately for 1980 and newer vehicles.
I have used a float off of a 1979 and earlier truck with great success on my 1981, so you might be able to try that.
Hope this helps.
Postmaster
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 2,854
Likes: 0
This is probably the worst problem that seems to affect all F Series sooner or later. I just ignore the gauge and fill up every 300 miles, and I have a another full tank as a backup. I rotate the full spare tank so I don't get stale gas. Been working that way for probably 15 years now. I refuse to chase the problem with $$ to FoMoCo....it's their campaign of planned obsolescense.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 135
Likes: 0
Just bought a float at ----->LMC Truck Parts: Chevy Chevrolet Blazer S10 GMC Jimmy S15 Ford Bronco Ranger Pickup Pick Up Accessories/Catalogs
Don't forget to get the gasket that goes under the sending unit and lock ring. In fact...I bought a few of them.
Now I have to warn you...the 1st one they sent me had a hole in it and started the same crap with the gauge reading. SO before you install it, put it under water in the sink and look for ANY bubbles, the one I bought had a hole so tiny, a flea couldn't fart in it
. They {LMC} was cool about it ad sent another in a few days for free.
Now for the other fun part.....dropping the tank!!!
I ALSO found out AFTER dropping the tank that I DIDN'T have to
if you have a body lift, there is just enough room to take out the sending unit.
I used a piece of rebarb about 8 inches long and a hammer to "tap" the lock ring off. If it hasn't been taken off in a LONG time, you may have to buy a new lock ring because of breaking the tabs off the lock ring.
LMCtruck.com prices.....
*sending units $70 - $170
*Gasket/lock ring combo package $7.95
*Float $ 5.95
At the website...look at page 106 and 107
Don't forget to get the gasket that goes under the sending unit and lock ring. In fact...I bought a few of them.
Now I have to warn you...the 1st one they sent me had a hole in it and started the same crap with the gauge reading. SO before you install it, put it under water in the sink and look for ANY bubbles, the one I bought had a hole so tiny, a flea couldn't fart in it
. They {LMC} was cool about it ad sent another in a few days for free.Now for the other fun part.....dropping the tank!!!
I ALSO found out AFTER dropping the tank that I DIDN'T have to
if you have a body lift, there is just enough room to take out the sending unit.
I used a piece of rebarb about 8 inches long and a hammer to "tap" the lock ring off. If it hasn't been taken off in a LONG time, you may have to buy a new lock ring because of breaking the tabs off the lock ring.
LMCtruck.com prices.....
*sending units $70 - $170
*Gasket/lock ring combo package $7.95
*Float $ 5.95
At the website...look at page 106 and 107
Postmaster
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 2,854
Likes: 0
For that kind of money I'd rather just fill up every 300 miles, maybe even send that savings over to the Roth IRA.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 2,058
Likes: 424
From: Too close to Houston
I bought my floats at the Ford dealer and they weren't expensive at all. If you drop the tank go ahead and plan on cleaning it.
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