Fuel gauge

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Oct 5, 2009 | 06:03 PM

SmallBlockV8

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Fuel gauge

I have an 82 F-250 and I went to a parts store to get a separate fuel gauge because the one in it doesnt work so I was just going to re-wireit to a new gauge and the book at the parts store had three different kinds each with different ohms to the gauge so I was wondering what the difference was or should I just choose one? Would it work the same if it isnt the right one for what I am putting it in? Thanks

Oct 5, 2009 | 08:03 PM

ctubutis

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From: Denver Metro Area, CO

Are you sure it's the dash gauge that's causing your problem? Most of these problems are
caused by worn out sending units in the tanks.

Oct 5, 2009 | 08:10 PM

Redneck1465

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I agree test your current gauge to see if thats the problem otherwise its more than likely your sending unit thats causing the issue.

Oct 6, 2009 | 03:59 PM

Fang6

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The ohm range should be 78 ohms empty 10 ohms full. I would check both sender and gauge before buying parts like said above.

Oct 6, 2009 | 04:47 PM

SmallBlockV8

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sending unit

I have a brand new tank and sending unit from a 1988 ford bronco, would that sending unit work in my tank, its a single 20 gallon tank.

Oct 6, 2009 | 05:04 PM

Fang6

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Not sure of the ohm range that late. Take the sender out and put an ohm meter on it and check the ohms at empty and at full. The ealy 80's range is 78 ohm empty 10 ohms full and the later (89 and up?) is 16 ohms empty and 158 ohms full.
Is the old tank a 20 gal also? Tank depth will have a lot to do with sender reading as the float may not reach down far enough in a bigger tank.

Oct 6, 2009 | 06:54 PM

SmallBlockV8

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sending unit

The tank is probably around 20 gallons but it is shaped different so I dont really know, are the fuel injected sending units different than the carburated ones I know it has the same hook up but I dont know about the ohms.

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Oct 6, 2009 | 09:34 PM

ctubutis

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From: Denver Metro Area, CO

Quote:

Originally Posted by SmallBlockV8

are the fuel injected sending units different than the carbureted ones

Yes, quite different; the EFI sending units have in-tank electric pumps
incorporated into them, carburated ones don't.

Remove the wire from the sending unit, the gauge should swing fully in one
direction (I believe E but am not certain). Ground it to the frame, the gauge
should swing fully to the other direction. If these tests pass, your wiring & dash
gauge are OK and the sending unit needs attention.

If/when you remove the thing, pry up the three tabs that are holding on the
triangular-shaped cover and look inside of it, your problem should be
self-evident at that point.