Fuel gage

[Brad Woodward]

So I start my boat up to go out sailing yesterday and the fuel gage needle goes from E to below E. I always keep a full tank so, unless someone stole ALL my fuel, which they didn't as I was able to run the engine for over an hour, there is something wrong with my gage. I thought it might be a loose or shorted wire so I checked the wires at the tank took them off, cleaned the connections and put them back. Same results. Pulled the Gage's out and did the same with the back of the Fuel gage, still moving in the wrong direction when I turn on the ignition. Anyone with experience with these? I'm thinking my gage has gone bad. I think it is the original. I have a 1986 30'.

 

[Admiral]

Could be a stuck sending unit/float.

When was the last time you had the boat out?

 

[Maine Sail]

Check the resistance (Ohms) on the sender. What is the reading? If it is between 33 & 240 Ohms then you have a bad gauge. If you get no reading, or badly out of range, bad sender.

To test sender place one lead of DVM on the center post, where the wire connects, then one lead on the round aluminum part of sender (the part the bolts to the tank)....

 

[bobcat30]

Check the resistance (Ohms) on the sender. What is the reading? If it is between 33 & 240 Ohms then you have a bad gauge. If you get no reading, or badly out of range, bad sender.

To test sender place one lead of DVM on the center post, where the wire connects, then one lead on the round aluminum part of sender (the part the bolts to the tank)....

I just replaced the sender. THat is 99% of the issues in fuel tanks. Easy and cheap to do. About $30 for the part.

 

[bobcat30]

I just replaced the sender. THat is 99% of the issues in fuel tanks. Easy and cheap to do. About $30 for the part.

REplace the sender. I don't know why my entire message didn't come thru.