Broken fuel gauge
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Tell us how many of the following terms you understand:
Volt-ohm-milliampmeter. Reostat Float arm wire wound resister All of these things are needed for testing or are involved in the operation of a fuel level sensor system. Can you gain access to the top of your fuel tank? There will be four pipes or tubes comming from the top of the tank . One is for filling, it will be very large. The others will be much smaller, no bigger than a finger. There will also be a flat plate with perhaps 6-8 screws in the perimeter of it and an electrical connection in the center. This will be the fuel level sensor assembly. There should also be a wire attached to the tank as a ground. These wires go to the gage or meter and also to the batteries somewhere perhaps through the meter. If I have lost you at this point get a knowledgable friend to help.
Volt-ohm-milliampmeter. Reostat Float arm wire wound resister All of these things are needed for testing or are involved in the operation of a fuel level sensor system. Can you gain access to the top of your fuel tank? There will be four pipes or tubes comming from the top of the tank . One is for filling, it will be very large. The others will be much smaller, no bigger than a finger. There will also be a flat plate with perhaps 6-8 screws in the perimeter of it and an electrical connection in the center. This will be the fuel level sensor assembly. There should also be a wire attached to the tank as a ground. These wires go to the gage or meter and also to the batteries somewhere perhaps through the meter. If I have lost you at this point get a knowledgable friend to help.
easy to replace sender and float arm
As Ross has said, there is a sender and float arm inside the tank, attached by 6 screws on the top of the tank. Easily replaced at WM for like $25. Remove the old one, disconnect the wire. Reinstall the new one making sure the arm doesn't hit the sides and is free to move (see how old one was installed upon its removal. reconnect the wire and your good to go. Did mine and it was simple. Steph
As Ross has said, there is a sender and float arm inside the tank, attached by 6 screws on the top of the tank. Easily replaced at WM for like $25. Remove the old one, disconnect the wire. Reinstall the new one making sure the arm doesn't hit the sides and is free to move (see how old one was installed upon its removal. reconnect the wire and your good to go. Did mine and it was simple. Steph
Most often the sender inside the tank goes
because it works by rubbing against itself. Sometimes the easiest fix is to check the wiring first - I found one with a bad butt connector, repaired it and everything started working again. Before you delve into the tank, check the wiring. If you have an hour meter, forget the fuel gage, and figure your fuel consumption and work from there.
because it works by rubbing against itself. Sometimes the easiest fix is to check the wiring first - I found one with a bad butt connector, repaired it and everything started working again. Before you delve into the tank, check the wiring. If you have an hour meter, forget the fuel gage, and figure your fuel consumption and work from there.
The easiest fix for a broken
fuel guage is to leave it alone. Figure out the fuel consumption rate for your engine, keep track of engine hours, and you'll never need, or rely on, a fuel guage again. A No. 2 pencil and a small spiral notebook is all you need. And, you'll have a better idea of just when your engine needs routine maintenance....
fuel guage is to leave it alone. Figure out the fuel consumption rate for your engine, keep track of engine hours, and you'll never need, or rely on, a fuel guage again. A No. 2 pencil and a small spiral notebook is all you need. And, you'll have a better idea of just when your engine needs routine maintenance....
Test the gauge
John, Testing the gauge is easy - Back of gauge has two wires, one is 12v the other is from the level sender. Turn your power to whatever setting is used when you normally see gauges working. Using a short piece of wire, touch the 12v on the back of the gauge to the sender terminal on the gauge, if the gauge needle moves to max. - the gauge is ok. BobD
John, Testing the gauge is easy - Back of gauge has two wires, one is 12v the other is from the level sender. Turn your power to whatever setting is used when you normally see gauges working. Using a short piece of wire, touch the 12v on the back of the gauge to the sender terminal on the gauge, if the gauge needle moves to max. - the gauge is ok. BobD
Thanks..and fuel consumption question
Thanks for all the replies. Last year was my first year with the boat, so I relied on the pencil and estimate for fuel consumption. But, I am always paranoid about my calculations. It's a Universal 18 diesel with a 20gal diesel tank. Just want to confirm that fuel consumption when underway is about 0.6 gallons per hour? Anybody out there who can confirm or correct that or let me know how to find out? Thanks again!!!! Ice is still covering Lake Erie, but spring work is already beginning.
Thanks for all the replies. Last year was my first year with the boat, so I relied on the pencil and estimate for fuel consumption. But, I am always paranoid about my calculations. It's a Universal 18 diesel with a 20gal diesel tank. Just want to confirm that fuel consumption when underway is about 0.6 gallons per hour? Anybody out there who can confirm or correct that or let me know how to find out? Thanks again!!!! Ice is still covering Lake Erie, but spring work is already beginning.
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