Fuel Guage off

[OS2Dude]

I filled the diesel tank on our new 1985 Catalina 30 Mk I yesterday. I thought the fuel gauge was not working because it never wavered even though there was a a few gallons left in the tank. Once it was filled, the gauge only showed 3/4 full. Is there a way to adjust the level displayed? (I assume it is the original float arm sender) Would bending the arm be enough? How can you calibrate it? (I'd rather have it say empty with fuel remaining than run out with it saying there is plenty...)

Catalina Direct has a replacement that uses reed switches. Would that be a better option?

Thanks

 

[woodster]

look at the wema site for a good sending unit...your best bet will be to keep a fuel log and determine you hourly usage and just keep track of the hours run and do the math if you are on lake lanier just keep the fuel topped offed i don't think with 20 gallons of diesel fuel you could run out in a weeks time

 

[Bill Roosa]

There are several types of senders, some use a float on a long arm, some use a float on two parallel sliders with a twisted flat rod in between the twisted rod is connected to the needle.
The issue is the float not having the proper travel. given that most tanks are not rectangular the level will never read right without some sort of rework on the gauge face (probably at the factory or the tank manufacturer. You can bend the arm to read either full when the tank is full or empty when empty but not both. you would need a different sender with the proper travel for that.

 

[JoeWhite]

I did that very adjustment since when full it would display 3/4 and more fuel would spill out of the vent tube.
Yes it can be adjusted. Simply remove the 5 screws holding the sending unit from the top of the tank. Assuming your tank is full - you should see the fuel at the top - then bend the arm so that it displays full. To test what it will show if there is low fuel - connects several 3/8" nuts with a wire to the float arm and insert into the tank. That will force the float to sink and display the empty condition. It worked for me.