Gas guage problems
August 7th, 2015, 11:21 AM
#1
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Location: Hampton Va
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Gas guage problems
Ok with all the experienced people on this site someone please point me in the right direction! Problem is Dash Gauge on dash is pegged past the hot light space . When I remove the cluster and disconnect the wire it will move back down.
So I am positive one of you fine folks have been through this before and can tell me the best place to start trouble shooting ? Thanks for your assistance!
So I am positive one of you fine folks have been through this before and can tell me the best place to start trouble shooting ? Thanks for your assistance!
August 7th, 2015, 12:02 PM
#2
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Location: Central Illinois
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Yup, just went through this myself. As has just about everyone on this site. It's the fuel sending unit inside the gas tank. It's a pain but do-able and affordable to do yourself.
Mine actually turned out to be a bad connection at the unit (on the top of the tank), or more accurately, a baked wire.
Just do some simple searches here and you'll find the info you need.
Welcome to CO
Mine actually turned out to be a bad connection at the unit (on the top of the tank), or more accurately, a baked wire.
Just do some simple searches here and you'll find the info you need.
Welcome to CO
August 7th, 2015, 12:06 PM
#3
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Location: Central Illinois
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Even though mine was just a bad wire, I still had to remove the tank. And since it was out, and my sending unit looked fossilized, I went ahead and replaced it. Just make sure you bend the float so it closely matches the original.
Check this out for a little info:
https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...pressions.html
Check this out for a little info:
https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...pressions.html
August 7th, 2015, 01:17 PM
#4
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Thanks for the Info
Its so great being able to absorb the knowledge form others experiences ! Though it might be the sending unit guess I will have to drive a couple of hundred miles this weekend to work on it, Cruising here I come( I made that comment because prior to getting these responses I filled it up!)
Last edited by Bennyboy2; August 7th, 2015 at 01:25 PM.
August 7th, 2015, 01:23 PM
#5
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Yes I caught your story on the sending unit what I do not understand is one gentleman wit an earlier model was having problems finding a unit! I mean I just sold a 54 delivery sedan and was able to replace the old one in it. Just need to think more outside the box I bet one for a 65 chevelle would work.( IT IS STILL GM)
Last edited by Bennyboy2; August 7th, 2015 at 01:27 PM.
August 7th, 2015, 01:36 PM
#6
Just an Olds Guy
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Edmonton, AB. And "I am Can 'eh' jun - eh"
Posts: 24,525
This topic has been re-hashed numerous times because it's fairly common. To avoid blistering my fingers or trying to copy/paste? Here's a link to a thread where it's explained very well. fuel gauge pegged F - whats next?
Your problem is likely easily solved by cleaning contacts or checking continuity in the sender wire to the gage.
Your problem is likely easily solved by cleaning contacts or checking continuity in the sender wire to the gage.
August 7th, 2015, 03:20 PM
#7
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Location: Central Illinois
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This topic has been re-hashed numerous times because it's fairly common. To avoid blistering my fingers or trying to copy/paste? Here's a link to a thread where it's explained very well. fuel gauge pegged F - whats next?
Your problem is likely easily solved by cleaning contacts or checking continuity in the sender wire to the gage.
Your problem is likely easily solved by cleaning contacts or checking continuity in the sender wire to the gage.
Allan, weren't you the lucky one that could jiggle the wires and get another week of useful gas gauge?
August 7th, 2015, 05:15 PM
#8
Just an Olds Guy
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Edmonton, AB. And "I am Can 'eh' jun - eh"
Posts: 24,525
Noooo, don't lissen.....
Nope, I pulled mine and the only thing wrong was the sock. Replaced the whole thing anyway just because the tank was being replaced at the same time. I also put one of Pattons tank pads on top of my tank.
Nope, I pulled mine and the only thing wrong was the sock. Replaced the whole thing anyway just because the tank was being replaced at the same time. I also put one of Pattons tank pads on top of my tank.
August 7th, 2015, 06:26 PM
#9
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Benny, let us know what you decide to do and if you need further help.
August 7th, 2015, 07:03 PM
#10
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Location: Edmonton, AB. And "I am Can 'eh' jun - eh"
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August 7th, 2015, 09:49 PM
#11
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I have been "that guy" on several occasions. When the gauge goes bonkers I reach under the bumper, grab the sending unit wire, wiggle it, and the gauge starts working again. These days I am too lazy to drop the tank to tighten up the connection on the top of the sending unit as I did on my '70 Supreme back in the '80s.
August 8th, 2015, 06:48 AM
#12
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That's right Kenneth, that was you. Got my hopes up but it didn't work for me, lol.
Allan, I meant that in the best way. But when I read your write ups, I literally have to draw lines to stay focused.
Benny, see what happens when you ask a simple question on CO? Lol, sorry dude.
Allan, I meant that in the best way. But when I read your write ups, I literally have to draw lines to stay focused.
Benny, see what happens when you ask a simple question on CO? Lol, sorry dude.
August 8th, 2015, 11:47 AM
#13
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Mac you and everybody are all Great People and I appreciate the help being sent to a mind BLOWING thread on this subject WOW INFORMATION OVERLOAD ! LOL I am afraid to bring up my next question on the brakes!
August 8th, 2015, 11:53 AM
#14
Just an Olds Guy
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Edmonton, AB. And "I am Can 'eh' jun - eh"
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Mac, I know you meant that in the nicest way. Don't worry, sometimes I wonder WTH I got into in some of the write ups too. Seems like it's hard not to get carried away. It's an evil 2 sided sword. Do I leave it and come back after taking restored work apart or just carry on with the insidious Dr. MAW>*o*<? You know, it always starts off so innocently.
Kenneth - I would be hard pressed to want to go under and pull that tank with the temps you've been having. Prolly hot enough to self ignite that sender came out and the tank was exposed to open air? If you do ever replace that sender? The OEM ground wire is superior to the ones on the repop senders. Remove the new sender wire (too short anyway) and drill a hole in the senderr tab it was attached to. Run the old OEM wire through and solder. Works perfect. I also put some rubber tubing around the wire where it crosses the locking ring metal, just as extra insurance.
Kenneth - I would be hard pressed to want to go under and pull that tank with the temps you've been having. Prolly hot enough to self ignite that sender came out and the tank was exposed to open air? If you do ever replace that sender? The OEM ground wire is superior to the ones on the repop senders. Remove the new sender wire (too short anyway) and drill a hole in the senderr tab it was attached to. Run the old OEM wire through and solder. Works perfect. I also put some rubber tubing around the wire where it crosses the locking ring metal, just as extra insurance.
August 8th, 2015, 12:00 PM
#15
Just an Olds Guy
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Edmonton, AB. And "I am Can 'eh' jun - eh"
Posts: 24,525
August 8th, 2015, 12:47 PM
#17
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Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Posts: 305
I have been "that guy" on several occasions. When the gauge goes bonkers I reach under the bumper, grab the sending unit wire, wiggle it, and the gauge starts working again. These days I am too lazy to drop the tank to tighten up the connection on the top of the sending unit as I did on my '70 Supreme back in the '80s.
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