fuel guage went haywire!!

[dcash]

i was pumpin diesel today because i was close to E. i thought this tank seemed kinda short but didnt think twice. i intended on putting 20$ in and i got about 18$ in when i noticed the tank was full to the nozzle. the guage read full, i went in to pay and it was at half tank when i got back in the truck, now it just lingers below E. what the heck is going on? is this a common problem? any suggestions? :{ #@$%!

 

[doodad]

D cash it sounds like your fuel sending unit has bit the big one. They are known for unreliability. Some people think it may be caused by big rig high speed fill pumps. My fuel guage has been acting weird for over a year now. It only does it once a month or so. My fuel guage drops down to zero then back up, keeps making the fuel alarm go off. It never does it while driving only when i am parked. When it stops working altogether i will replace with a new one, hopefully an improved model.

Jeff

 

[Dave Remillard]

AH YES--- The infamous fuel gauge problem. You might consider doing a search on this subject. Make sure you have plenty of time for reading on the subject. Some very good ideas are shared about perminent fixes for this.

 

[illflem]

When your gauge does bite it don't let the dealer talk you into replacing the entire $300+ tank module as they often do. The sender unit you need is only around $35, but time consuming to install.

 

[Rammin On]

Ditto what illflem said ... . however ... I replaced mine after the third sending unit ... the little plastic crap connectors were shot . . the new module is much nicer ... does away with the plastic crap.

 

[bigdog66]

FUEL GUAGE

When you order it tell them you need the fuel level float. Don't let try to sell you the fuel module.

 

[HLEschenko]

I used this fix about a year ago:



Your fuel gauge problem is due to the sending unit in the tank going bad. Don't spend the money to buy a new one though. The fix is so easy and cheap (cost49 cents). Here's how you do it. Following your manual to get the fuel sending unit out of the tank. This is the hardest part since the tank straps are very difficult to get off and the "Big Platic Nut" on top of the sending unit can be a bear.

Once the unit is out of the tank (it's big by the way) find were the float hinge is. You will find an electronic brush that moves along a variable resistor. The problem is that the plastic bushing has worn out and allows the brush to move away from the resistor (infinite resistance and therefore the light on the dash lights up).

Remove the pin and the float hinge joint and drill the hole slightly oversize.

Replace the pin with a small bolt and screw. Make sure to use a self locking

nut.

Tighten the nut only enough to prevent freeplay in the joint but so much that it restricts movement of the float.

I did this to mine about a year ago and its still working fine.

 

[RedRamer]

Go here and down to wiring, switch, gauge section and below that Fuel guage sending unit repair.

Previous post describes it and these links have pics to help you out.

Piece of cake to fix, bit of a ***** getting tank out tho.

While you're there, you'll probably have problem disconecting the quick disconect fuel lines.

I cut em both and add 2' of fuel line. Makes taking the tank down next time easier.

 

[CumminsPower98]

I agree with the others who have suggested fixing your existing unit. I did the fix on mine and it's worked great ever since. A new unit will just screw up again sooner or later.

 

[DieselDoghouse]

And the saddest thing is, there ARE electronic ways to measure fuel level without the floppy, wiggly thingy with the wiper on the wire. You'd think on a $40,000 truck...

 

[dcash]

i cant tell all you guys how much i appreciate the info. i guess in a day or so ill dig into it and see what i can get accomplished. you know its frustrating when stuff like this happens but i kinda find myself enjoying having a truck project ahead of me, even though the damn thing should have never malfunctioned to begin with, its almost worth it.