1982 Fuel Gauge Problem
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
From: Cornelius, NC
1982 Fuel Gauge Problem
I have not been able to find the problem/solution for my 1982 fuel gauge on this forum. When the fuel tank is full, the gauge needle "bounces" from full to 3/4. When the tank is 3/4 full, it "bounces" from 3/4 to 1/2, etc. Thank you for your help!
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,270
Likes: 4
From: Celeste Texas
the fuel level sensor is in the tank and will come out through the top. Tape all the painted surfaces first cause you'll scratch things if you don't. Pulling the tank isn't really that difficult and if you have nice paint is a better option.
Bill
Bill
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,853
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
This could also be the dampening oil in the dash unit.
If I were you, I would watch this video http://willcoxcorvette.com/product_i...ducts_id=27604 and observe the sweep of the needle (around the 1.50 mark in the video).
This test is done without removing anything... I would remove the ohms wire from the sending unit.. (the gauge will go to full). I would then ground the sending unit wire out (the gauge should go to empty). Observe the sweep of the fuel gauge. If the fuel gauge is sweep is steady like the one in the video, you have confirmed the issue is the tank unit. If it's way faster than the gauge in the video then you might consider replacing the fuel gauge in the dash first.
A couple of years ago, I worked on installing a cap on the back of the gauge to dampen the sign for gauges that lacked oil.. However, since then reproduction gauges have become available and the need just isn't there.
At the 3.30 mark in the video, I covered the dampening oil a bit more in detail for those wondering..
Willcox
If I were you, I would watch this video http://willcoxcorvette.com/product_i...ducts_id=27604 and observe the sweep of the needle (around the 1.50 mark in the video).
This test is done without removing anything... I would remove the ohms wire from the sending unit.. (the gauge will go to full). I would then ground the sending unit wire out (the gauge should go to empty). Observe the sweep of the fuel gauge. If the fuel gauge is sweep is steady like the one in the video, you have confirmed the issue is the tank unit. If it's way faster than the gauge in the video then you might consider replacing the fuel gauge in the dash first.
A couple of years ago, I worked on installing a cap on the back of the gauge to dampen the sign for gauges that lacked oil.. However, since then reproduction gauges have become available and the need just isn't there.
At the 3.30 mark in the video, I covered the dampening oil a bit more in detail for those wondering..
Willcox
Last edited by Willcox Corvette; Mar 3, 2014 at 09:30 PM.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 44
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From: Cornelius, NC
Le Mans Master
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From: columbia city in
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Drifting
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,534
Likes: 14
From: Dallas-Fort Worth TX
I always found that those 2 inches of rubber hose that connect yer fuel line and return fuel line to the sending unit was a PIA to remove. Especially if you have to try and put a screwdriver/wrench on the hose clamps. Be a lot easier if they connected at the bottom of tank.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
From: Cornelius, NC
I always found that those 2 inches of rubber hose that connect yer fuel line and return fuel line to the sending unit was a PIA to remove. Especially if you have to try and put a screwdriver/wrench on the hose clamps. Be a lot easier if they connected at the bottom of tank.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
From: Cornelius, NC
This could also be the dampening oil in the dash unit.
If I were you, I would watch this video http://willcoxcorvette.com/product_i...ducts_id=27604 and observe the sweep of the needle (around the 1.50 mark in the video).
This test is done without removing anything... I would remove the ohms wire from the sending unit.. (the gauge will go to full). I would then ground the sending unit wire out (the gauge should go to empty). Observe the sweep of the fuel gauge. If the fuel gauge is sweep is steady like the one in the video, you have confirmed the issue is the tank unit. If it's way faster than the gauge in the video then you might consider replacing the fuel gauge in the dash first.
A couple of years ago, I worked on installing a cap on the back of the gauge to dampen the sign for gauges that lacked oil.. However, since then reproduction gauges have become available and the need just isn't there.
At the 3.30 mark in the video, I covered the dampening oil a bit more in detail for those wondering..
Willcox
If I were you, I would watch this video http://willcoxcorvette.com/product_i...ducts_id=27604 and observe the sweep of the needle (around the 1.50 mark in the video).
This test is done without removing anything... I would remove the ohms wire from the sending unit.. (the gauge will go to full). I would then ground the sending unit wire out (the gauge should go to empty). Observe the sweep of the fuel gauge. If the fuel gauge is sweep is steady like the one in the video, you have confirmed the issue is the tank unit. If it's way faster than the gauge in the video then you might consider replacing the fuel gauge in the dash first.
A couple of years ago, I worked on installing a cap on the back of the gauge to dampen the sign for gauges that lacked oil.. However, since then reproduction gauges have become available and the need just isn't there.
At the 3.30 mark in the video, I covered the dampening oil a bit more in detail for those wondering..
Willcox
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,853
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
My pleasure.. and hopefully you can test first.. then start repairing with directive. If the dampening fluid is gone from the gauge it will zip from empty to full like a rocket. This is also what keeps the gauge from swaying when the tank sender moves.... Good luck.
Willcox
Willcox
Racer
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 302
Likes: 2
From: Milton Delaware
I hac=ve a '73 but the problem with my fuel guage is that it is always about a 1/4 shy of what it really is and I have no idea how to fix that. I have new tank and new sending unit but how do I adjust the level of gas to the guage??????? Thanks
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,853
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
The dash unit could be off if someone removed the needle from it.. of for some other reason.. The best way to tell is to review the video we have for the 68-76 cars.. Remove the ohms input wire from the sender and ground out the ohms wire! See if the needle ends up on empty in the same position shown in the video. If is the dash unit you'll still be 1/4 off when you ground out.
Willcox