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Fuel gauge reading low.

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Old Jun 19, 2024 | 02:49 PM
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Default Fuel gauge reading low.

My fuel gauge has always seemed to read about a 1/8 tank too low. I just installed a Sniper 2 system with Holley's in-tank pump/sending unit and now it reads even lower. I filled up and it never got past 3/4 tank. I know the circuit relies on 90ohms and I think part of my problem is the wire wound resistor that goes on the back of the gauge is damaged. I'm trying to figure out what I should use to get it to read correctly without taking the dash apart. I'm thinking of using a variable resistor and put it in-line to see if that does something.
Any suggestions other than removing the dash? I've had the dash out a few times and I hated doing it every time. Plus taking it out over and over starts breaking all the old, brittle parts.
Thanks
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Old Jun 19, 2024 | 07:47 PM
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Do not use the fariable resisitpr designed fo rthe temperature gauge, it will overheat...fyi.

I bought a Classic instruments variable resistor for this purpose. You can set the full and empty levels or just set the overall resistance. It works well. I usually fill it when it touches the line on E and have a few gallons to spare. It was down below E the other day and still running but stalled going up the driveway to the gas station...I costed to the pump. It restarted once it was level again. So ya, I think its pretty accurate. You also have to remember the bottom of the tank is at and angle so its misleading of you can see into the tank and it also goes empty faster once you get into the bottom half of the tank


https://www.summitracing.com/parts/cin-sn34
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Old Jun 19, 2024 | 07:53 PM
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Edit.. i have it wired in so that its attached to the gauge but I ts behind the passenger dash pad. It also has a pretty good battery fo rt he memory. I had my battery disconnected for awhile and it retain ed the settings
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Old Jun 20, 2024 | 08:24 AM
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Originally Posted by Rescue Rogers
Do not use the fariable resisitpr designed fo rthe temperature gauge, it will overheat...fyi.

I bought a Classic instruments variable resistor for this purpose. You can set the full and empty levels or just set the overall resistance. It works well. I usually fill it when it touches the line on E and have a few gallons to spare. It was down below E the other day and still running but stalled going up the driveway to the gas station...I costed to the pump. It restarted once it was level again. So ya, I think its pretty accurate. You also have to remember the bottom of the tank is at and angle so its misleading of you can see into the tank and it also goes empty faster once you get into the bottom half of the tank


https://www.summitracing.com/parts/cin-sn34
Interesting solution but for $156 I think I'll just take my console apart and replace the resistor (I'm an electronics engineer so I have a bunch laying around) at the back of the gauge. Thanks for your info and it is a quicker solution.......if I wasn't married. If I can't get it to work properly I'll probably just go with this.

Yes, I know my tank well. I replaced it years ago and just put in my EFI in-tank pump/sending unit.
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Old Jun 20, 2024 | 01:26 PM
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Originally Posted by theandies
Interesting solution but for $156 I think I'll just take my console apart and replace the resistor (I'm an electronics engineer so I have a bunch laying around) at the back of the gauge. Thanks for your info and it is a quicker solution.......if I wasn't married. If I can't get it to work properly I'll probably just go with this.

Yes, I know my tank well. I replaced it years ago and just put in my EFI in-tank pump/sending unit.
Careful, you may blow way more than $156 dealing with the fragile interior pieces. Good luck and say a prayer before starting!

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Old Jun 20, 2024 | 03:44 PM
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Originally Posted by wwiiavfan
Careful, you may blow way more than $156 dealing with the fragile interior pieces. Good luck and say a prayer before starting!
I've had it out many times over the 30 years I've owned the car doing various projects. I found out the first time I took it out to be very careful. That's why I don't want to dig back into the center cluster. YUK!
And to your point, you take your chances with the old brittle stuff every time you mess with it. There are more than one toothpicks in screw holes in my dash.
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