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I got a new fuel level sender for my 96 a couple of years ago. I was happy that I at least got a signal from it. After keeping track of the level shown on the dash and the amount of gas needed to fill I knew I was reading about 3 1/2 - 4 1/4 Gallon low. When I got on reserve I still had over 5 gallons. Rainy day and since it is so simple to pull I pulled it out and bent the arm. My tank measures about 12" deep so at 20 gallons each inch is 1.66 gallon. So I did not want to overshoot I shot for about 2" change of the float level. Attached are starting photo, picture of untouched float and after bending. See after bending the sensor is not on the stop but will still move down to the stop. Before I started I had 2 bars and the reserve was lit. After bending I show a solid 1/4 tank. I disconnected the battery so I lost my trip on that tank (dumb) but I will check it out over the next year. Dan
Truthfully I would keep it a good inch above sock, better to fill early then be wishing you had that extra
Thanks, I think I am OK. If not I will know early next Spring. Just got tired of having one bar, reserve lit up and "Check Your Gauges" all lit up with only 14 1/2 gallon used. Dan
Does anyone know when brand new how much gas was left when reserve lit up and how much was left when Check your Gauges lit up? Dan
I was told by a GM Engineer that when the Reserve Light comes on that the Intension was 35 to 50 miles to pushing how car was being Driven. Approx. 1.5-2.0 gallons
I was told by a GM Engineer that when the Reserve Light comes on that the Intension was 35 to 50 miles to pushing how car was being Driven. Approx. 1.5-2.0 gallons
Thank You very much for your response. It makes perfect sense. Dan
One more dumb question. Has anyone ever totally filled up a car all the way that has run out of gas. How much does it take? Must be somewhat less than 20 gallons. Dan
One more dumb question. Has anyone ever totally filled up a car all the way that has run out of gas. How much does it take? Must be somewhat less than 20 gallons. Dan
If I remember right 20.1 gal. 18.5 from reserve light, that's what my car does
Dan if your running out and only taking 18 or so gallons in the early cars when Ethanol/E 85 entered the picture there was a run of the inner bladders of the tanks collapsing causing the tank volume greatly reduced I have see almost 15 gallons
Last edited by s carter; Oct 24, 2022 at 06:22 PM.
Dan if your running out and only taking 18 or so gallons in the early cars when Ethanol entered the picture there was a run of the inner bladders of the tanks collapsing causing the tank volume greatly reduced I have see almost 15 gallons
No, I have never run out. Before this "fix" I would have 1 bar, reserve on and check gauges lit up and fill up and only take 14-15 gallons. Thanks Carter
You can convert the signal from your sending unit to be whatever you want. I'm using this to feed my Intellitronix fuel gauge. It makes your fuel gauge MUCH more realistic and more reliable. It takes a little fiddling with to get set right. But they work really well.
You can convert the signal from your sending unit to be whatever you want. I'm using this to feed my Intellitronix fuel gauge. It makes your fuel gauge MUCH more realistic and more reliable. It takes a little fiddling with to get set right. But they work really well.
I can't tell if this would have worked for me before bending the float. It was hitting the bottom stop before it should have. It would work now. Dan
Many a problem can be avoided if you top off when gauge shows half tank. Old panzer policy: Never miss a chance to top off fuel, resupply ammo, eat, ****, take a nap. You never know when the next chance will come along---
Many a problem can be avoided if you top off when gauge shows half tank. Old panzer policy: Never miss a chance to top off fuel, resupply ammo, eat, ****, take a nap. You never know when the next chance will come along---
I agree Gris. I don't want to start a debate on fuel additives but once a year I add Techron and like to run the tank low so it stays at full strength. Dan PS edit: When my tank showed half tank I only really needed 6 1/2 gallon.
Last edited by Whaleman; Oct 25, 2022 at 10:31 AM.
I agree Gris. I don't want to start a debate on fuel additives but once a year I add Techron and like to run the tank low so it stays at full strength. Dan PS edit: When my tank showed half tank I only really needed 6 1/2 gallon.
Yah you're float needs a little tweek, but if you're in the position again with sending unit in hand take a feel inside tank and see if inner bladder seems to fit contours of tank Not bulging into tank. If it is that would show inner plastic liner has shrunk reducing tank volume.
Yah you're float needs a little tweek, but if you're in the position again with sending unit in hand take a feel inside tank and see if inner bladder seems to fit contours of tank Not bulging into tank. If it is that would show inner plastic liner has shrunk reducing tank volume.
Mr. s carter, Are you like 100% positive my 1996 has a liner? Every time I have looked in it just looked like metal. Thanks, Dan
Mr. s carter, Are you like 100% positive my 1996 has a liner? Every time I have looked in it just looked like metal. Thanks, Dan
. Maybe by 96 the liner was gone, I left the dealership in 93 and the last car I saw with the collapse I think was an early 86. As far as I understood the liner was for crash protection but things change
calibrate fuel sender float
