Fuel Gauge issue, should I replace the float?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 377
Likes: 3
From: Marietta GA
Fuel Gauge issue, should I replace the float?
Well I know this is a normal occurance where the gauge is off and most say putting in like techron or using amsoil fuel treatment for a few tanks fixes it, but been doing that and today had the worst reading.
I dropped my wife off at the airport and the car showed 1/2 tank, about 20miles later it flashed LOW FUEL and it was below the E. So I found the nearest gas station and filled up. Guess what? It only freaking filled up 8.9gals. But heres whats really wrong, I always reset my trip meter when I fill up so I keep track of mileage, been doing it for 2yrs on every fillup, and it showed I did 300miles on the tank, but at 9gals, thats well over 33mpg, aint possible. I then drove it another 140miles and its only showing ive used 1/4 tank.
So now I got no clue whats off, I dont think the gas pump was off when it said it only filled 8.9gals. I thought maybe I only filled up one of the tanks in the vette, but then at 140miles later, it shouldve been almost empty again.
I dont know if I should pull the float and figure out wtf is wrong.
Dixit
I dropped my wife off at the airport and the car showed 1/2 tank, about 20miles later it flashed LOW FUEL and it was below the E. So I found the nearest gas station and filled up. Guess what? It only freaking filled up 8.9gals. But heres whats really wrong, I always reset my trip meter when I fill up so I keep track of mileage, been doing it for 2yrs on every fillup, and it showed I did 300miles on the tank, but at 9gals, thats well over 33mpg, aint possible. I then drove it another 140miles and its only showing ive used 1/4 tank.
So now I got no clue whats off, I dont think the gas pump was off when it said it only filled 8.9gals. I thought maybe I only filled up one of the tanks in the vette, but then at 140miles later, it shouldve been almost empty again.
I dont know if I should pull the float and figure out wtf is wrong.
Dixit
Supporting Tuner
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 51,896
Likes: 39
From: ================== Houston, Texas www.englandgreen.com ================== Necessary Evil™ __________
CI 6-7-8-9-10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14
It's not the float, it's the sender in the tank itself.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 21,325
Likes: 3,841
From: small town in S.E Pa. PA
St. Jude Donor '03-'04
the sensor is prone to sulfur contamination, keeping it clean is key. Try some Techron fuel additive, us the larger bottle 20 oz. it may take two bottles, try one bottle first then go through that tank, to almost dry . then refill without a bottle of techron.... see if it made any difference, run the second tank close to dry ( a gallon or two ) . then if not cured try a second bottle. This helps 90% of the time. also some brand of gas have higher sulfur content then others...
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
My buddy was having this problem all the time in L.A. and just before I bought his '97 I came to Corvette Forum for information.
He was using 91 octane gas and I have religiously used 93 octane gas and I have never had the problem.
He was using 91 octane gas and I have religiously used 93 octane gas and I have never had the problem.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 21,325
Likes: 3,841
From: small town in S.E Pa. PA
St. Jude Donor '03-'04
Originally Posted by JeffDurbin
My buddy was having this problem all the time in L.A. and just before I bought his '97 I came to Corvette Forum for information.
He was using 91 octane gas and I have religiously used 93 octane gas and I have never had the problem.
He was using 91 octane gas and I have religiously used 93 octane gas and I have never had the problem.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 13,550
Likes: 6
From: Now in God's Country, the Big Sky, Montana!
Cruise-In 7-8-9-10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12
The sensor is the problem. When you buy a new sensor, it will come with a float, and yes, you need to change it. There is a small contact on the bottom of the float arm. This is what slides across the sensor pads to give you the reading. It can get gunked up just like the sensor. 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,857
Likes: 2
From: pawleys island sc
Originally Posted by Cajundude
The sensor is the problem. When you buy a new sensor, it will come with a float, and yes, you need to change it. There is a small contact on the bottom of the float arm. This is what slides across the sensor pads to give you the reading. It can get gunked up just like the sensor.
this may be correct BUT, considering cost, I'd try Evil Twin's recommendation first. I add 2 oz of red line fuel system cleaner to evert tank of gas, buy the cheapest major brand high test I can find, and have never had a problem.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 6,276
Likes: 227
From: Farmington CT
Cruise-In VII Veteran
your right, maybe a bit less, i don't have the pn, but have seen a few members ordering just the contacts
i cleaned mine w/ brake cleaner and has worked 100% since then
i cleaned mine w/ brake cleaner and has worked 100% since then
