Fuel Gauge Drops to Empty
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Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 75
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From: Flagstaff Arizona
Fuel Gauge Drops to Empty
So I have done a bunch of searches on this and have not found what i'm looking for. Most posts agree that it is do to sulfur buildup on the sending unit. I have seen the prices for both replacement of the whole unit and just the electronics. My question is if it is just buildup couldn't one take out the unit and clean / buff the copper contacts back? I looked for DIY threads but didn't have a lot of luck. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 320
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From: Harrisburg PA
i was wondering if you might try fuel system cleaner...
then i found this:
http://www.myfordfreestyle.com/forum....php?f=2&t=749
i've seen my gauge drop to e before and every now and then i put some fuel system cleaner in there and i haven't seen this problem in the past couple of years.
then i found this:
http://www.myfordfreestyle.com/forum....php?f=2&t=749
i've seen my gauge drop to e before and every now and then i put some fuel system cleaner in there and i haven't seen this problem in the past couple of years.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 320
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From: Harrisburg PA
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 236
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From: CT
Sea Foam whenever it happens. This happened three times on my 97 and every time I get a bottle of Seafoam, follow directions and it goes away for a very very long time. I know this isn't what you are looking for but it works for a lot of members.
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From: Flagstaff Arizona
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Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 75
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From: Flagstaff Arizona
I know there have been a lot of threads about adding techron. I did this for the last year. Currently I'm running one in every tank and still having the problem. There have also been multiple threads about replacing the sending unit. However that can get $$$ really fast. Everyone seems to agree that the problem goes back to sulfur in the fuel building up on the contacts. Seems like it should be something we can clean. Like back in the old days when we used to wire brush carbon off our heads.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 320
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From: Harrisburg PA
just thinking out loud here, but maybe your gas has high sulfur content?? and making a switch might give you a chance with a couple of rounds of techron fuel system cleaner? you are using the fuel system cleaner and not just the gas treatment, correct?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 802
Likes: 11
From: Northern,NJ
Fuel gauge goes to e
I AGREE I ADDED IT EVERY WEEK AND NOTHING. I CHANGED THE FUEL SYSTEM WITH A HIGHFLOW LPE FUEL PUMP AND A BAP. AND STILL HAVING THE PROBLEM . IMMA TRY REPLACING THE SENDING UNIT. MAYBE THAT WILL WORK CAUSE THIS IS BS!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2004
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From: Myrtle Beach SC
St. Jude Donor '05-'06
Pro
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 623
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From: Atlanta Ga
So I have done a bunch of searches on this and have not found what i'm looking for. Most posts agree that it is do to sulfur buildup on the sending unit. I have seen the prices for both replacement of the whole unit and just the electronics. My question is if it is just buildup couldn't one take out the unit and clean / buff the copper contacts back? I looked for DIY threads but didn't have a lot of luck. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
I keep a 20 oz bottle on hands at all times and use 1 every other month. Never had the problem again
Instructor
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 233
Likes: 1
From: San Benito TEXAS
add techron fuel cleaner to the tank at least every 3000 miles , I had the same problem with my 2000 vette and to it to the dealer and they replaced both sending units and my gauge is correct with my trip counter. I also have warranty so that also helped I only paid a $100 deductable for a $1,800 dollar job.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Ft. Lauderdale Fl
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,793
Likes: 7
From: Santa Maria Ca.
Had the same problem on my 98-
Finally fixed it by just reaching under the car(no need to jack it up),unplugging the sending units,and plugging them back in 2 or 3 times.
That was 4 or 5 months ago,and I haven't had a false reading since.
Can't guarantee it'll fix your problem,but it's worth a try-takes about 2 minutes
Finally fixed it by just reaching under the car(no need to jack it up),unplugging the sending units,and plugging them back in 2 or 3 times.
That was 4 or 5 months ago,and I haven't had a false reading since.
Can't guarantee it'll fix your problem,but it's worth a try-takes about 2 minutes
5th Gear
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Vallejo California
Fuel gauge drops to empty
The advise to add fuel system cleaner really works. So far no problems since I added the fuel system cleaner, I bought the lower price StayLube brand. It worked within about 30 miles. I filled the car and waited to see how long it would take to work. The fuel gauge suddenly went to full then dropped rapidly to about 1/8 tank as it filled the left tank via the Y valve.
Thanks for the ideas...save lots of money.
Thanks for the ideas...save lots of money.
5th Gear
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 5
Likes: 7
Problem solved
I have the resolve for this issue. There are 3 crossover pipes going back and forward to both tanks. Reach above the tank (most likely the left side) and find all 3 pipes and you will find a 90 degree bend made out of plastic that is sitting too close to the heat from the exhaust and it "kinks" in the bend causing a restriction in the flow giving a false reading. Replace that plastic fitting, wrap some heat fibre around the exhaust to stop it from happening again & your on your way.
Banned Scam/Spammer
Joined: Sep 2016
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From: Philadelphia PA (Birthplace of the USA, UNESCO World Heritage City)
I have the resolve for this issue. There are 3 crossover pipes going back and forward to both tanks. Reach above the tank (most likely the left side) and find all 3 pipes and you will find a 90 degree bend made out of plastic that is sitting too close to the heat from the exhaust and it "kinks" in the bend causing a restriction in the flow giving a false reading. Replace that plastic fitting, wrap some heat fibre around the exhaust to stop it from happening again & your on your way.
Last edited by ArmchairArchitect; Jul 11, 2021 at 12:07 PM.