Gas gauge problem

[JimShine]

My gas gauge reads 50% what it should. I have lived with it for two years now, but yesterday it caught up with me and I ran out of gas thinking I had more than I did. I would like to correct it. I know it isn't a ground issue. I have a new strap I added thing thinking that was the problem. The tank and sending unit are a two years old and have always been wrong. Whats next? Gauge calibration? Maybe the voltage regulator on the cluster isn't working properly? Thanks!

[y3chargerrt]

Ground the connector at the sending unit. The gauge should read full scale. If it does the problem is in the sending unit. It the gauge still reads 505 the problem is up front.

[JimShine]

The ground at the sending unit is as good as it can be. I have even tried to ground it using using a wire with clips on both ends (a secondary ground) and it made no difference. So, where to start if the problem is up front?

[y3chargerrt]

Sorry..I mean disconnect the connector that plugs into the sending unit. Clip it directly to the grounding point.Turn key to run position. The gauge should read full then if the gauge is good.

[Just 6T9 CHGR]

More than likely it could be a sunk float or a sending unit problem.

The sending unit will come right out on a 2nd gen without removing the tank....just make sure the tank is below ¼ full.
Lower the rear assy and use a brass punch to remove the retaining ring.

take out the sending unit & attach an ohm meter.   One lead on the terminal and the other to the body of the sending unit.

Empty should read 86 ohms +/- 12ohms
Full should read 9.6 ohms +/- 1 ohm

If it reads in spec & the float is not broken, try and bend the arm to get a fuller reading.
Mine read ¾ tank when full....I bent the arm and now it reads 98% full (almost there)

[JimShine]

Thanks guys! I will try th test of the gauge, then check the float arm if all else fails. The mechanic that used to work on it theirized the gusy that put it in may have bent the arm out of whack, but I never heard of that problem before. Hearing it again kind of confirms it.

[mikepmcs]

Jim, you already driving that beast on these maine roads?? I can barely get mine out and down the street without a complete suspension rebuild.  frost heaves are a killa!!!

[mikepmcs]

you know the other day come to think of it, i had the dash apart cause I was messing with a new speedo cable and noticed that sometimes when I turned her up that the gauges would read like a champ. i would move the dash back in and they would read like jim's.  I thought immediatley short, but couldn't quite figure it out and after a while didn't matter with cluster in or out. I've heard this is common, but just how big a part does that voltage limiter play in this whole thing

[JimShine]

I have been driving mine almost daily for two years (which is why I went with an accurate GL build faithful to the show. It allowed me to only take it off the road a week and touchup is a snap). Just off the road in the winter. Yeah, the heaves suck. last year at this time I nailed one in Lewiston and had to have major front end work done. Luckily I had my old mechanic do it before he retired. Now I am a bit more cautious!

[Todd Wilson]

What the hell is a frost heave?


Todd

[mikepmcs]

During the winter the cold/frost causes the ground under certain parts of the road to rise and form a bump/hill whatever. Frost Heave.

[y3chargerrt]

I use to get the dry heaves when I use to drink alot.

[mikepmcs]

  

[roger01]

JIMSHINE.....did bending the float arm solve your problem ?

[smokinrt]

My gas gauge reads 50% what it should. I have lived with it for two years now, but yesterday it caught up with me and I ran out of gas thinking I had more than I did. I would like to correct it. I know it isn't a ground issue. I have a new strap I added thing thinking that was the problem. The tank and sending unit are a two years old and have always been wrong. Whats next? Gauge calibration? Maybe the voltage regulator on the cluster isn't working properly? Thanks!

If its the limiter switch, all guages usually read wrong at the same time, but if you need one get a new chrysler from Year One, Dodge has them, but more$$$$$.  sounds like the float may be cracked.  Call the experts. get a Hemmings Motor News Mag and research the Ads about the problem in fuel tank section, they have always been helpful, guys at our site know a little about every thing.

Good luck
Bryan
smokinrt

[roger01]

alright ...for anyone who wants to know ...my sending unit was brand new and when installed the guage read just under half full .
i took the sending unit out of the tank..bent the pick up tube slightly down and the float arm slightly up ...it took about three tries but problem solved...... im not right on full but its up there towards 7/8 and full and is good enough for me ...thanks for all the input

[smokinrt]

you know the other day come to think of it, i had the dash apart cause I was messing with a new speedo cable and noticed that sometimes when I turned her up that the gauges would read like a champ. i would move the dash back in and they would read like jim's.  I thought immediatley short, but couldn't quite figure it out and after a while didn't matter with cluster in or out. I've heard this is common, but just how big a part does that voltage limiter play in this whole thing

Roger01,  Good to see you're coming along fine.  Chrystler and Year One both have Limiter switches, both Chrystler new, Year One a little cheaper than at a Dealer or Year One has a repro even cheaper.  It is typical that if you have limiter problems then all 4 guages will read funny, if not then its something else. I put in a new limiter and 4-way flash while my instruments are out along with a speedo cable.

PS.
I need to put back my guages this week along with a new speedo cable, still can't figure out how to drop my column,  if you know how, could you please give me a call at 530-558-5257.

Good luck
smokinrt
Bryan Simpson