wallaby Posted January 2, 2013 Share Posted January 2, 2013 Just when you think it'll never happen to you: my fuel gauge has gone kaput. It worked fine yesterday, but today it's pegged beyond full...it's pointing at the 3 O'clock position. It doesn't matter if the key is turned on or off. Before I start tracking this down, maybe someone else has been through this before? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
7tonemonte Posted January 2, 2013 Share Posted January 2, 2013 Mine throws a fit every now and then and does the same thing Mark, it returns to normal after I run some fuel out of it(a day or two). It seems to only do it occasionally, Ive narrowed it down to when I fill it up completely, I know that doesnt help you much, I hate it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigtankjones Posted January 2, 2013 Share Posted January 2, 2013 Mine has done this when the connector in the trunk came loose. Make sure your connection is good at the plug. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sam (Bones) Posted January 2, 2013 Share Posted January 2, 2013 and check the ground wire at the front of the tank and attaches to the floor brace Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
footballubet Posted January 2, 2013 Share Posted January 2, 2013 That is usually the ground wire problem. Hope it's at the body end and not the sending unit end. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MGD72Monte Posted January 2, 2013 Share Posted January 2, 2013 I had the exact same problem a few decades ago (man I'm getting old). One day I turned the ignition on and the needle went pass full all the way to 3 o'clock and stayed there. I'm pretty sure the fix was to re-establish the ground which attaches to the fuel tank brace. Good luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wallaby Posted January 4, 2013 Author Share Posted January 4, 2013 Welll, it sounded easy. LOL It looks as if I have an open circuit somewhere between the trunk connector and ground. My mechanic says it's common for the "wiper" to break off of the sending unit inside the tank. If I hook up a test light to the feed wire, it shows voltage and the resistance in the bulb sends the fuel gauge down to about 1/4 tank... seems like everything is in order except the sending unit. I did a quick search for a replacement sender, and it looks as if they are all a 3/8" fuel line....but there is one listed that also has a 1/4" return line. I'd bet I need the one with the return, what with California smog and all...and it looks like there are more than 2 lines going to the tank. One of those might be a tank vent and not related to the sender, but I haven't pulled the tank to look. Right now I'm just trying to find a replacement sender to hand to my mechanic. What's your vote? Get the one with the return? 1971 SS454. CA car. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sam (Bones) Posted January 4, 2013 Share Posted January 4, 2013 is there a return line on your fuel pump? yes....return line on sender Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wallaby Posted January 4, 2013 Author Share Posted January 4, 2013 D'oh. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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