Fuel Tank Sending Unit

Well I was tired of not having an accurate fuel gauge so I was checking out the sending unit on the gas tank (under the seat) and discovered that the plastic float had taken on some gas so the float was partially sunk. This sending unit is only about a couple of years old has probably only worked "accurately" for about a year. Anyway, I had a long rod and was able to reach in the tank and move the arm up and down and didn't get a reaction on the gauge. The needle on the gauge only stays at about 1/4 of a tank with the key on no matter what position the arm is in in the tank. I also took the wire from the gauge off of the sending unit and grounded it and the needle on the gauge moved all the way up to Full no problem. So this means the gauge is ok, right? Anything else I should test on the sending unit? What other types of floats are you guys using? Cork? Also, what type of gasket is everyone using for the sending unit? Thanks.

 

usually, the reason for an inaccurate gauge is a mismatched gauge and sending unit. you need to be sure the ohm range of the gauge matches the ohm range of the sending unit. there's no doubt fuel inside the float is messing things up, but when getting a new sending unit, be sure to get the corrrect ohm range.

 

Thanks guys. Patrick, where'd you get the aftermarket sending unit?

 

I got one at NAPA years ago. Sorry I don't have any numbers. I used it with an after market gauge.

 

Thanks AKCJ. I'll check out the local NAPA.