Hot Rods Fuel gauge problem, reads 1/4 tank when power off

I have a new tank in the 63 wagon. It has a new SW sender that is adjustable by cutting the length of rod. I have talked with tech at Tanks, Inc and read all I care to on Google.

The problem I believe is in the stock 0-30 Ohm gauge. With power off, the gauge rests at 1/4 tank. It never drops below that. So, what can I do to remedy this? When I add 5 gallons it shows 3/4 full. This isn't gonna work. Any ideas? A new gauge is $200.....

 

When you kill the power to the gauge by shutting of the key, the sender is out of the picture. What does the gauge do when you remove all the wires going to it ?

Don

 

what ohm sender do you have? what brand wagon?

 

When i couldnt find one for my 56 chrysler windsor.I asked if anyone on here had a good used one.Sure enough some one did.Dont know if you want to go that route.Bruce.

 

It's a 0-30 ohm GM. I haven't disconnected any wiring yet.


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If you can try a different sending unit outside of the tank to see if your sender is moving full scale. What resistance does the sending unit read unplugged this should also tell you what is going on but you would need to know how much gas is in the tank.

 

Did I miss it? What does the gauge read with the key on? That's the important part.

 

What resistance is the new sender? is it 0-30 or is it something else?

The older GM gauges usually go back to zero when there is no power to them. But...I just did the gauges in my 62 chevy II, and when i put the cluster back in, the gas gauge was at full. It works fine now, goes back to zero.

First thing is to make sure the sender is reading correctly, you can do that with an ohm meter. Second thing is to see if the gauge works...short the sender wire to ground, turn on the key, it should read Empty. If it still reads quarter tank, then the gauge is messed up. Sometimes it's just a bent needle, some times it's worse. And you probably could find a good used gauge for a bit less than two bills, they hardly every go bad.

 

check first to confirm if gauge is not broken. Have a look at this product from technoversions. http://www.technoversions.com/MeterMatchHome.html
I just installed one in my Fairlane and the gauge now reads perfect.

 

Root, if you need a new gauge I can hook you up. Be happy to help you out. T

 

Thanks guys. I'll have some shop time this weekend maybe I will have time
To tinker with it.

To answer the question about the gauge with power on... It reads 3/4 with 5 gallons in it....as was stated in the original post.

Squirrel, the sender was matched to the gauge 0-30 ohm. I even called Tanks,Inc to make sure they sent the right one.

That conversion may be in the picture if I can't get this squared away.

Tman, where are you working now? I didn't know you had access anymore.
Thanks

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