As the name implies, a potentiometer aka variable resistor is an electrical device which allows one to change the resistance in a circuit with a mechanical movement. Changing the volume on your radio or the fan speed on you truck heater, you do with your hand turning a variable resistor. Inside your gas tank, the sender changes its resistance using the float. The electrical current flowing through the gas gauge and sender varies according to the resistance of the sender. There are more types of pots (short for potentiometer) than "Carters got liver pills". In this case, you need one that covers the resistance of your sender. So 0-50 ohms or 0-100 ohms, 1/2 to 1 watt will handle it. It will cost a couple of bucks at "Radio Rhack" or a local electrical/electronic store. If you have a buddy who works on electrical stuff, he most likely has box of old ones sitting around and will give you one.
Last edited by beltfed; 12/01/2010 3:15 PM. Reason: spelling
