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#1348481 03/01/2020 11:20 PM
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 37
4
Wrench Fetcher
Wrench Fetcher
4 Offline
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 37
Hello. I'm rebuilding a 47 3100 that I bought last year. When I got it the fuel gauge was showing about half full. I went ahead and filled t up and the gauge showed between 3\4 and full so I thought it was working but not exactly accurate. When I started taking it apart the gauge was showing a little less than half but when I pulled the tank off it was almost completely empty so something is wrong. The truck has been updated to 12 volts. It looks like it has the original gauge. The sending unit looks like it has been replaced. I put a meter on the sending unit and it goes from 0-30 ohms. What do you think my problem is? Thanks.


1947 3100
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 4,263
D
Shop Shark
Shop Shark
D Offline
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 4,263
Is it a 6 volt gauge?

If so and you put 12 volts on it did you used a voltage reducer on the power post at gauge?


Check the search function, some have reported no issues using 12 volts on 6 volt gauge, others report fried gauge.


I wouldn't worry about it till your done rebuilding it. Then bench test before reassembling in truck

Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 2,188
Insomniac
Insomniac
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 2,188
You might have to bend the sender's float arm. Measure how far the float drop is and compare it to the depth of the tank.


Gord 🇨🇦
----
1954 1/2 ton 235 4 speed
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,306
K
'Bolter
'Bolter
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,306
My gauge was reading incorrect and it turned out to be the brass float had fluid in it making it sink and would read about half when the tank was full.I could not find a hole in the float but replaced it and worked correct , I think over the years condensation filled the float


1954 Canadian GMC 9300
"The Journey"
Follow in the DITY
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 2,839
C
'Bolter
'Bolter
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 2,839
Originally Posted by Gord&Fran
You might have to bend the sender's float arm. Measure how far the float drop is and compare it to the depth of the tank.

Yup!

To me, having a accurate gauge when you are running low in fuel is very important. I would drain the tank, then add just 4 gallons (assuming your tank is 16 gallons), install the sending unit and then check to see how close to 1/4 tank reading you get. If off a little, tweak the sending unit's arm as Gord mentions. And yes, those floats can develop a leak or two.


Craig

My '50 Chevy 3100 5 window, '62-235cu, 3:55 rear
My truck ....... Respect The Rust
If I'm not working on my truck, '65 m00stang or VW camper, I'm fishing with the wife or smoking Salmon.
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 10,272
5
Renaissance Man
Renaissance Man
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Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 10,272
You can solve the leaky brass float issue with a plastic float for a early to mid 70s Jeep. They clip right on the wire just like the brass ones do.
I gave up on aftermarket brass replacements and when I buy an aftermarket sending unit, I switch out the brand new brass float for the plastic Jeep one. you can find them on Amazon and ebay.


1952 5-window - return to "as built" condition | 1950 3100 with a 235 and a T-5 transmission

Moderated by  Jon G, Rusty Rod 

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