The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Electrical Bay AC gas gauge tester

OK...I think that it's time we figure this once & for all...

I've seen many posts about faulty gas gauges, senders etc. (I pay attention, because mine isn't working either) I'd like to see someone help me to figure out how to build one of the AC Gas Gauge testers, as seen here:

http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/shop/1954truck/54ctsm1235.html

It sounds to me like it simply takes the place of the sender unit in the gas gauge circuit. I believe that it is simply a rheostat ( like a dimmer switch) with the proper resistance.

After we get it all figured out, I'll create a how-to article, so that guys in the future will have it a little easier.

Please contribute your thoughts!!

my thought: I don't think this needs to be posted in 3 places, if you look around you'll find many threads about gas gauges and senders and the simple, direct way to trouble shoot them

that tester is simply a sender in a package to allow dealer mechs to avoid taking out the sender to do the test

if your gauge doesn't work, check the [removed] sender with an ohm meter, should go from 0-30 ohms - if it does and the gauge doesn't respond to manually moving the sender, then the wiring or gauge is bad - if you've eliminated problems with the wiring, you need a new gauge not a new test device

Bill

I pulled the comment from the other posts. Sorry about that. I thought that this might be something that could prove useful for someone who's fuel gauge, sender, or wiring was giving them fits.

If it's possible to test the gauge with a $2 dimmer switch from home depot, it would make this issue alot easier for someone who doesn't have a multi-meter, or isn't electrically inclined.

If there's no interest in the subject, I'm sure that a lack of comments will let me know.

Thanks guys,

nothin to be sorry about, it's just that the search function can be confusing enough without multiple threads with identical 'keywords' that don't answer questions

troubles with the gauge circuit are really best tested with an ohm meter, for the correct resistance [30 ohms] and continuity, if the sender is working, and the wiring is good, but the gauge isn't working .... problem solved by fixing or replacing the gauge

that tester really is a 'sender in a box' [or a single purpose ohmmeter], you won't likely find a HD dimmer that has a resistance of exactly 0-30 ohms, whereas you have one on hand already, in the gas tank, if it's good - if it's not then that's the more likely problem - investing in a good multi-meter would be best, a "gas gauge tester" will be a once in a life time tool

it'd be good to have tip on sorting out that circuit, it really applies to all years, fire up the meter, work over your setup and write it up

Bill

Bryan said, "...it would make this issue alot easier for someone who doesn't have a multi-meter,..."


Someone who doesn't own a multi-meter has no business working on electrical circuits. And there is no good reason not to own one. Even the cheapies can help in the diagnosis of electric problems in these old trucks.

Yes: This "cheapie" has served me well for about 12 years.

I have used a (grounded) spare fuel-sender on the bench to serve in place of the "tool" shown in the Shop Manual.

Well it sounds like everyone is in agreement. An good writeup in the tech tips would probably serve those in need, better than figuring out the AC tester.

The moderator of this forum has a Gas Gauge Problems Tech-Tip on his company's web site.

At that price there's no excuse for anyone to not own one.