Lost My Gas Gauge

westernlady1123 · Apr 23, 2004

My gas Gauge gas gone out on me. Besides a bad float what else could it be? If it is the float how can I tell if it's bad? Is it best just to change out the whole gas tank or to replace the float if it's bad?

I also have a problem with my brakes. We changed out the brakes, surfaced the rotors and bled the lines and still there is too much play in my brakes. There is about 2 in of play before she will brake. Could my master cylinder be going? or is there another problem that I am missing? Help please!

THE COBRAMAN · Apr 23, 2004

The resistance wire on the gauge sender often corrodes, rendering the sender useless.

Power or manual brakes?

westernlady1123 · Apr 23, 2004

manual brakes. Is it more likely this wire to be the problem or the float? Thank you for your help cobraman.

westernlady1123 · Apr 23, 2004

How would I get to the resistance wire? Is it replaceable? I'm a little wet behind the ears when it comes to mechanics but I am trying to learn. Thank you

Wart · Apr 23, 2004

westernlady1123 said:
How would I get to the resistance wire? Is it replaceable? I'm a little wet behind the ears when it comes to mechanics but I am trying to learn. Thank you

Sending Unit:

There isn't a resistance wire in the fuel unit, voltage reduction is by a 50% duty cycle regulator onthe cluster.

...... Oh, the resistance wire in the sending unit's rheostat (or is it a voltage dohickie?) ..... ... Yeah, the works get crudded up.

First step to trouble shooting this is to remove the electrical plug from the sending unit and check for pulsating voltage with a meter. Check for ground continuity. If pulsing and continuity put a ~ 50 ohm (?) resister between plug terminals and watch meter.

I have the needed numbers (sending unit resistance, etc, archived on the last hard drive .... I guess I should get it transferred to this one)

One thing about shooting with a voltmeter is a faulty connection will pass enough electrons in an open circuit to show near or full system voltage , so it's not a fool-proof indication. Under load indicated voltage will go away.

Brakes:

While writing this it occured to me your describing they symptioms of an improperly bled master, or of a brake system with a failed circuit. Or of a master with a bad pump circuit.

OTOH, it's possable when the pistons were collapsed back into the caliper the seals were twisted in such a way that the piston is now being over retracted.

OSATH, How longs it been since the cars been operated? Are you sure the brakes were fully functional before the partial rebuild?

westernlady1123 · Apr 24, 2004

I've had the car for about a year now. Not sure how long it's been before I got her that shes been driven. I completely over looked the calipers. My rear brake line blew and we just replaced that a short time ago. Some guys at my husbands work suggested the master cylinder might have gone too.
What is the best way to get to the sending unit?

98CobraClone · Apr 25, 2004

when my gauge quit working, it was just a bad ground from the sending unit to the tank......I just ran another grounding wire and it works just fine, until the 4 barrel kicks in, then my gauge drops quick

westernlady1123 · Apr 28, 2004

How do I get to the sending unit? How hard is this to do? Will I have to remove the tank to do it? Thanks guys for your help

UnbridledFury · Apr 28, 2004

The sending unit is mounted on the front portion of your gas tank (facing towards the front of the car). If you can jack up the rear of your car (with jackstands in place), and crawl under the car, you should be able to get to the sending unit. You will see the plug and wires that Mark was talking about.

Wart · Apr 28, 2004

westernlady1123 said:
How do I get to the sending unit? How hard is this to do? Will I have to remove the tank to do it? Thanks guys for your help

If you need to remove the sending unit you may have to remove one tank strap to get the splash shield out of the way . You shouldn't need to remove the shield to troubleshoot.

westernlady1123 · Apr 28, 2004

Thank you Mark and George. I would of been lost with ya'll.

a351Must2 · Apr 29, 2004

and if you need a new sending unit, you just missed one on ebay, without a float, for $78....Ouch...I know because I was looking for one since I pulled apart one that was almost rusted to nothing, and two that had loose wires in them that would make the float stick.

westernlady1123 · Apr 29, 2004

That stinks. Hopefully if I need one another will pop up. Have a hard time getting parts at my local parts store.

Wart · Apr 30, 2004

If your going to pull the sending unit there are a few things you need to know, so let us know. I don't feel like writing that much now.

westernlady1123 · Apr 30, 2004

Wart if you could just e-mail me what i need to know when you can. Going to check the sending unit either today or tomorrow. It would be much appreciated. Thank you

westernlady1123@hotmail.com

78CHARLIE · Apr 30, 2004

Has anyone tried an older Mustang's sending unit? (65-66, 67-68, 69-73)?

They look close, available, and cheap.

Tony

Wart · Apr 30, 2004

westernlady1123 said:
Wart if you could just e-mail me what i need to know when you can.

I don't think so.

If I post it it will be to the forum.

westernlady1123 · May 1, 2004

Ok sorry I asked

Wart · May 1, 2004

westernlady1123 said:
Ok sorry I asked

Now, Tricia, don't be like that .... I'm sure your special but:

Why would I write a thesis on tank drainage, removal and dissasembly for only you when someone else may bennifit from it?

You took the joy out of it for me, I'm going to pass on my offer. Someone else can tell you how to do things I've spent over 25 years learning.

westernlady1123 · May 2, 2004

I apologize but I was a little offended but your snapish remark of " i don't think so". You could of just said " no I'll post it just in case someone else needs the information". I AM NOT special. Nor do I think I am. It was not my intention to hog your infinite wisdom like that. I was not asking for a " thesis" from you or anyone else. I only asked for to be pointed in the right direction not to have my hand held. I asked you to e-mail it to me because I thought it would be easier for you since you seemed put off at the idea of writing so much ( perhaps you already had it writen down and you could scan it and send it over). I was trying to be nice. Thats ok..pass on your offer. I had not realized help came at a price. Thank you for your time.

Lost My Gas Gauge

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