Fuel Gauge or Sender problem

[Ivanobe]

I have a problem with the fuel gauge on my 1956 Series 2/II, in that when I switch the ignition on the fuel gauge will instantly move to a quarter tank fuel. This is instant when turning the ignition on, and when I turn the ignition off the needles instantly goes back to empty. (See photos).

Is this a problem with the fuel sender itself, or do I need to check the electrics? I have read a few posts on fuel gauge related matters, and note comments on voltage stabilisers not required on gold faced guages, etc. but I am getting confused with all the differing suggestions to fixes.

The position on the fuel gauge is the same whether a full or empty tank.

Regards

[Ivanobe]

Ignition off:-[frame][/frame]

[Ivanobe]

Ignition on:-[frame][/frame]

[simmitc]

Instant operation is normal with the earlier gauges. The question is whether the reading of 1/4 is correct? If so, then no worries.

[Ivanobe]

Thank you for your response.

I had not seen any posts concerning gold gauges, but the instant movement makes better sense.

In the picture, the tank is actually 90% full; irrespective of full or empty, this is the permanent position when the ignition is switched on.

Any views on what may be the concern?

[bmcecosse]

Stuck float in the tank -does it go down any if you run the tank right down??

[Ivanobe]

No, it doesn't go down at all....I unfortunately ran out of fuel, and it was still showing 1/4 full.

So as this point is is a new fuel sender that is required (for gold/bronze gauge type) or is it a electrical fault?

Anyone seen this before?

[Trickydicky]

I would check the float first as Roy suggested, you could also try cleaning the contacts too first.
Do you know when it last worked correctly?
If you remove the sender you will need a new gasket.

[simmitc]

Disconnect the wire from the sender and short the wire to earth. If the gauge now reads full, then it is working correctly and the sender is faulty. If the gauge still reads 1/4 then the gauge is faulty. My money is on the sender. It could just possibly be both.

[Roni7635]

Great job.