Weird fuel gauge readings

Post by **MikeNash** » Mon Feb 13, 2006 6:43 pm

Can you give me some clues?
My fuel gauge on my 1963 Trav will often read a quarter full when actually full. Whether it will go to the usual threequarters mark when really full (it never reads F when completely full) or just the quarter mark seems to be chance, changing up and down on the same journey. And on long journeys I can forget whether its reading low or correct, so I have to carry a spare can - and the car smells enough already from the dodgey seal around the tank sensor.
I can't see how it could be the tank end, and as I have a spare speedo I intend to change over the readouts. But before the surgery starts, have you any advice or comment? Thanks, MikeN.

Post by **Willie** » Mon Feb 13, 2006 7:05 pm

Run a good earth from the chassis to the tank and see if it reads more
consistently,otherwise check all connections from tank to voltage stabiliser.

Post by **MikeNash** » Mon Feb 13, 2006 8:20 pm

Ah, thanks, Willie. Possibly a duff earth, eh? I'll give it a go. MikeN.

Post by **rayofleamington** » Tue Feb 14, 2006 9:19 am

Regarding the petrol smell - I repaired the tank sensor on the 54 last year and made a gasket from gasket paper.
This really didn't work!! (bad smell of petrol after refuelling)
I changed it for a proper gasket (cork type) and the smell was gone for good.

It is possible that it is the sensor, as it may not give an even reading (it is a variable resistor and therefore poor conatact of the wiper will cause random readings)

Post by **RogerRust** » Tue Feb 14, 2006 9:56 am

Two suggestions
I had a similar problem.
1) the sender was miss-aligned and fouled a baffle in the tank. Ensure the spade points exactly to the right of the car when viewed from the back. mine was one hole out.
2) If your careful you can take the sender apart and bend the finger. a little to ensure a better contact.