Fuel guage problems

[simplyconnected]

...Do you guys use any RTV before closing up the sending unit in the tank? The hole for the unit had some slimy, cheap silicone that I cleaned off... Edit: added ground, still the same. Off to real work now...

Not all silicone RTV is created equal.

Ford used only RTV on some models of Escort oil pans. You need to get the stuff that is petroleum compatible. I believe most auto parts stores carry it in bubble pack tubes.

If you ground your Fuel Tank Sending Unit with a jumper wire, does your gauge read, Full? If so, your troubles are at the tank area. Either a ground or a Sending Unit problem. Let us know what's up and take lots of pictures. Your gauges should work. - Dave

[V-John]

I did a jumper from the sending unit wire to ground and the gauge started reading FULL. Looks like I have a bad unit.

Edit: I went ahead and opened it up. The copper contact point was stuck on the stem to where it wasn't touching the resistance strip. It's working now. I'll have to do some float adjustment on it when I fill up the tank. Whew!

[Tbird1044]

I did a jumper from the sending unit wire to ground and the gauge started reading FULL. Looks like I have a bad unit.

Edit: I went ahead and opened it up. The copper contact point was stuck on the stem to where it wasn't touching the resistance strip. It's working now. I'll have to do some float adjustment on it when I fill up the tank. Whew!

If you have trouble putting the metal ring retainer back in, here is something I did. I took a PVC 1 1/2" pipe collar and glued in a hex sided 1 1/2" - 1 1/4" reducer. I then filed 4 notches in the reducer and it worked like a champ to reinstall the retainer ring. = Nyles

[V-John]

I bought a gasket set at ACE that had 3 sheets: rubber, cork, and cardboard. I made mine with the cork.

I'm assuming that the little indent on the top of the sending unit indicates the front of the vehicle so the float is facing to the right side of the car?

[jopizz]

The sending unit should have a tab on it that fits into a slot in the tank opening so it doesn't spin. The float should point toward the rear if I'm not mistaken.

John

[V-John]

The tab on this sending unit isn't on the edge of it like it should be. I had to try and keep it from spinning, but I did lock it down with it in the right position. You're right about the float facing the rear.

We took it a couple of miles last night to dinner and went to get gas in it. It had barely above E. I told the wife as I hopped back in, "Let's hope it goes to FULL!". Sure enough, it did. Everyone was saying "YEA!"

[simplyconnected]

Just a note of caution... carry a gallon of gas until you are SURE the gauge is working right. Watch the needle as you use gas. It should slowly go down through the full range. Let us know what you find. - Dave