sending unit problem ??

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killswitch
Posts: 152
Joined: September 30th, 2005, 8:53 pm
Location: Athens, GA

sending unit problem ??

Post by killswitch »

I believe it's a sending unit issue, but trying to verify before I replace the unit. Here's the issue...................
Fuel gauge reads full with a full tank. (31 gal) As fuel is consumed, the gauge will eventually drop to the 3/4 mark and that is where it stops. When the switch is turned off, gauge returns to E. Switch on, back to the 3/4 mark. Unless I fill the tank again, then it's back to F and the process starts again. The gauge does register correctly between the F and 3/4 mark before it stops at the 3/4. Today I pulled the unit and worked the float manually with the same results as if it were in the tank. Switch off, gauge to E. Switch on, works fine between 3/4 and F. Replaced the connectors and checked the wiring. My guess is with the gauge actually moving with the switch on or off, and working correctly between the 3/4 and F, the problem is the sending unit. Am I thinking correctly or not. Any thoughts and thanks in advance for the input.
Boat is not that old..........2004.
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fishinfool
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Posts: 3130
Joined: June 17th, 2009, 8:58 pm

Re: sending unit problem ??

Post by fishinfool »

You are correct sir, it is a sending unit problem. The sending unit works on a variable resistor. As the float moves up and down it moves a contact across a resistor that is painted on a ceramic plate. if there is a spot worn out or the contacter does not touch in certain areas it will not read correctly. Replace the sending unit.
FF
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Slough
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Posts: 229
Joined: March 15th, 2002, 8:00 pm
Location: Camilla, Ga./ St James

Re: sending unit problem ??

Post by Slough »

Take your wire off the sending unit. The gauge ( with the ign. switched on ) should go to full or empty. Ground the wire and the gauge should go all the way the other way.
killswitch
Posts: 152
Joined: September 30th, 2005, 8:53 pm
Location: Athens, GA

Re: sending unit problem ??

Post by killswitch »

Thanks for the info. :thumbup: One more test this weekend should confirm.
killswitch
Posts: 152
Joined: September 30th, 2005, 8:53 pm
Location: Athens, GA

Re: sending unit problem ??

Post by killswitch »

Just installed the new one..................back in business. :thumbup:
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