fuel gage reads empty with 5 gal remaining

[gyvrr]

So, I've done a lot of trouble shooting...gage checked with resister set, g age reads correct at each setting. Sender replaced, only after checking first, both gave same readings at each level top, mid and bottom on ohm meter. All wiring connections cleaned and inspected. Same ohm readings at gage and at sender...Still have 3 to 5 gallons in tank when gage reads empty. Gage seems to drop pretty quickly as I take long drives. In process of checking size of tank. However, when I replaced sender before, the tank was empty....put 5 gallons in tank, went to gas station and put in about 10 more for full tank. Anyone got any clues?

 

[Torxhead]

The gauge float can be adjusted, getting at it is the hard part. I would think all you really need to know is how much gas you have left at any given time. Sometimes a fill location can be hard to find, especially when you are on the trail.

 

[gutthans]

If I remember correctly, there are several nearly identical pickups that differ only in the length of the float wire..., but if yours is a close fit, take it out and bend it slightly downwards. Alternatively, you can splice it by cutting the float wire and fabbing a simple long, tube spacer with a set screw drilled near each end. That way you can adjust the (length) position of the float until it is at the bottom of the tank when the pickup is at the end of it's travel.

 

[beltburner]

I'd be happy if my gauge even tried to work

 

[caveman]

When my gauge comes off full i have to be looking for more gas. In a jeep, I feel lucky to have any warning at all.

 

[gyvrr]

Thanks, was looking for something easier than dropping the tank....again!

 

[Lumpy Grits]

It's the float setting, you gotta drop the tank to correct it.
LG

 

[hdgapeach]

I'd be happy if my gauge even tried to work

Heck, mine show half a tank all the time! I top it off every AMC 150 miles per the odometer's trip dial, whether it needs it or not. So far, that hasn't stranded me, yet. So long as that little scenario works, that tank can stay right where it's at.

 

[graycj7]

I have just started dealing with the same issue. I will replace what needs to be replaced with new gauges ext. Rather than dropping the skid pan and then the tank I am going to take my wiz wheel and cut an access panel out of the floor above the sending unit. Any progress I make in getting my fuel gauge working right I will post. I cant stand not having a gas gauge.

 

[hdgapeach]

I have just started dealing with the same issue. I will replace what needs to be replaced with new gauges ext. Rather than dropping the skid pan and then the tank I am going to take my wiz wheel and cut an access panel out of the floor above the sending unit. Any progress I make in getting my fuel gauge working right I will post. I cant stand not having a gas gauge.

I'll be watching for your updates. I've thought a thousand times about creating an access door in the floor, just never pulled the trigger to do it yet.

 

[Torxhead]

Another thing you might want to consider graycj7, is that over the years a lot of can collect in the bottom of the fuel tank and can eventually clog up the filter sock, which might need replacing. Installing a rear door over the fuel pickup/send unit provides great access and probably better done with the tank removed. It will also allow you to replace some fuel hoses that are probably oem.

 

[gutthans]

Did that when I built mine...I leave it open and have a carpet section over it. BTW...it is tricky to do a sawzall with the tank in place...might wanna drop it.

 

[graycj7]

I will be doing some metal work and welding on my cj tomorrow. I will cut the square out above the sending unit and let you know how the access is to the sending unit. Scott.

 

[Dan86CJ7]

mine does this also but thought it was the slight water leak/ mousture getting to the gauge...interested what you find

 

[graycj7]

I spent the day heating door hinges and making doors fit better. Also welded some sheet metal patches in drivers floor. I will make it a point to cut access panel over sending unit tomorrow.

 

[graycj7]

Cut the bed floor to make access to the gas sending unit. Someone had replaced the wire connector for the power wire . The wire was not tight. I put my meter on it to check the ohms and it read all zeros im not sure what that means.

 

[graycj7]

Has anyone used a Autometer fuel gauge? And if so how did it work. Any info on which non stock gauges that work would be appreciated. Thanks Scott.

 

[IOPort51]

http://www.jeep-cj.com/forums/f7/fuel-gauge-sending-unit-access-panel-13584/

 

[McCallJeeper]

In my 1984 CJ7 I write the mileage when full on the windshield with dry erase marker. At 100 miles I start looking for a fill up.

 

[Dan86CJ7]

found the cause??