does your gas gauge work??

[copedrake]

On my 85 sierra, it has two tanks and when either one of them are full( all 16 gallons each) the gas gauge only reads 1/2 way. the switch seems to work fine so it isnt getting stuck in between.

I was going to check the senders, a bit expensive, but since they both seem to have the same problem, i am thinking it is the gauge.

Ive had many old trucks, and they all seem to have problems with the gauges, especailly when we lift them. simular problems anybody? whats it like to change out the old gauge or put a different one in?

 

[readymix]

google "fix-a-gauge"

 

[copedrake]

i just ordered one and we will see how it works, have you ever used it?

 

[readymix]

No, but I have replaced the crystals from a donor gauge before.
Last time I did it I just installed a whole gauge from a 79 into my 87. The color is different but I don't care....

Be carefull when emoving the two nuts on the back of the gauge.

 

[oneofthefewbmx]

i got a guage and sending unit from jc whitney for like 22 dollars...workes pretty good....

 

[copedrake]

i thought the sending unit was way more, from LMC truck.
be careful with the nuts as to not drop them in the dash?

 

[thfonz98]

mine CONSISTANTLY is full about .5 inch past the full line and half tank is just right of the 1/2 line.

91 k5

 

[Jishory]

mine works but it dances as the gas sloshes around

 

[hank14]

When my tank is full, the gauge reads way past full. When it is on 1/4 tank, it is nearly empty. I'm used to it, but would like for it to read more accurately.

Also, when I'm low on fuel and turn corners or start uphill, it tries to stall and has died a couple of times. I assume the gas tank is not baffled properly, or do you think my fuel pump is malfunctioning?

 

[jimmy'sjimmy]

mine reads full and works great until it gets to 1/2 then i have to guess my method is to turn a corner and goose it, if it putters and almost stalls its time for gas

 

[longbedder]

I've fixed a few of these, and those cases it was a corrosion thing. Test the resistance between the leads at the guage - it should be a max of 90 ohms and should hold pretty steady. I was able to fix a couple of them by running a new lead from the guage to the tank, grinding/drillling the frame near the tank, running a new ground lead from the tank to the fresh hole, and then sealing (painting) over the new ground attach point.

 

[chalet2506]

Mine's kind of like that. When I fill it up, it shows full til it gets about 1/2 tank left, then it drops like a rock to empty.

 

[hank14]

I bought and installed the fix-a-gauge fuel and oil pressure gauges today. It was a very easy project, just the usual difficulty getting the instrument cluster off.

It didn't fix my erroneous fuel reading, though. Maybe it's the fuel tank side (sending unit). I think I'll leave it alone.

 

[broncoman6524]

Mine's kind of like that. When I fill it up, it shows full til it gets about 1/2 tank left, then it drops like a rock to empty.

thats how mine works i drive maybe 200ish miles a week first 4-5 days i lose *maybe* a 1/4 tank the the next 2-3 is drops sooo fast.