fuel gauge issue

[sarahndaz]

hi guys

when we bought our 1995 auto diesal there was a bit of insulating tape over the fuel gauge ,and was told that when the needle reaches this point you will run out ,now this hasnt been a problem but i would like to sort it eventually ,any ideas as to the cause of this ,is it a faulty gauge or is it fuel sender problem ,it is between quarter and half when it happens

thanks in advance

[francophile1947]

Almost certainly a bad tank earth. Loads already on the forum and a factsheet here http://www.igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/member ... sender.pdf

[sarahndaz]

Thanks very much

[wonkanoby]

but would a bad earth make it over read

ie say its 1/3 tank when empty???????????

normally its no read at all with the earth

[briwy]

If you can't get at the floor plate for whatever reason just clean the tank lip down to bare metal round one of the holes in it, bolt/nut through the hole to an eye connected (preferably soldered) onto a length of wire which then goes back to any earth point on the body/chassis.
Check it works OK and then get some underseal or Waxoyl round the bolted connection.

[francophile1947]

but would a bad earth make it over read

ie say its 1/3 tank when empty???????????

normally its no read at all with the earth

Yes indeed - I ran out with the gauge showing 1/4 full

[jaylee]

You should be able to test the gauge by unplugging the the two wire white fuel sender connector at the top of the tank with the ignition on, the dial should fall to empty...
Then, by shorting the connector contacts on the connector plug after a minute of 2, the needle should rise & read to full...?!!!

If this happens? The actual gauge should not be the fault...