OK I think I am going crazy. My fuel gauge on my 1960 reads empty even though the tank is full. After a long time troubleshooting the system I am perplexed. I assumed the system worked like a C-2 where when the sending unit wires were shorted, the gauge reads full and when disconnected (open circuit) the fuel meter should register empty. Mine is working just the opposite. Have I lost what little brain I have left, or has my fuel gauge in the cluster gone south?? I looked at the AIM and it should work just like a C-2. Any comments?? P.S. When the tank is full as it is now the resistance of the sending unit is about 3.2 ohms. I do not have a reading empty as I really do not want to remove 15 gallons from the tank to measure it.
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Founder - Carolinas Chapter NCRS -
Re: 1960 Gas Gauge
NOt at all... The C2 or MidYear cars used a unique fuel gauge circuit topology based on a Whetstone bridge. That was done to make tank readings TOTALLY independent of absolute supply voltage (is the charging circuit active pushing the battery above its voltage rail, Etc.).
It was such a different system that descriptive text was provided in the Shop Manual (Chassis Service Manual for '66 and '67 model years) with theory of operation and troubleshooting tables to help mechanics understand and work with the beast.
Presuming C1 or C3 fuel reporting systems are anywhere remotely close to what was used in C2 cars is a FALSE assumption... -
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Re: 1960 Gas Gauge
Jimmy -
The GM-standard C1 gauge system is completely different than the C2-only voltage-divider system. Your gauge should show "Full" with the sender wire disconnected, and "Empty" with the sender wire grounded. The sending unit itself should show 0 ohms with an empty tank and 30-33 ohms with a full tank.
Send me your e-mail address and I'll send you an article I wrote on C1 fuel gauge system diagnostics in the December, 2004 issue of "Corvette Enthusiast" magazine - the private e-mail system from this board doesn't allow attachments.Comment
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Re: 1960 Gas Gauge
In my 62's, if I get near empty and have a ways to go with no gas stations in the area, I just turn on the headlights---that gives me about an extra 2 1/2-3 gallons to get where I'm going.Comment
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Re: 1960 Gas Gauge
I'll have to remember that head light trick. Sure would save calling AAA!Comment
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Re: 1960 Gas Gauge
Mike - you must be "blond" - or are atleast married to one!Comment
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