Intermittent fuel gauge

[Troy P.]

Some times my C1 fuel gauge works and reads accurately and most of the time it reads empty when there is now almost a half a tank.

From reading old posts, I am aware of how to deal with gauges that read empty or full all the time, testing the gauge and sender for function and accuracy, adding a ground, etc. But I have no idea where to start with one that works some times and doesn't others.

I thought maybe the connections on the back of the gauge were loose but not so.

Ideas?

[Terry D.]

Re: Intermittent fuel gauge

Troy
I would start the same as you described and see if any of those solve the problem

[Troy P.]

Re: Intermittent fuel gauge

I ran through all the normal gauge tests - ground wire removed, reads full, OK...grounded to a known good ground, reads empty, OK. Also fabricated the John Hinkley accuracy tester using a radio volume control (potentiometer). Every indication is the gauge not only works but is accurate.

Put the ground wire back on the gauge and it works now. But since it was always an intermittent problem I can't yet say it will continue to work.

[Richard G.]

Re: Intermittent fuel gauge

I would remove clean and reinstall every ground that could possibly have anything to do with this circuit and and reinstall.
After I remove and clean them I add a dab of clear grease to keep the corrosion at bay.
I would also inspect every frame and engine ground to be sure it was installed,clean and in good condition.
If that fails to repair the intermittent gauge try running temporary wires from the sender to the gauge.
Possibly that will lead you to the wire in the circuit with excessive resistance. Intermittent issues are tough.