C2 fuel gauge problem

[Gary P.]

Had my 63 cluster restored by corvettes of maryland, After two weeks the gauge seems like it stuck at 1/4 of a tank.( tank is full) Is there a way to check the float or a easy way to check the gauge. Thanks Gary.

[Donald T.]

Re: C2 fuel gauge problem

Gary,

The float is probably stuck. If your arm is thin enough, you can reach down into the gas tank and manually move the float up and down. Just watch the gauge as you move the float and see if it responds. Usually, just moving it up and down a few times will free it up so it will work properly.

[Louis T.]

Re: C2 fuel gauge problem

Hi Gary,

While slowly moving the float up and down and watching the movement (if any) of the gauge, gently apply some forward pressure on the float, pulling it away from the unit from which it pivots (towards the front of the car). Then repeat while gently applying some backward pressure, pushing towards the unit from which it pivots (towards the back of the car). You may discover a difference in gauge readings, possibly indicating a worn-out sending unit. (And remember, the only thing worse than an inoperable unit is an unreliable one - one that reads correctly most of the time, but not all the time!)

Search the archives for some very informative posts about troubleshooting sending units, especially from Jerry Fucillo and John Hinckley. Here also are links to two very thorough articles written by John:

http://www.lbfun.com/Corvette/Tech/v...lGaugeTech.pdf

http://www.lbfun.com/Corvette/Tech/v...rFuelGauge.pdf

Good luck!

Louis

[Jack H.]

Re: C2 fuel gauge problem

Also, the fuel gauge circuitry for mid-year cars differed from that before and after. The difference needed explanation for the mechanics who worked on them and that was embodied in the Shop Manual or Chassis Service Manual (depends on year of car).

One of the things provided was symptom/fix troubleshooting matrix since specific wiring faults could result in the gas gauge malfunctioning even when the gauge and sender were good!

See the attached picture and remember wiring color codes relate to 1963 Corvettes vs. later cars....

[Rick A.]

Re: C2 fuel gauge problem

agree with Jack - check ALL and I mean ALL connections on the back of the gauge and make sure the spad terminals are all tight - then check and make sure all the connections are tight at the sending unit - also, check the movement of the float as mentioned