Gas gauge repair question

Conaway2

Conaway2

Well-known member
Not realizing my gas gauge wasn’t working, I filled the tank pretty full - gauge reads 0. I think I need to replace the float. How much gas do I have to drain from the tank before the fuel level is below the glass lens on the gauge ? I would prefer no to drain the tank completely if I don’t have to.

Thanks - Jim
 
Jim, you really need to drain the majority of the tank simply because it is easier when you get ready to calibrate the gauge. Also, either the Neoprene or Brass floats are the best. Don't bother with the cork unless you wish to re-do this exercise in a year or so.

The easy way to drain the tank is to remove the gas line where it enters the carburetor. Add a length of rubber gas line to the end and place the opposite end into a 5 gal fuel jug. Two fuel jugs should get you close on what you will need to drain.
 
Brent - thanks. I’ve got a neoprene float arriving in a few days. I think I’ll drive the car for a while until I see the gas level drop below the sight glass - then drain most of what’s left. Last time I replaced the float was over 30 years ago. Hope I can find the special gas gauge tools I bought then.
 
I do not know an exact level. But hey, this gives you an excuse to go for a drive. Stick a yardstick down the filler hole (if you do not have a spark arrestor), and drive till you get within a few inches of gas in it.


Once it is calibrated full/empty, can always drain, add a gallon at a time, and mark up a stick for comparing level vs. actual gallons. I found out from experience the last 1/4 to 1/8 tank on the gauge goes pretty fast due to the gas tank design. When a newbie I ran out of gas when driving in the country by over estimating how many miles I had left in the tank. The gauge is not linear to actual gas in the tank at the top and bottom of the tank.
 
Thanks for the comments ! I’ll definitely have the battery disconnected when I repair the gauge.
 
I noticed yesterday while trying to fish the gas gauge wire up with a coat hanger that the spark arrester that used to be there is gone. Not sure I’ll be able to fish it out of the tank.
 
Brent is right on. I like to set my gauge so i still have a little gas on empty. also use cork gaskets. not the neoprene one they will swell up with ethanol.
 
Now is time to do it, I was able to successfully hook the narrow end with a bent up wire coat hanger and pull it out thought teh gas guage opening. Had to use pliers to collapse it a little at a time as coming out through the opening. It did test my patience though.










Perhaps others have a better way.
 
jw hash said:
Brent is right on. I like to set my gauge so i still have a little gas on empty. also use cork gaskets. not the neoprene one they will swell up with ethanol.
Click to expand...

John make a good point as some of the core suppliers offer the neoprene but the cork is the way to go. Make sure you get all the old cork out of the ridges in the tank where it seats. This is very important! I use a small pick to make sure it’s cleaned out well. It’s rwally not a big deal to drain the tank and do it. If your fuel shutoff is leaking or not shutting off fuel flow now is the time for that as well.
Routine service job ...
Brent’s Gabe you good advice to drain and calibrate the gauge. You can slightly tweak the arm to get there . You can use a wire or magnetic stick to pull the arm up to test travel and reading on the gauge to determine adjustments if required .
Larry shepard
 
Conaway2 said:
Not realizing my gas gauge wasn’t working, I filled the tank pretty full - gauge reads 0. I think I need to replace the float. How much gas do I have to drain from the tank before the fuel level is below the glass lens on the gauge ? I would prefer no to drain the tank completely if I don’t have to.

Thanks - Jim
Click to expand...

In addition to other suggestions, do not use the neoprene gaskets when replacing the glass, they don't last. Use the cork gasket.
 
Use the BRASS FLOAT you will not have to replace it.


The Zenith carbs were originally made with brass floats, why did the gas tank use a cork float ? Henry should have thought about that.....
 
Conaway2 said:
I noticed yesterday while trying to fish the gas gauge wire up with a coat hanger that the spark arrester that used to be there is gone. Not sure I’ll be able to fish it out of the tank.
Click to expand...

I was able to get my old spark arrester out through the filler opening.It had been rolling around in the tank for who knows how long

It was interfering with the gas gauge, it held the float up just enough so the gauge always showed 1/4 tank or so of fuel.

It took plenty of fiddling around but it finally came out. I used a stick magnet and the long nose vise grips to fish it out and pull it out.

I repaired it as shown in the last picture.
 

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