1963 galaxie gauge problems

[Alberta50fordor]

Hey guys, im working on my friend's 63 galaxie 500 with him, we're onto the gauges now and can't get them to work, we've got new temp and fuel sending units, new regulator for the cluster that seems to be working(pulses voltage), wiring seems to be good, if we ground the temp sending unit wire at the sending unit the gauge moves, adjusted the screw at the back of the regulator all the way in to increase the voltage and the temp gauge went to 1/4 when the engine was at operating temp
Thoughts?
Thanks

 

[KULTULZ]

IMO ​

The easiest and best way to diagnose is going to be with a 1963 FORD WORKSHOP MANUAL. It will have a full diagnostic sequence to follow.

 

[rotorwrench]

If the gauge reads empty with the key off then it would likely read full if the correct voltage is applied. If the instrument voltage regulator cuts it down to 5 or 6-volts then 6-volts should give a full indication if the gauge is functional. If the gauge works then the sender may be deteriorated to some degree. Older Fords read hot with the key off but that was with the King Seeley systems. I'm not sure what system the 63 Fords used for coolant temp or fuel quantity.

Some of these modern replacements for the old IVRs are crap. A person can apply input power to it and check the output reading. It should be around 5 or 6-volts. Some modern sender replacement are crap as well. A person would have to check the Ohms readings on rheostat types using a hot plate or by moving the sender arm as applicable. If it was designed by King Seeley then check the gauge for function. If it functions correctly then the sender isn't working right.

 

[dsarge390]

I had to add a ground strap from the fuel tank to the cars frame. The tanks "ground" against the straps that hold it in the car. Sometimes this ground can be poor due to painted parts, etc. I've seen wires wrapped around the sending unit tube then held on with a small hose clamp. That's probably the easiest way to test that too. I drilled a small hole on one of the outer tabs of the tank and used a small sheet metal screw to hold a wire on.

 

[KULTULZ]

I had to add a ground strap from the fuel tank to the cars frame.

... hmmph ...

!!! GOOD POINT !!!

 

[dmsfrr]

I had to add a ground strap from the fuel tank to the cars frame. ...

Many/most/some of the fuel tanks have a material of some kind, rubber blocks, fiber pads, waxed cloth, etc, between the tank and its supports to help prevent wearing thru the metal as the vehicle moves. But, the fuel tank sending unit has the be electrically grounded for the circuit to function.

Using an Ohm meter or continuity tester between the fuel tank sensor housing and body of the car to see if they're well connected to each other is a good idea. Adding a ground wire can solve reliability problems.
.