31 Fuel Gauge Installation Problem

G

griffin

Member
Why am I not able to get the gas gauge reinstalled into it's home? The gauge was removed by someone else a few years ago and I am working on putting things back together.

The gauge will not install so that the brass washers and outer ring can be installed.

Am I overthinking this?
 
You using neoprene gaskets , ?? they are too thick , use the cork ones with maple syrup as cement , Derek In chilly NZ - 1*
 
Also make sure the old gasket between the gauge and the tank is completely gone. An older gasket may appear to be part of the gas tank. If it's still there, you won't be able to seat the gauge deep enough to start the outer bezel.
Some repo bezels are difficult to start in the tank's threads. Remove the gauge and run the bezel into its recess to ensure the threads match.
You will need the special tools to install the outer bezel (chromed nut). The star-shaped tool tightens the inner bezel and seals the sight glass and its two gaskets. Make sure that nut is tight and that the gauge face is straight up and down. If it's slightly cocked, it will drive you crazy every time you look at it!
Marshall
 
Hello, inside the gauge sealing area there will be 3 concentric rings made into the face to help seal the gasket, if you don’t see that , as mentioned, old gasket may still be there. Also as mentioned, check the bezel nut to make sure it will seat into the gas tank, problem with the repro have been noted.
 
Thanks for the tips, everyone.

I'll forego the neoprene gasket and get a proper cork gasket.

I have made sure the bezel nut does fit, and will be sure the mating surface is free of any old material.
 
These slides may help you.
 

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    Gas Tank – Gas Gauge Adjustment 206kb.jpg
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After digging deeper into my dilemma and wiping the sweat from my eyes, I've realized it is actually the assembly itself not going into the opening.
 
You have to wiggle and finesse the gauge face so that it clears the opening in the gas tank. It looks like cramming 10 pounds of ham into a 5 pound sack and will never fit. But push either the top or bottom of the gauge face in first and then the rest of it will follow. If it came out, it WILL go back in!
Marshall
 
Ditto on Marshall's comment re: the old washers and residual cement. If you bought the right kit, it should just right together nicely.
 
Another tip that works for me. I take a small wire brush and go over the thread in the tank. I stick a rag in the hole so debris will not fall in. This helps to clean any paint or dirt out of the threads and make it easier to screw the outer ring in. It may help with your problem of getting the gauge back in.
 
Thanks to all that replied. A thumbs up to each of you.

I did wire wheel the threads as the body shop that was used by the previous person sprayed high build primer and paint onto the threads. On top of that the olg gasket material was still in the hole. Took entirely way too long to fix poor prep, but I am now able to get the gauge into the tank as necessary.

I cut a cork gasket to replace the neoprene that came with the kit, but it is a frog's hair too thick. I'll get thinner gasket material and install Monday.
 
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