34 Ford Hydrostatic Fuel Gauge

[sdperham]

Greetings Fordbarn,

I have a 34 Ford truck which has been part of the family since new. My current challenge is the hydrostatic fuel gauge that hasn't worked for 50 years. (see pic - not mine but same unit).

I installed a new line from the fuel tank. However, my issue is the gauge itself. I had a spare vile of the infamous red liquid. However, when I tried to fill the back cylinder, the liquid would not flow to the clear tube.

I suspect, its been dry and unused so long it is clogged. I just ordered a new batch of the red liquid (hope its the right stuff). I would love any ideas what I might be able to do to unclog the unit. Would love to keep using the OEM part if possible. There are very few on the market and all look dubious and older than mine.

Thanks for any ideas (including a source to find a decent replacement unit besides ebay).

Shel

 

[deuce lover]

Here:https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=329034

 

[sdperham]

Thank you Deuce Lover! I'm optimistic this approach to clean and restore will work.

 

[petehoovie]

Greetings Fordbarn,

I have a 34 Ford truck which has been part of the family since new. My current challenge is the hydrostatic fuel gauge that hasn't worked for 50 years. (see pic - not mine but same unit).

I installed a new line from the fuel tank. However, my issue is the gauge itself. I had a spare vile of the infamous red liquid. However, when I tried to fill the back cylinder, the liquid would not flow to the clear tube.

I suspect, its been dry and unused so long it is clogged. I just ordered a new batch of the red liquid (hope its the right stuff). I would love any ideas what I might be able to do to unclog the unit. Would love to keep using the OEM part if possible. There are very few on the market and all look dubious and older than mine.

Thanks for any ideas (including a source to find a decent replacement unit besides ebay).

Shel

 

[deuce lover]

You are welcome.I have done about 50 gauges this way.A few were so plugged(that small line) that I had to replace the line /sight glass assy.Renners Corner has those in stock.Second pic are ones I saved from gauges that had rusted out cases.

 

[petehoovie]

You are welcome.I have done about 50 gauges this way.A few were so plugged(that small line) that I had to replace the line /sight glass assy.Renners Corner has those in stock.Second pic are ones I saved from gauges that had rusted out cases.

 

[sdperham]

This is very helpful!

I won’t be surprised if I don’t end up picking up the rebuild parts from Renners. Today the front cover accidentally came apart exposing all the various internal parts.

Should I assume I will re-sandwich the pieces back together with glue of some sort?

And to think a week ago I knew nothing about hydrostatic gauges! You’re all a great resource for us who are learning the vintage trade. Thank you

 

[deuce lover]

Post a pic of your gauge ,front and back. Are the tabs broken off?

 

[sdperham]

Here are the pics, front and back. Maybe a glue to reassemble?

Also, I ordered the scrub brushes and dropper and will try to clear the tube with acetone. Fingers crossed I can get fluid to flow into the glass.

 

[deuce lover]

That's a rough one. Lots of rust which should be removed.I would try to find a better one,or at least better parts like a bezel.You're about 2 weeks to late as a decent one sold on Ebay for a little over $30.

Here is a rough one I restored a couple yrs ago.Before and after pics.
Calling Pete to enlarge these !

 

[petehoovie]

Here are the pics, front and back. Maybe a glue to reassemble?

Also, I ordered the scrub brushes and dropper and will try to clear the tube with acetone. Fingers crossed I can get fluid to flow into the glass.

 

[petehoovie]

That's a rough one. Lots of rust which should be removed.I would try to find a better one,or at least better parts like a bezel.You're about 2 weeks to late as a decent one sold on Ebay for a little over $30.

Here is a rough one I restored a couple yrs ago.Before and after pics.
Calling Pete to enlarge these !

 

[deuce lover]

Thanks Pete !

 

[glennpm]

Here is a rough one I restored a couple yrs ago.Before and after pics.
Calling Pete to enlarge these !

You do a great job on these. What do you have for the white on black graduation card?

 

[deuce lover]

Thank you.If you mean the face,the 32 all and 33-34 commercial fuel gauges are a form of plastic so I just carefully clean them with a soft soap.They can become very brittle over time and some have broken in pieces while handling them. BTW that gauge was from a French '32. Instead of "F" it has a "P" for full.

 

[deuce lover]

Here is the last fuel gauge I did in Jan 2025. It's in my friends French 32 Ford roadster. Notice the choke and throttle rod knobs.They are French. Starter is French for Choke ,Gaz is Throttle in French. Speedo (trip on top and odometer on bottom)and ammeter (Jaeger) French also and in KPH.It is a 4 cyl car sold new here in France.David G graciously donated an engine turned plug for the dash light switch hole.Now installed.

 

[petehoovie]

Here is the last fuel gauge I did in Jan 2025. It's in my friends French 32 Ford roadster. Notice the choke and throttle rod knobs.They are French. Starter is French for Choke ,Gaz is Throttle in French. Speedo (trip on top and odometer on bottom)and ammeter (Jaeger) French also and in KPH.It is a 4 cyl car sold new here in France.David G graciously donated an engine turned plug for the dash light switch hole.Now installed.

 

[sdperham]

That is gorgeous. Love the French twist. Amazing job cleaning up the gauge.

I see now what your are talking about regarding the 'tabs'. Mine have all broken off. Maybe I can solder a tab-like connection?

What did you use to clean off the rust?

Waiting for the red liquid to arrive (tomorrow) to see if the acetone cleared the tube. Feels like I can now blow air through so hopeful.

 

[deuce lover]

Removed the rust with a bead blaster.Click on the link in post #2.All is explained there and how to do it plus protect the sight glass. Not sure how you can neatly attach the bezel to the case tho.That will be a challenge.

 

[glennpm]

Thank you.If you mean the face,the 32 all and 33-34 commercial fuel gauges are a form of plastic so I just carefully clean them with a soft soap.They can become very brittle over time and some have broken in pieces while handling them. BTW that gauge was from a French '32. Instead of "F" it has a "P" for full.

Great looking and looked as good as new.