Fuel Gauge not reading correctly

jrelliott

jrelliott

Well-known member
The cork on my fuel gauge must have absorbed gas as does not read correctly. Showed empty but when tried filling gas, pump kept shutting off and saw gas in the gauge window. Have heard about changing the cork float to a tillitson carb float but cannot see how to do that. If anyone has made this change could you send me the instructions.
 
jrelliott said:
The cork on my fuel gauge must have absorbed gas as does not read correctly. Showed empty but when tried filling gas, pump kept shutting off and saw gas in the gauge window. Have heard about changing the cork float to a tillitson carb float but cannot see how to do that. If anyone has made this change could you send me the instructions.
Click to expand...

The problem is in your tank, not your carburetor. Get a new gas gauge float and gasket set from your Model A parts supplier. They come with instructions on how to replace the float.
 
jrelliott ......................
I think you have figured out your problem.
The original "A" Model floats were coated in shellac, which was gas proof. The alcohol in today's gas, disolves this shellac.
MIKE :)
 
Disconnect the battery, make sure the gas level is below your gauge (use a long stick to see about how much you have left if the gauge is giving you false readings). Remove the instrument panel, loosen the clamp holding the speedo cable on the inside firewall to give a little slack. Remove the gauge with the special tools. You can either get a whole new gauge unit or replace the cork with a new neoprene float or a brass float from Mikes Affordable Parts.

Search old posts you will find a wealth of information on all the options.
 
When I was in Dallas in '08 for the world meet my gauge window started leaking badly. The tank metal contact surface for the gasket was never very good, and I had just changed the gasket(s) before I left Chicago. I borrowed the gauge tools from the repair tent and went at it. A good Samaritan smelled what I was doing and handed me some blue Hylomar in a brush can. I used it on the gaskets and the seal is perfect. If you haven't done the job yet, try Hylomar.

While you're at it, if it's not a fine-points car you may want to change the "F" at the top to a "B" (bankrupt):rolleyes:
 
You can use a brass float from a Tilotson carburetor in place of a cork or neoprene float. They are tubular shaped and easily fit through the boss in the tank during installation. It is a simple matter of soldering the brass float onto the end of the wand.

Tom Endy
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top