Hydrostatic fuel gauge

Ricosan

Ricosan

Senior Member
Hey Guys,

I’ve read all I can on here about adding the red fluid to the fuel gauge. All the posts I’ve found indicate working with an empty tank or close to it and adding the red fluid bringing the level up to where it just shows at the bottom of the gauge.

My tank is full. Do I fill the gauge up to full and then reinstall or do I need to run the gas out close to empty before trying to calibrate the gauge?
Richard
 
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I believe your tank should be empty. The gauges I have rebuilt and installed in 3 different cars of my own (2 32s and a 33) have worked correctly when the tank was empty then setting the gauge fluid to the empty line and re attaching the air line. As you add gas you add air pressure to the line and move the fluid up. There is enough fluid in the gauge to move it up to the full line when starting from the empty line. I have used the correct Ford Gauge fluid which I have pictures of in my MISC folder of pictures. It doesn't turn clear like the repro stuff.
If you are not used to using these kinds of gauges sometimes after the car sits for an extended period, the air can leak back into the tank and when you drive it and as the gas sloshes around, the level in the gauge comes back up to be correct.
 
Simply disconnect the airline at the gauge [head unit] Add fluid up to the empty mark,using a bike tire pump or similar, blow through the airline, reconnect the airline, job done! When you drive the vehicle, the fuel sloshing around in the tank will soon compress the air in the airline to indicate the fuel level at the gauge. Magic!!
 
Thanks, Brian. The process sounds very logical and simple. I think I'd try that method. The big question which has been asked here many, many times is where can you get the fluid?
Tom
 
The tank unit must be clean with no obstructions in the capillary tubes. Also there must be no air leaks within the system. I’ve repaired a few of them over the years. They’re kinda finicky but good if everything is is clean and in working order.
 
Thank you everyone. I've ordered the fluid. Now I have (another) project when I get back to Florida in the fall.
Tom
 
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