refilling hydrostatic gauges

[old51fordman]

It is time to add more fluid to the 2 hydrostatic gauges on my '33.

They were relatively easy to fill appropriately at restoration as the gas tank and radiator were both empty. Over the years, there is, of course, some evaporation that takes place forcing the addition of fluid (what used to be called ox blood).
Reading the old service bulletin it sounds as though all that needs to be done is to remove the line and add fluid to bring both gauges up to "0".
It then sounds as though the fuel gauge will adjust itself while driving as the gas sloshes around in the tank allowing the the air pocket at the base of the "sending unit" to refill. The hardest part, it seems, is to get my old arthritic body twisted around so I can see and reach up behind the dash as it has to be done in place.

Am I reading that correctly or is there more to it?

If anyone has knowledge of this, I would appreciate the help.
Thanks

 

[JimG]

There was a thread on this back in the fall. Someone posted the enclosed instructions. I have not tried it yet on mine - my gauge is dry and the tube in the gauge needs cleaning. I was going to try tackling this in the spring. I would be interested to hear about your experiences if you try it.

 

[FlatheadTed]

Old 51 ,A comprehensive clean out may be needed but Providing its been in service in the recent past the top up procedure goes like this .With mine while sitting on the seat I can undo the two nuts that hold the gauge using a screw driver socket by feel .The gauge should swing out under the dash pipe still attached ,you then use a eye dropper or a plastic tube of a ballpoint pen like a pipette and add a few drops of liquid through the small hole at the top sometimes there's a small brass cap there .then you should be good to go .Ted

 

[old51fordman]

Thanks a lot for the help. Fortunately mine aren't empty, just inaccurate since they are low. On the Black Hills tour with the Early V8 club a year and a 1/2 ago I had the pleasure of running out of gas and having to coast to the station for gas. Thus I didn't have the option of searching for ethanol free gas which is my preference.

 

[Ian NZ]

I made up two special longer nuts with a srewdriver slot to remove and refit the gauge to the dashboard which makes it easier. I thing you can buy these nuts somewhere.

 

[jimTN]

I am confused, why does your 33 have two H. gauges? To accurately refill the gauge, line has to be off and fluid added till the level comes to the empty point, that is assuming your gauge is not stopped up. I have a 34 to unstop, anyone have a recommendation?

 

[DavidG]

What you read in the service bulletin (shown above thanks to JimG) is all you need normally, assuming no blockages. But, if your gauge was reading low about the only way you could run out of gas is that you were guessing you still had fuel when the gauge read "empty".

Also I'm curious like JimTN as to what you have in the way of a second hydrostatic gauge or is that a typo?

 

[Karl]

Still looking for fluid that doesn't discolour with age -Karl

 

[fourfords]

"{Also I'm curious like JimTN as to what you have in the way of a second hydrostatic gauge or is that a typo?}"

He may have an accessory dual Fuel-Temperature gauge. Only problem is: The temperature portion of the gauge is sealed. The fuel portion relies on the ambient air pressure to function, so it is open. So there may be a separate problem with temperature side of the dual gauge too. I guess we'll see.

 

[DavidG]

As it is sealed it is therefore not hydrostatic, but rather thermostatic.

 

[dwaynec]

Thanks for the cleanup on terminology DavidG, otherwise I would have never known the difference. To me it is important to use the correct terms so there is no misunderstanding.

 

[epw1949]

The only fluid I have found for the King Seeley Fuel Gauge that does not fade in color, or evaporate, is the fluid that of, Classic & Exotic Service Inc. sells. They are located in Troy, Mi. Hope this helps, E.P.W.

 

[fourfords]

I stand corrected, and gladly so!

 

[FlatheadTed]

If the brass calibrating rod is to large you might get a higher reading than what's needed to match the tank unit ,chop a bit of ,Ted

 

[old51fordman]

Of course you are right and sorry for the "s". Obviously the temp portion is not hydrostatic.
Unfortunately over the 80+ years since the temp gauge was made it has become a bit lower than I would like. I have come to adjust my understanding of when the car is hot, but would rather it the reading was more accurate.
I would welcome any advice on that you can come up with.

Thanks

 

[deuce lover]

If you are uncomfortable with the reading of the temp portion of that gauge it can be repaired.In that case the entire gauge will have to be removed and sent for repair.Williamson's instruments(www.williamsons.com), for one, who are in Chester,AR is able to redo the temp portion.Its quite expensive but still less than finding an original replacement.