Stock 32 gas gauge prob.
- Thread starter trike84
- Start date
deuce_roadster
Well-known member
Is this a new problem or has the gauge always read low? I would drain all the gas out of the tank and see where the fluid level shows. If not at the empty mark add fluid to the gauge until it reaches the empty mark. If it still doesn't work properly I would pull the tank unit out and check all the bubble catching, or gas catching chambers for cracks. I have repaired (soldered) small cracks in almost everyone of these I have owned. (both 32 and 34) The fact that it registers at all makes me think the air line from the tank to the gauge is probably OK. Use an eyedropper to add fluid to the top of the tube in the gauge.
DavidG
Well-known member
If the fluid level rose in the sight glass when you filled the tank to the 1/2 full level then the problem is likely that the gauge lacks sufficient fluid.
A&L Parts Specialties in Canton, CT used to offer the fluid; whether or not they still do would need to be determined.
The fluid is added to the brass tube attached to the back of the instrument panel gauge. Obviously in order to do so the air line would have to be disconnected. Once the air line is disconnected, the reading in the sight glass should be at the "0" mark. If not, fluid should be added (a clean eye dropper is useful for this purpose) to bring the reading up to the "0" mark. (If you add too much, the excess can be removed from the brass tube with a tooth pick [Ford's original instruction] or a pipe cleaner). Once the air line is reconnected, a couple of day's driving will result in the sight glass reading to rise to indicate the level of fuel in the tank.
If the reading did not rise to the 1/2 mark when you filled the tank or you achieve a "0" reading when you disconnect the air line at the back of the gauge, then the problem is likely with the sending unit in the tank which may be clogged and require a thorough cleaning and/or repair as indicated by deuce roadster. If after having done that and you still do not get accurate readings, then the problem may well be a partially clogged air line, which can usually be cleared by applying compressed air to the line (with both ends disconnected). The readily-available reprint '32 service bulletins cover the above in detail and includes illustrations.
A&L Parts Specialties in Canton, CT used to offer the fluid; whether or not they still do would need to be determined.
The fluid is added to the brass tube attached to the back of the instrument panel gauge. Obviously in order to do so the air line would have to be disconnected. Once the air line is disconnected, the reading in the sight glass should be at the "0" mark. If not, fluid should be added (a clean eye dropper is useful for this purpose) to bring the reading up to the "0" mark. (If you add too much, the excess can be removed from the brass tube with a tooth pick [Ford's original instruction] or a pipe cleaner). Once the air line is reconnected, a couple of day's driving will result in the sight glass reading to rise to indicate the level of fuel in the tank.
If the reading did not rise to the 1/2 mark when you filled the tank or you achieve a "0" reading when you disconnect the air line at the back of the gauge, then the problem is likely with the sending unit in the tank which may be clogged and require a thorough cleaning and/or repair as indicated by deuce roadster. If after having done that and you still do not get accurate readings, then the problem may well be a partially clogged air line, which can usually be cleared by applying compressed air to the line (with both ends disconnected). The readily-available reprint '32 service bulletins cover the above in detail and includes illustrations.
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