I messed up pretty bad... - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

elwood · 03-12-2004, 04:37 PM

I have the gauge cluster with the large fuel gauge...

I took the needles off to put on white face overlays. I took pictures of the gauges' natural resting position. As I was taking off the fuel needle, I think I turned the needle and forgot where it was when the needle actaully popped off. I have everything back together and I'm not sure if my fuel guage is correct.

What I'm asking is, how can I make darn sure my fuel guage is correct. How do I calibrate it if it's off?

I know this sounds stupid, but I need some guidence...

Thanks,
Elwood

LOHRTBT · 03-12-2004, 05:05 PM

If you have dual tanks , make sure one is full. run the other till empty and set the needle at Empty when running

If you dont have a dual tank setup. Take 2-3 gallons in the bed in a container and do the same..run it till its empty.

Or you could syphon it all out and when you run it dry you know its empty.

8t5Silverado · 03-12-2004, 05:07 PM

Or fill one up, and move the needle to full.

Although I think the empty mark is more crucial than the full mark.

Destructo · 03-12-2004, 05:46 PM

yeah, I don't care where mine is at when full, just long as it says empty when my gas is running low!

benscool1 · 03-12-2004, 06:08 PM

Hey, make sure to show some pics of your dash all together w/the overlays, I'm thinking about getting some.

*mike reeh* · 03-13-2004, 02:00 AM

I know its a super pita, but I would take the sending unit out of the tank, and set it that way. there is what, about 9-10 inches of movement in the float? I would hold it about 1" from the bottom and set that as "E" and the rest will work itself out... Even though, when the float is all the way down, you still have several gallons. Personally I like to be on the safe side. Another reason why I like having two tanks..

OH a side note-- i drove my '77 tonite to go have dinner with my parents and pick up a trailer on my way home. Anyway---- I picked up the trailer and went to my favorite gas station to fill up (USA petroleum).. Being that its my favorite fill up spot, I know how the pumps work and what they say on the little display, and when..

Imagine my surprise when I get out and the display says "remove nozzle and being pumping gas" !!! Yeah I got $20 worth of 89 octane, compliments of usa petroleum

oh well thats my exciting story for the week. good day

mike

Destructo · 03-13-2004, 02:08 AM

My tanks usually have about a gallon left when I run out of fuel and switch tanks. Its a shortbed with 16 gallon tanks and when I fill up a tank I ran dry it takes about 15 gallons.

elwood · 03-13-2004, 11:07 AM

I was just thinking, cant I take the fuel guage wire off the sending unit and the guage will think its empty, and reset the needle according to that? If I ground out the guage wire, It will read full right?

Yes... I will post pics if I ever get this problem fixed.

Joey-D · 03-13-2004, 11:20 PM

Be a man and fill up at half a tank! No tinkering involved!!!

NeCrOmAnCeR · 03-13-2004, 11:29 PM

Yes, I was going to suggest just removing the gauge wire. Although grounding the wire should make it read empty. Leaving it hanging in the breeze will place it above full.

03-12-2004, 04:37 PM	#1
elwood Keep it gangsta! Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Peoria, Arizona (Phoenix Area) Posts: 102	I messed up pretty bad... I have the gauge cluster with the large fuel gauge... I took the needles off to put on white face overlays. I took pictures of the gauges' natural resting position. As I was taking off the fuel needle, I think I turned the needle and forgot where it was when the needle actaully popped off. I have everything back together and I'm not sure if my fuel guage is correct. What I'm asking is, how can I make darn sure my fuel guage is correct. How do I calibrate it if it's off? I know this sounds stupid, but I need some guidence... Thanks, Elwood __________________ 1984 K5 Blazer 305-NP208-700R4 Ex Police Unit It's old school, but moves along nicely... '78 C-20 - SOLD

03-12-2004, 05:05 PM	#2
LOHRTBT BeWarE tHe eViL CrAnkTOe! Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Yukon, OK Posts: 3,605	If you have dual tanks , make sure one is full. run the other till empty and set the needle at Empty when running If you dont have a dual tank setup. Take 2-3 gallons in the bed in a container and do the same..run it till its empty. Or you could syphon it all out and when you run it dry you know its empty. __________________ ~Dave~ You can call me Mike, Mike Oxlong - 1986 Chevy SWB - Stock for now - *1986 Chevy Custom SWB* *Stolen 6/26/05* - 1985 Chevy SWB SOLD - 1999 T/A Some mods www.cardomain.com/id/ramairdave AIM Screenname - Jester84

03-12-2004, 05:07 PM	#3
8t5Silverado Mudslides 'r my specialty Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: STL Posts: 1,106	Or fill one up, and move the needle to full. Although I think the empty mark is more crucial than the full mark. __________________ Always on the lookout for old cars and parts...(20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, etc.) http://www.cardomain.com/memberpage/500339

03-12-2004, 05:46 PM	#4
Destructo Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Lewisville, NC Posts: 1,836	yeah, I don't care where mine is at when full, just long as it says empty when my gas is running low! __________________ 1985 Scottsdale Shortbed 4x4 Stout 350 with some "upgrades"-700r4-33x12.5" Mud Tires, Warn 8274-50 winch. 2005 Chevrolet Colorado Regular Cab 2wd 4-banger, 5 speed, Street Pack with 3.73 axle.

03-12-2004, 06:08 PM	#5
benscool1 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Williamsfield, IL Posts: 781	Hey, make sure to show some pics of your dash all together w/the overlays, I'm thinking about getting some. __________________ Ben 84 C10 Silverado 14 Silverado Z71

03-13-2004, 02:00 AM	#6
mike reeh 5 day ban, learn to behave. Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: san diego, ca Posts: 683	I know its a super pita, but I would take the sending unit out of the tank, and set it that way. there is what, about 9-10 inches of movement in the float? I would hold it about 1" from the bottom and set that as "E" and the rest will work itself out... Even though, when the float is all the way down, you still have several gallons. Personally I like to be on the safe side. Another reason why I like having two tanks.. OH a side note-- i drove my '77 tonite to go have dinner with my parents and pick up a trailer on my way home. Anyway---- I picked up the trailer and went to my favorite gas station to fill up (USA petroleum).. Being that its my favorite fill up spot, I know how the pumps work and what they say on the little display, and when.. Imagine my surprise when I get out and the display says "remove nozzle and being pumping gas" !!! Yeah I got $20 worth of 89 octane, compliments of usa petroleum oh well thats my exciting story for the week. good day mike

03-13-2004, 02:08 AM	#7
Destructo Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Lewisville, NC Posts: 1,836	My tanks usually have about a gallon left when I run out of fuel and switch tanks. Its a shortbed with 16 gallon tanks and when I fill up a tank I ran dry it takes about 15 gallons. __________________ 1985 Scottsdale Shortbed 4x4 Stout 350 with some "upgrades"-700r4-33x12.5" Mud Tires, Warn 8274-50 winch. 2005 Chevrolet Colorado Regular Cab 2wd 4-banger, 5 speed, Street Pack with 3.73 axle.

03-13-2004, 11:07 AM	#8
elwood Keep it gangsta! Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Peoria, Arizona (Phoenix Area) Posts: 102	I was just thinking, cant I take the fuel guage wire off the sending unit and the guage will think its empty, and reset the needle according to that? If I ground out the guage wire, It will read full right? Yes... I will post pics if I ever get this problem fixed. __________________ 1984 K5 Blazer 305-NP208-700R4 Ex Police Unit It's old school, but moves along nicely... '78 C-20 - SOLD

03-13-2004, 11:20 PM	#9
Joey-D City's Articulation Ramp Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: St. Louis Missouri Posts: 452	Be a man and fill up at half a tank! No tinkering involved!!! __________________ 85 K90 SWB Rockwells 46x19.5 on double beadlocks 20" lift 305/sm465/NP208 Toy 00 Silverado 2wd SWB 4.8 auto 3/4 drop slamair bags esclade rims Daily Driver 06 Harley Sporster 883 low 19?? Zamboni, Really I own a Zamboni! "If your gonna be stupid, then you better be tough."

03-13-2004, 11:29 PM	#10
NeCrOmAnCeR Registered User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Hodgenville, Ky Posts: 735	Yes, I was going to suggest just removing the gauge wire. Although grounding the wire should make it read empty. Leaving it hanging in the breeze will place it above full.



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