1971 C-10 gas gauge ot working... - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

68Gold/white · 06-03-2024, 05:55 PM

I helped a friend locate this 71 C10, around Covid time, March 2022.
It seemed like the gas gauge worked when he got it, but has seldom work for quite a while.
I had the sender out of it, recently. This is a California emissions pickup (350), sender has 3/8 and 1/4" pipes on it.
I tested the float movement with an ohm meter. That functioned fine.
Right after I reinstalled the sender it went to 1/8 tank reading, which was likely correct. Now it just reads a fuzz off the "E" mark. I put $35.00 gas in it a minute ago, gauge did not move....

I'm wondering what the common problem could be with these pickups, if there is one...
Gauge cluster is original, old...it is the 6 hole type.

Thanks!!!

**LockDoc** · 06-03-2024, 09:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 68Gold/white

I helped a friend locate this 71 C10, around Covid time, March 2022.
It seemed like the gas gauge worked when he got it, but has seldom work for quite a while.
I had the sender out of it, recently. This is a California emissions pickup (350), sender has 3/8 and 1/4" pipes on it.
I tested the float movement with an ohm meter. That functioned fine.
Right after I reinstalled the sender it went to 1/8 tank reading, which was likely correct. Now it just reads a fuzz off the "E" mark. I put $35.00 gas in it a minute ago, gauge did not move....

I'm wondering what the common problem could be with these pickups, if there is one...
Gauge cluster is original, old...it is the 6 hole type.

Thanks!!!

Did you try hooking up a ground wire from the sender tube to the body? A piece of wire with alligator clips on each end would work.
.

**1970cstblazer** · 06-04-2024, 08:00 AM

The float itself will fail.

HO455 · 06-04-2024, 02:59 PM

Here is a link to Tbone1964's great troubleshooting guide for fuel guages. The guages are pretty trouble free but they are 50 plus years old so they might just need some love.

https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=640615

68Gold/white · 06-04-2024, 04:33 PM

Thanks, all.
My next stab at working on his pickup will be in a couple of weeks.
Jeff

**1970cstblazer** · 06-05-2024, 07:42 AM

An extreme example of what can happen to the 50 plus year old brass fuel sender floats:

06-03-2024, 05:55 PM	#1
68Gold/white Registered User Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Ark City, Kansas Posts: 3,551	1971 C-10 gas gauge ot working... I helped a friend locate this 71 C10, around Covid time, March 2022. It seemed like the gas gauge worked when he got it, but has seldom work for quite a while. I had the sender out of it, recently. This is a California emissions pickup (350), sender has 3/8 and 1/4" pipes on it. I tested the float movement with an ohm meter. That functioned fine. Right after I reinstalled the sender it went to 1/8 tank reading, which was likely correct. Now it just reads a fuzz off the "E" mark. I put $35.00 gas in it a minute ago, gauge did not move.... I'm wondering what the common problem could be with these pickups, if there is one... Gauge cluster is original, old...it is the 6 hole type. Thanks!!!

06-04-2024, 08:00 AM	#3
1970cstblazer All stock and staying that way Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Elkland, PA Posts: 2,500	Re: 1971 C-10 gas gauge ot working... The float itself will fail. __________________ 1970 K/5 Blazer CST 4WD, TOTM winner December 2024! Medium Bronze poly, 93k ACT. miles, 350, 4 speed, rear positraction, 16.5" x 8.25" HD Kelsey Hayes wheel option, tilt, tach, vacuum, AM/FM, manual throttle...Dad ordered and purchased new 4/70. Frame off restored 1970 K20, To be a clone of my Grandfather's K20, Dark Blue poly, 350, 4 speed, 16.5" X 8.25" Kelsey Hayes wheel option, tilt, tach, vacuum, AM radio. Latest project truck 1972 Cheyenne Super 20 2WD, Dark Blue/White, 90K ACT. miles, 402, TH400, 4.10 open, tilt, tach, vacuum, A/C, AM/FM, manual throttle.. A mostly original paint never rusted Texas survivor... 2017 Sierra 1500 SLT 4WD, Black, 51k miles, 5.3, 6L80E, 3.42 LS, 20" polished wheels, everything but moonroof and 6.2... 2019 Canyon SLT 4WD, White, 71k miles, 3.6, 8L45, 3.23 LS, 18" wheels

06-04-2024, 02:59 PM	#4
HO455 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Portland Oregon Posts: 12,406	Re: 1971 C-10 gas gauge ot working... Here is a link to Tbone1964's great troubleshooting guide for fuel guages. The guages are pretty trouble free but they are 50 plus years old so they might just need some love. https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=640615 __________________ Thanks to Bob and Jeanie and everyone else at Superior Performance for all their great help. RIP Bob Parks. 1967 Burban (the WMB),1988 S10 Blazer (the Stink10 II),1969 GTO (the Goat), 1970 Javelin, 1952 F2 Ford OHC six 4X4, 29 Model A, 72 Firebird (the DBP Bird). 85 Alfa Romeo If it breaks I didn't want it in the first place The WMB repair thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=698377

06-04-2024, 04:33 PM	#5
68Gold/white Registered User Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Ark City, Kansas Posts: 3,551	Re: 1971 C-10 gas gauge ot working... Thanks, all. My next stab at working on his pickup will be in a couple of weeks. Jeff

06-05-2024, 07:42 AM	#6
1970cstblazer All stock and staying that way Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Elkland, PA Posts: 2,500	Re: 1971 C-10 gas gauge ot working... An extreme example of what can happen to the 50 plus year old brass fuel sender floats: __________________ 1970 K/5 Blazer CST 4WD, TOTM winner December 2024! Medium Bronze poly, 93k ACT. miles, 350, 4 speed, rear positraction, 16.5" x 8.25" HD Kelsey Hayes wheel option, tilt, tach, vacuum, AM/FM, manual throttle...Dad ordered and purchased new 4/70. Frame off restored 1970 K20, To be a clone of my Grandfather's K20, Dark Blue poly, 350, 4 speed, 16.5" X 8.25" Kelsey Hayes wheel option, tilt, tach, vacuum, AM radio. Latest project truck 1972 Cheyenne Super 20 2WD, Dark Blue/White, 90K ACT. miles, 402, TH400, 4.10 open, tilt, tach, vacuum, A/C, AM/FM, manual throttle.. A mostly original paint never rusted Texas survivor... 2017 Sierra 1500 SLT 4WD, Black, 51k miles, 5.3, 6L80E, 3.42 LS, 20" polished wheels, everything but moonroof and 6.2... 2019 Canyon SLT 4WD, White, 71k miles, 3.6, 8L45, 3.23 LS, 18" wheels



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