Fuel Gauge Troubles! - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Joe1964 · 12-11-2008, 11:47 PM

My Dad and I are having troubles with are trucks. My dad has a 1986 C10 LWB with the single tank, and I have an 1982 C10 LBW with dual tanks.

Both of our trucks sat in the backyard for a while, but just got them running again for the winter.

Here is the problem......

Fill both tanks (on my 82) and filled the tank on my dads '86. The fuel tank is obviously full on both trucks. The Gauge(s) read just a little over the 1/4 mark on the fuel gauge?

We have tried different gauges, checked wires, connections, etc. There has to be something that we overlooked.

Please help us, were taking the '86 out of town this tuesday on a 2,000 Mile Trip.

THANK YOU!!!

BLE 'BURBAN · 12-12-2008, 01:54 AM

Seending units are most likely corroded up. Easiest way to change them with full tanks is to loosen up the bed, jack it up or move it back enough to gain access to the top of the tank so you can get in there

Red_69 · 12-12-2008, 11:42 AM

Mine did the same thing. Full would read just over a quarter and go down from there as the tank went empty. Replaced the gauge with one from a parts truck and it worked.

Damien · 12-12-2008, 12:47 PM

Kick the tank. The sender could be stuck and kicking it might free it up.

*78 Chevyrado* · 12-12-2008, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BLE 'BURBAN

Seending units are most likely corroded up. Easiest way to change them with full tanks is to loosen up the bed, jack it up or move it back enough to gain access to the top of the tank so you can get in there

x2

If ya don't figure it out before the trip take a full gas can along.

Joe1964 · 12-14-2008, 03:52 AM

Thanks everybody for the advise!

BoeJaker1976 · 12-14-2008, 07:35 PM

id go with the sending units...if you dont wanna go throwing parts at it...pull you sending unit out and connect a ohm meter to the prong where the wire attaches and the other lead to any part on the sending unit. move the arm up and down and you should get a reading of 0-90 ohms. if it does that...your sending unit is good. if not 30 bucks at o'rieliys auto parts. but if you do get a new one check it there using the same method just to make sure your getting a good sending unit and you wont go through the same hassle i did....

Joe1964 · 12-14-2008, 07:56 PM

When I get back into town, I will certainly try the sending units! The 82 has been sitting in the backyard for a few years.

Thank you for the info! That will save some gasoline going to the auto parts store.

12-11-2008, 11:47 PM	#1
Joe1964 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Boise, Idaho Posts: 4	Fuel Gauge Troubles! My Dad and I are having troubles with are trucks. My dad has a 1986 C10 LWB with the single tank, and I have an 1982 C10 LBW with dual tanks. Both of our trucks sat in the backyard for a while, but just got them running again for the winter. Here is the problem...... Fill both tanks (on my 82) and filled the tank on my dads '86. The fuel tank is obviously full on both trucks. The Gauge(s) read just a little over the 1/4 mark on the fuel gauge? We have tried different gauges, checked wires, connections, etc. There has to be something that we overlooked. Please help us, were taking the '86 out of town this tuesday on a 2,000 Mile Trip. THANK YOU!!!

12-12-2008, 01:54 AM	#2
BLE 'BURBAN In the Forgotten far North. Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Anchorage, Alaska Posts: 2,627	Re: Fuel Gauge Troubles! Seending units are most likely corroded up. Easiest way to change them with full tanks is to loosen up the bed, jack it up or move it back enough to gain access to the top of the tank so you can get in there __________________ 1987 R3500 CREW CAB DUALLY (BIG RED)Acquired 06/12/2015 1990 chevy suburban V2500 5.7L My cluster Mods-Nov 2007 overhead console Stereo install Round 2 Aug 2009 Heated/turn signal mirror upgrade

12-12-2008, 11:42 AM	#3
Red_69 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: IL Posts: 160	Re: Fuel Gauge Troubles! Mine did the same thing. Full would read just over a quarter and go down from there as the tank went empty. Replaced the gauge with one from a parts truck and it worked. __________________ 1986 Chevy 3/4 Ton 4X4

12-12-2008, 12:47 PM	#4
Damien Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Farmington, MN Posts: 928	Re: Fuel Gauge Troubles! Kick the tank. The sender could be stuck and kicking it might free it up. __________________ I can still count my vehicles on two... wait three hands.

12-14-2008, 03:52 AM	#6
Joe1964 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Boise, Idaho Posts: 4	Re: Fuel Gauge Troubles! Thanks everybody for the advise!

12-14-2008, 07:35 PM	#7
BoeJaker1976 Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Location: copperas Cove, TX Posts: 85	Re: Fuel Gauge Troubles! id go with the sending units...if you dont wanna go throwing parts at it...pull you sending unit out and connect a ohm meter to the prong where the wire attaches and the other lead to any part on the sending unit. move the arm up and down and you should get a reading of 0-90 ohms. if it does that...your sending unit is good. if not 30 bucks at o'rieliys auto parts. but if you do get a new one check it there using the same method just to make sure your getting a good sending unit and you wont go through the same hassle i did.... __________________ 1976 Red chevy steppy, Proud service member, US ARMY 15Y, AH-64D Apache Longbow Armament, Avionics, Electronics technician

12-14-2008, 07:56 PM	#8
Joe1964 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Boise, Idaho Posts: 4	Re: Fuel Gauge Troubles! When I get back into town, I will certainly try the sending units! The 82 has been sitting in the backyard for a few years. Thank you for the info! That will save some gasoline going to the auto parts store.



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