Gas gauge problems- question?

[Stuart Lehr]

Getting a '73 2.0 running again after a 15 year hibernation- the gas gauge doesn't work and I'm not sure if it's the sending unit or gauge (suspect the sending unit.) Took apart the sending unit and the float moves fine and everything there seems kosher. How can I check the gauge itself before sending it off to North Hollywood?? Ideas?

[kellzey]

Carefully cleant he wires i nside the float with some scotch bright.

I suspect that they are varnished with old gas.

Or obtain a unit new or used on E-bay or on the classifieds here.

Also check all of your contacts on top and on the back of the gauge for corrosion.

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

The sender for the gauge is a resistor. Get a potentiometer that goes from 0 to ~50 ohms. Wire the middle terminal to a ground, wire one of the outer terminals to the sender input on the back of the gauge. Turn the ignition on to power the gauge, then turn the kno on the pot to change its resistance. The needle should move.

Conversely, you can put an ohmmeter on the wire coming from the sender. Measure the resistance from that sender wire to ground. Move the float (however you like) and see if the resistance changes. Should be in the 0-~50 ohm range.

Mine is actually about 30-35 ohms when reading empty.

--DD