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Fuel Gauge - shows full, then empty for a long time
https://www.ausmini.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=86151		 Page 1 of 1
Author:  Angusdog [ Thu Jun 19, 2014 7:30 pm ]
Post subject:  Fuel Gauge - shows full, then empty for a long time
Okey dokey, the fuel gauge in the Estate (which is on the road again after three years) is erratic. When freshly filled, it shows full then after a day or so shows empty even though the tank must be 7/8 full.

Is it likely tobe the sender, or some electrical gubbins in the dash? Isn't there a regulator or something that needs replacing over time?

Thanks in advance, Simon.
Author:  simon k [ Thu Jun 19, 2014 7:40 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Fuel Gauge - shows full, then empty for a long time
float filling up with fuel and sinking?
Author:  Angusdog [ Thu Jun 19, 2014 8:02 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Fuel Gauge - shows full, then empty for a long time
I thought about that but it wouldn't rise again when full, would it? After it's filled, it immediately shows full. I'm hoping it's a 'leccy thing as the tank is a b!tch to remove (well, the fuel line is uber-difficult to fit).
Author:  gtogreen1969 [ Thu Jun 19, 2014 8:46 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Fuel Gauge - shows full, then empty for a long time
I have had this a couple of times on trucks, not sure if the mini is the same. The resistor windings wear down from the main arm sliding across it. You can sand back the windings slightly to even them out and re-bend the arm that slides across it for more tension.
Author:  drjbeam [ Thu Jun 19, 2014 9:55 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Fuel Gauge - shows full, then empty for a long time
New sender
dont need to remove tank its the round part on side of tank
just drain the fuel first before taking it out
Author:  Convertible Mini [ Fri Jun 20, 2014 8:16 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Fuel Gauge - shows full, then empty for a long time
It sounds like the resistor winding is broken and as soon as it goes past that point...No resistance so it goes to full. Some work the other way round no resistance meaning empty.
Author:  BKozan [ Fri Jun 20, 2014 8:23 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Fuel Gauge - shows full, then empty for a long time
With an empty tank, pull the sender out and move it through it's range of motion. Have someone watch the fuel gauge and see what happens. If you find a "cutoff" point where the gauge drops to empty, and you can recreate it, than it's time to replace the sender unit.
viewtopic.php?f=2&t=85819#p943289
Author:  Timbo [ Fri Jun 20, 2014 8:51 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Fuel Gauge - shows full, then empty for a long time
Its simple to open the sender unit up and see what the problem is. You may be able to fix it yourself, but I can recommend Howard Instruments for a repair.

cheers
Tim
Author:  9YaTaH [ Fri Jun 20, 2014 8:54 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Fuel Gauge - shows full, then empty for a long time
Convertible Mini wrote:
It sounds like the resistor winding is broken and as soon as it goes past that point...No resistance so it goes to full. Some work the other way round no resistance meaning empty.


yep...agree...that's where I'd be looking :D
Author:  drjbeam [ Fri Jun 20, 2014 12:04 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Fuel Gauge - shows full, then empty for a long time
BKozan wrote:
With an empty tank, pull the sender out and move it through it's range of motion. Have someone watch the fuel gauge and see what happens. If you find a "cutoff" point where the gauge drops to empty, and you can recreate it, than it's time to replace the sender unit.
viewtopic.php?f=2&t=85819#p943289


You can use a multi metre set on ohms i just forget the ohm numbers for full and empty
You still can get these new
Author:  Angusdog [ Sat Jun 21, 2014 6:04 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Fuel Gauge - shows full, then empty for a long time
Thanks for the replies - looks like I'm up for dropping the tank which in the Estate is a bit of a pain (Outlet pipe is hard up against the subframe). Still, at least I'll get a bit of peace & quiet under the car ;)
Author:  phillb [ Sat Jun 21, 2014 7:56 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Fuel Gauge - shows full, then empty for a long time
Angusdog wrote:
Thanks for the replies - looks like I'm up for dropping the tank which in the Estate is a bit of a pain (Outlet pipe is hard up against the subframe). Still, at least I'll get a bit of peace & quiet under the car ;)


Can the sender only be accessed if the tank is removed?
Author:  peterb [ Sat Jun 21, 2014 9:04 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Fuel Gauge - shows full, then empty for a long time
Aren't they the same tank as vans? They're easy removed.........when empty.
Author:  BKozan [ Mon Jun 23, 2014 1:19 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Fuel Gauge - shows full, then empty for a long time
phillb wrote:
Angusdog wrote:
Thanks for the replies - looks like I'm up for dropping the tank which in the Estate is a bit of a pain (Outlet pipe is hard up against the subframe). Still, at least I'll get a bit of peace & quiet under the car ;)

Can the sender only be accessed if the tank is removed?


It can be done in car - just make sure the tank is empty. It's the 6" diameter round plate with 2 wires right on the side of the tank. Mine was simply held in by a big round "washer" that increases pressure against the rubber gasket as you turn it clockwise. It doesn't have any nuts or bolts, and doesn't really lock into position or anything.
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