460 1990 fuel gauge problem

[arnaud]

Hi experts.. The misses got stranded because the fuel gauge was not yet on reserve (didn't start blinking) but fuel tank was dry all the same!
is there something i can do about it?
Can i reach the fuel gauge measure thingy eassily?
Best regards
Arnaud
Netherlands

[billofdurham]

fuel gauge measure thingy

A graphic description.

It is easy to do:

460 tank sender unit.pdf

(180.45 KiB) Downloaded 292 times

You will see the unit is held in place by a large, knurled ring. This can be removed using a special tool or a large, adjustable wrench or a piece of wood tapped gently with a hammer.

When you have the unit out you can test it with an ohmmeter. Resistances are:
Full tank 35-40 ohms.
Half full 76-82 ohms.
Empty 276-290 ohms.

Bill.

[arnaud]

and then replace it?
it seems to work but keeps hanging just above reserve..
can the trouble also be in the dashboard?

[billofdurham]

My first thought was a bulb out in the reserve light on the dash, but it isn't often used so, in theory, should have a long life. It could be dead.

Bill.

[arnaud]

Hi,
It is the needle for the gauge which doesn't go below the reserve(red) area..

[billofdurham]

Sorry, I am used to reserve lights.

Fuel gauges do develop faults, but only rarely. Is the float arm on the sender unit going all the way down? They have been known to stick.

Bill.

[arnaud]

That's something what can be fixed easily!
can one reach it from the outside?? (below the rear seats??)

[billofdurham]

It is in the attachment in my first reply.

Bill.

[arnaud]

Ah, thanks.. i have to fiddle with my computer first to open it..
It will work out in time...