Fuel Gage or Fuel Level Sender Problem?

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kenstrom
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Fuel Gage or Fuel Level Sender Problem?

My fuel gage was reading fine, and then suddenly has no reading at all -- the needle indicator is far left -- way below the empty mark on the gage.  I have never seen the needle in this area of the gage.

Once last season I was having bad readings after filling up the tank, but it corrected it self shortly and I just assumed that the fuel sender got stuck in a low position and then freed it self up.

I assume I now have either have a bad fuel sender or a bad gage.  Does anyone know how to test each one individually to determine which one is the culprit?

Thanks,

Ken Enstrom
2004 C-36 MKII #2199
Tall Rig, Wing Keel, M-35B
S/V Valkyrie - Sail Great Lakes

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Haro
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Ken,please see my post at link below.
Replace the sender unit.

https:/to/www.catalina36.org/forum/technical-discussion/I maretron-
tlm100-ultrasonic-fuel-level-sensor-installation

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Haro
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LeslieTroyer
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To test the gauge pull the wire at the sensor.  The needle should swing to the stops.  Ground the wire and it should swing to the stops the other way.  If not check you have low resistance between both ends of the sensor wire. 

To me it sounds like a broken wire or bad sending unit. My bet is the wire

les

Les & Trish Troyer
Mahalo 
Everett, WA
1983 C-36 Hull #0094
C-36 MK 1 Technical Editor. 

Commodore

 

kenstrom
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Mates -- Thanks for the help.  I removed the main wire from the sending unit and no change to the fuel gage reading of dead empty.  When I grounded it the main sensor wire out, the gage went to full.  I am thinking that this verified that my gage is good and my wiring is good and my sensor is bad. 

Even though I did an alternator and battery upgrade a few years ago, I am more of a mechanical guy than an electrical wizz.  Any suggestions on a direct fuel sender replacement that may be a little more reliable, but doesn't require any electrical communications systems upgrade?

Ken Enstrom
2004 C-36 MKII #2199
Tall Rig, Wing Keel, M-35B
S/V Valkyrie - Sail Great Lakes

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LeslieTroyer
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Les & Trish Troyer
Mahalo 
Everett, WA
1983 C-36 Hull #0094
C-36 MK 1 Technical Editor. 

Commodore

 

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