And another question from "the new guy"...

'64 Valiant - my gas gauge does not work, sits on "E" all the time. The TEMP gauge IS working, so I must assume that the cluster voltage regulator is okay...

I have not pulled the tank unit yet...am wondering if the tank units have any particular history of failure or not...

Are there sources for new sending units / dash gauges ?


Thanks !

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De Soto Frank

On my '64, the float didn't. You might be able to solder the leaks (Make sure it's COMPLETELY dry inside and out first!), or get a new one. Replacements are available from Laysons, et al.
Currently, my gauge float is a model airplane gas tank with the tubes crimped and soldered shut. When and if I get around to dropping the tank for a lining job, I'll replace that with a real float.

More: The float is one possibility. I don't know what effect a bad ground strap would have, but check that first. That's the metal clip-on piece that goes from the fuel line to the sender, paralleling the rubber hose. You can test that with a simple jumper wire, grounding the sender to the body or subframe.
Yes, senders, floats, socks, gaskets, etc are all available from places like Laysons (www.laysons.com) and others. I don't know who has the better prices.

Your local Ford dealer has a better price on the floats. Go to the parts data base on this site for the part number.

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Charrlie_S
65 Valiant 100 2dr post 170 turbo
66 Valiant Signet 170 nitrous
64 Valiant Signet
64 Valiant 4dr 170
64 Valiant 4dr 225

If the temp gauge is working, you can rule out the regulator in the instrument cluster.

Now, only 5 other things can cause your problem.

1:Bad fuel gauge(happens, but not often)
2: Disconnected wire from the sending unit(not likely)
3:Bad sender(possible, but not likely...unless there is a lot of rust in the tank)
4:Bad ground at the sender(its' a small metal strap that should go from the top of the sender to the fuel line, parallel to the rubber hose,....common problem)
5:The float has developed a hole, filled with fuel, and has sunk to the bottom of the tank.(VERY common...)

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Rafa

Hecho en México

This is an easy test. Disconnect the lead from the sending unit at the tank, then use a clip lead to ground the disconnected wire. If the gauge goes to Full, then the gauge and regulator are OK and the problem is either a bad ground strap as mentioned above or a bad sending unit. You can check the sending unit with an ohmmeter. It should read about 300 ohms or less.

If the gauge doesn't work with the above test, you need to get behind the dash and ground the fuel gauge on the sending unit side. If it works grounding it there, then the wire from the dash to the sending unit has a problem. If it still doesn't work, either the gauge is bad or there is a broken trace on the circuit board.

A new sending unit is available from Mopar, # 4051004. It is listed in the parts database.

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Chuck Rivers, Webmaster

Thanks Chuck !

I will try to get under the car and check this out.

(Would also be a good time to install the new rear shocks that've been rolling around in the trunk for two years...)

Regards,

De Soto Frank