Hi, I am new to this site so I hope that I am posting my question correctly.
I have a 1975 Dodge Dart "Hang Ten" edition with a slant 6 and 66K original miles. The gas gauge isn't working any more and I am wondering if this is a common problem, or where you would reccomend looking first. All the other gauges are working fine. Thanks for any help.
Dennis

Welcome to the site.

To test your fuel gauge, go under the car and look for a wire plugged onto the front of the gas tank. Pull that wire off and connect it to a good chassis ground. (I use a jumper wire with clips on both ends)

Turn-on the ignition and the gas gauge should go to the "full" mark, don't leave it on "pegged-out" for too long, just see if it moves to full.

If the gauge does move to full when grounded, the the float and / or sending unit inside the fuel tank is the problem.
If the gauge does not move when this wire is grounded, then the problem is up at the fuel gauge or in the connection in between.
Hope that helps.
DD

doc's got you covered...another thing that rusts and can cause intermittent problems is the sending unit ground strap it looks like a 1/4" wide piece of metal with two 'clips' attached to the outlet tube on the sending unit and the main fuel line bolted to the body...


-D.Idiot

Thanks for the advice. I did as you said and found the gauge to be in working order. Anyone know where I can find a sending unit??
Thanks for a great and informative site.
Dennis

New ones are still available from MOPAR. Cost around $90. Before condeming the sending unit remove it and check the float. These are brass and can get a pinhole in them causing them to sink. The float is not available from Mother Mopar, but, Father Ford sells 'em. They are also available from 'Year One' but cost more.

When you remove the sender to check, you might want to have an inlet sock to replace the old one. They get pretty nasty.
I made a 'temporary' float (It's only been in use for a year now ... ) from a brass model airplane fuel tank about the same size. Just had to cut, crimp, and solder the tubes closed.
Laysons also carries the floats, gaskets, socks, senders, etc.

Thanks Gentlemen. Problem solved.
Dennis

Dennis, what was the cure? Also, just for info. The Sender float is available from Ford, not from Mopar. The part number is in the parts data base.

_________________
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

Charlie, I'm taking the sending unit out today, now that I can conclude it is not the gauge. If necessary I will replace the entire unit. Thanks for the advice. I may be lucky and it might just be the float. Fingers crossed.
Dennis

What is a good source for the sock? Thanks.

Mike

You might check your local auto parts store, I think someone on usemet said that you can still get them at NAPA, etc. by asking for a gas tank sending unit filter for a 1988 Dodge Dynasty....

I need to replace the one in my '74 it's about due.

-D.Idiot

The part number for the replacement sending unit is in the parts database.

_________________
Chuck Rivers, Webmaster

I got mine from these guys. Good prices and good service.
http://www.classiccarautoparts.com/gast ... l#chrysler

Joe

How about sending a picture of that Hang Ten Edition out, Sounds pretty cool.

_________________
My 63 Valiant
http://www.readersrides.com/rides/class ... aliant.htm
<img src="http://www.readersrides.com/slant6-02.gif"/>

I have ordered the socks, sending units and a tank for a 63 dart from
these folks with no trouble. The socks did not show on their web site
because they were out of stock at the time - I made a phone call to
order them. They call it a 5/16" Mopar Strainer and list it by "SUCST"

Their contact info is:
Quanta Restoration and Performance Products
743 Telegraph Road
Rising Sun, MD 21911-1810

(410)658-5700 Phone (410)658-5758 FAX (800)235-8788 Order phone

Guys, It turned out that the float was full of pinholes. Ordered a new float, sock, and gasket. The "Hang-Ten" was a special trim package that was available for the 1974-75 model years. The seat folds down to accomodate a surfboard. The carpeting is a very groovy orange with orange accents on the dash and $#!+ console, (on the floor). The seats and door panels are wooven with a very wild multi-colored pattern that looks like it belongs on a 1970's pair of curtains. I'll get a pictre out. The exterior sports a decal package with a surfer and the words "Hang Ten."
Dennis