The Ford Barn

Cartravel · 02-09-2022, 03:45 PM

I am starting on gauges for our '40 pickup. I've read a lot of posts on this subject, so I think I understand most of the issues. I will have to use an aftermarket gauge, since the original will not fit into the new tank. I've gotten a couple of sending units recommended here (Carpenter and Yogi's). I've also gotten some of the MC7806 voltage regulators ($0.39 each). I've got 4 different gauge clusters, but most sat out in the weather and look nasty. I need a good working gauge to figure out how to adjust the sending unit arm length and height. How can I test these gauges to find one that works? Can I briefly touch 6v across the contacts to see if the needle moves? When they don't work what is normally the problem and how do you fix it?

JSeery · 02-09-2022, 08:42 PM

Use a 1.5 volt battery and you should get a half scale reading

Cartravel · 02-13-2022, 08:05 PM

I played with several gauges today. With the face off, the oil pressure and fuel gauge appear to be identical. The temperature gauge appears to be a mirror image. All measure about 10.5 ohms through the windings, however, the needle doesn't move with 1.5 volts. So I still don't know whether I've got any good gauges, but the consistent 10.5 ohm measurement suggest they should work. Any ideas?

02-09-2022, 03:45 PM	#21
Cartravel Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Larry Young, Tulsa, OK Posts: 241	Re: Fuel Gage - volatge senstive? I am starting on gauges for our '40 pickup. I've read a lot of posts on this subject, so I think I understand most of the issues. I will have to use an aftermarket gauge, since the original will not fit into the new tank. I've gotten a couple of sending units recommended here (Carpenter and Yogi's). I've also gotten some of the MC7806 voltage regulators ($0.39 each). I've got 4 different gauge clusters, but most sat out in the weather and look nasty. I need a good working gauge to figure out how to adjust the sending unit arm length and height. How can I test these gauges to find one that works? Can I briefly touch 6v across the contacts to see if the needle moves? When they don't work what is normally the problem and how do you fix it?

02-09-2022, 08:42 PM	#22
JSeery Member Emeritus Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Wichita KS Posts: 16,132	Re: Fuel Gage - volatge senstive? Use a 1.5 volt battery and you should get a half scale reading

02-13-2022, 08:05 PM	#23
Cartravel Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Larry Young, Tulsa, OK Posts: 241	Re: Fuel Gage - volatge senstive? I played with several gauges today. With the face off, the oil pressure and fuel gauge appear to be identical. The temperature gauge appears to be a mirror image. All measure about 10.5 ohms through the windings, however, the needle doesn't move with 1.5 volts. So I still don't know whether I've got any good gauges, but the consistent 10.5 ohm measurement suggest they should work. Any ideas?