The Ford Barn

Dave Law · 07-21-2011, 09:46 AM

Can any of you guys tell me how the gas gauge is supposed to function in my '32 BB truck? I've cleaned-up and re-soldered a tiny crack in the TANK unit, and removed a "whittled wooden bung" from what appears to be a venting tube. however the tiny steel line (running to the gauge) is rusted off and clogged shut. So I will need to replace it. But it would be helpful to understand just HOW it works. I'm now wondering if the gauge will still work. Can you help? Also, is the tallest tube on the sending unit (and coming out thru the bottom) supposed to be an OPEN air vent? I can't find any drawings or literature on this anywhere. Thanks. Dave

Terry,OH · 07-21-2011, 02:55 PM

The hydrostatic sending unit, in the tank can create a small amount of air pressure. The pressure is sent to the dash unit through the small tube. Once the pressure is in the back of the gas gauge it displaces a special red liquid to the glass tube in the front of the gauge, you just read the height of the red liquid in the glass tube and you have the fuel level in the tank. The small tube is available through several of the aftermarket suppliers in brass tube and works well. The fittings on the two ends of the small line are soldered on to the tube, and the connections have to be air tight. There is no need to tighten any of the connections too hard. Many times the dash gas gauge will not work. As mentioned the rear hex shaped tube on the rear of the gauge is the tank to store the red liquid. there is a very small tube between the hex tank and the glass tube and the small tube can become blocked with dried up liquid and needs to be open to allow the fluid to move back and forth between the hex tank and the glass tube. Yes one of the larger tubes in the sending unit is a air vent for the gas tank, it should be open if not several bad things could happen, such as, a vacuum developing in the tank preventing the fuel pump from working.

Dave Law · 07-21-2011, 04:09 PM

Thanks Terry! That REALLY helps! I fully understand what you've described. I've seen where suppliers show a tiny bottle of red liquid, but I didn't have a clue as to what was needed to make it functional. I'm wondering if instructions are given with the red liquid, regarding how to install it (after I've checked the gauge for clogs). If it is also clogged, could it be soaked in lacquer thinner or something? I found the small tube kit (from C&G), but they want $30 for it (seems a bit pricey). Any alternative suggestions?
PS- I'm just about finished with the restoration....waiting now on the engine rebuilder. Painted the cab Viper Red, with Jet Black fenders and trim. Man, it looks good! Can't wait to finish final reassembly, so I can post some pictures. Wish my dad could see his old truck now! Thanks again for your help!

DavidG · 07-21-2011, 06:30 PM

Metal prep and a very fine wire often clean out the small capillary tube between the glass tube and the hex-shaped vertical brass tube on the back of the gauge where blockage is frequently encountered in gauges when the fluid has either dried up or drained off. A lot of patience and persistence are also required.

Terry,OH · 07-21-2011, 06:50 PM

I have filled the hex tube with toilet bowl cleaner and let it soak over night, then empty and use plenty of clean water to rinse (flush). If what ever you try to clean them with shows up in the glass tube then the small tube between the two is open and your on your way to a working gauge.
I believe Macs has a kit with the small tube and fittings, with instructions and some red liquid. You will note the red liquid will change to clear when exposed to sun light, I use Ford gauge fluid, it only takes about one teaspoon full, good luck trying to find some.

Ian NZ · 07-21-2011, 09:26 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Terry I have some red fluid which I bought of Ford Parts dealer 10 years ago with the part number V928A, would that be any better than the red fluid you buy nowdays.

31chevy · 07-22-2011, 06:26 AM

Go to search and type in hydrostatic fuel guage There is a complete explanation of your guage with original ford & king seeley instructions & pictures. Thanks to the barners & especially dave d.
Gary.

35 Woodie · 07-22-2011, 07:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coupe

Terry I have some red fluid which I bought of Ford Parts dealer 10 years ago with the part number V928A, would that be any better than the red fluid you buy nowdays.

Mac's sells the red fluid, V9280A at $2.90 a bottle - www.macsautoparts.com. I just bought two small bottles to replenish my gauge and will keep one for a spare for future use.

07-21-2011, 09:46 AM	#1
Dave Law Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Stuarts Draft, VA Posts: 15	'32 Gas gauge ???s Can any of you guys tell me how the gas gauge is supposed to function in my '32 BB truck? I've cleaned-up and re-soldered a tiny crack in the TANK unit, and removed a "whittled wooden bung" from what appears to be a venting tube. however the tiny steel line (running to the gauge) is rusted off and clogged shut. So I will need to replace it. But it would be helpful to understand just HOW it works. I'm now wondering if the gauge will still work. Can you help? Also, is the tallest tube on the sending unit (and coming out thru the bottom) supposed to be an OPEN air vent? I can't find any drawings or literature on this anywhere. Thanks. Dave

07-21-2011, 02:55 PM	#2
Terry,OH Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 5,395	Re: '32 Gas gauge ???s The hydrostatic sending unit, in the tank can create a small amount of air pressure. The pressure is sent to the dash unit through the small tube. Once the pressure is in the back of the gas gauge it displaces a special red liquid to the glass tube in the front of the gauge, you just read the height of the red liquid in the glass tube and you have the fuel level in the tank. The small tube is available through several of the aftermarket suppliers in brass tube and works well. The fittings on the two ends of the small line are soldered on to the tube, and the connections have to be air tight. There is no need to tighten any of the connections too hard. Many times the dash gas gauge will not work. As mentioned the rear hex shaped tube on the rear of the gauge is the tank to store the red liquid. there is a very small tube between the hex tank and the glass tube and the small tube can become blocked with dried up liquid and needs to be open to allow the fluid to move back and forth between the hex tank and the glass tube. Yes one of the larger tubes in the sending unit is a air vent for the gas tank, it should be open if not several bad things could happen, such as, a vacuum developing in the tank preventing the fuel pump from working.

07-21-2011, 04:09 PM	#3
Dave Law Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Stuarts Draft, VA Posts: 15	Re: '32 Gas gauge ???s Thanks Terry! That REALLY helps! I fully understand what you've described. I've seen where suppliers show a tiny bottle of red liquid, but I didn't have a clue as to what was needed to make it functional. I'm wondering if instructions are given with the red liquid, regarding how to install it (after I've checked the gauge for clogs). If it is also clogged, could it be soaked in lacquer thinner or something? I found the small tube kit (from C&G), but they want $30 for it (seems a bit pricey). Any alternative suggestions? PS- I'm just about finished with the restoration....waiting now on the engine rebuilder. Painted the cab Viper Red, with Jet Black fenders and trim. Man, it looks good! Can't wait to finish final reassembly, so I can post some pictures. Wish my dad could see his old truck now! Thanks again for your help!

07-21-2011, 06:30 PM	#4
DavidG Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: southeastern Michigan Posts: 10,670	Re: '32 Gas gauge ???s Metal prep and a very fine wire often clean out the small capillary tube between the glass tube and the hex-shaped vertical brass tube on the back of the gauge where blockage is frequently encountered in gauges when the fluid has either dried up or drained off. A lot of patience and persistence are also required.

07-21-2011, 06:50 PM	#5
Terry,OH Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 5,395	Re: '32 Gas gauge ???s I have filled the hex tube with toilet bowl cleaner and let it soak over night, then empty and use plenty of clean water to rinse (flush). If what ever you try to clean them with shows up in the glass tube then the small tube between the two is open and your on your way to a working gauge. I believe Macs has a kit with the small tube and fittings, with instructions and some red liquid. You will note the red liquid will change to clear when exposed to sun light, I use Ford gauge fluid, it only takes about one teaspoon full, good luck trying to find some.

07-21-2011, 09:26 PM	#6
Ian NZ Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Taranaki, New Zealand Posts: 924	Re: '32 Gas gauge ???s Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Terry I have some red fluid which I bought of Ford Parts dealer 10 years ago with the part number V928A, would that be any better than the red fluid you buy nowdays.

07-22-2011, 06:26 AM	#7
31chevy Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Lake City Mi. Posts: 807	Re: '32 Gas gauge ???s Go to search and type in hydrostatic fuel guage There is a complete explanation of your guage with original ford & king seeley instructions & pictures. Thanks to the barners & especially dave d. Gary.