06-20-2019, 10:07 AM | #1 |
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Gas gauge help
Hey Guys,
My gas gauge worked for a short time after installation but it failed right after I filled the tank for the first time. The red dye looks as if it exploded. Yesterday I returned to my mechanic to get more red dye. He gave me the bottle and when I got home, I noticed it had a specific gravity of only .826. I’ve read here that 2.96 is what was originally used. Is the low specific gravity the reason for the failure or will I be safe with the .826? Richard |
06-20-2019, 10:19 AM | #2 |
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Re: Gas gauge help
Hi Richard,
You need the heavier fluid. The lighter weight fluid will just go over the top of the tube like you experienced. This link explains more about the "why" of it. https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showp...3&postcount=20 Glenn |
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06-20-2019, 10:43 AM | #3 |
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Re: Gas gauge help
The range from empty to the F, full mark of the gauge is 15/16".
The required high density fluid has a specific gravity of 2.95-2.96 The low density fluid you got (probably auto transmission fluid) has a specific gravity of .826. The light specific gravity fluid will raise 2.96/.826 X 15/16" = 3.36" !! So yes it will flow out the top of the gauge glass tube. |
06-20-2019, 12:57 PM | #4 |
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Re: Gas gauge help
Thanks for the link Glenn,
I’ve found the red dye at several different venders but none list the specific gravity. I’ve read good things on here about the red dye from Macs. Does it have a high sg or just good at not fading? Richard |
06-20-2019, 01:04 PM | #5 |
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Re: Gas gauge help
You're welcome Richard,
Mac's is the high density type. I bought some a few years ago and it did fade a bit. I believe Mac's has stopped selling it. Glenn |
06-20-2019, 02:53 PM | #6 |
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Re: Gas gauge help
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Thanks for the help. Richard |
06-20-2019, 02:56 PM | #7 |
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Re: Gas gauge help
Good plan!
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06-21-2019, 09:11 AM | #8 |
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Re: Gas gauge help
The .826 fluid is used in manometers both incline and u-tube types.an example is the manometers that came on Sun Dist. testers.
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06-21-2019, 09:20 AM | #9 |
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Re: Gas gauge help
Marko39 is correct, my Sun machine came to me with a bottle of Sun manometer fluid.
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06-21-2019, 10:55 AM | #10 |
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Re: Gas gauge help
Yes if a manometer is designed for the lighter specific gravity fluid it would be proper. It is not the correct fluid for the Ford gas gauge manometers. They require the 2.95-2.96 fluid.
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06-21-2019, 06:09 PM | #11 |
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Re: Gas gauge help
I have a bottle of Ford gauge fluid from a Ford dealer back in the 40s. It is still as red as the day it was made.
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06-21-2019, 11:51 PM | #12 | |
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Re: Gas gauge help
Quote:
Karl
__________________
Such a fine sight to see-Its a Girl, My Lord, in a Flatbed Ford slowin' down to take a look at me. |
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06-22-2019, 06:44 AM | #13 |
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Re: Gas gauge help
I am driving over to my mechanics shop right after breakfast to exchange the .826 for the Macs red dye. I don’t know what the sf is for the Macs. Maybe it will be on the bottle.
Richard |
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