The Ford Barn

jrelliott · 03-10-2012, 11:02 AM

The cork on my fuel gauge must have absorbed gas as does not read correctly. Showed empty but when tried filling gas, pump kept shutting off and saw gas in the gauge window. Have heard about changing the cork float to a tillitson carb float but cannot see how to do that. If anyone has made this change could you send me the instructions.

V4F · 03-10-2012, 11:33 AM

it takes a long time to saturate a float . i buy good new ones .......

700rpm · 03-10-2012, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jrelliott

The cork on my fuel gauge must have absorbed gas as does not read correctly. Showed empty but when tried filling gas, pump kept shutting off and saw gas in the gauge window. Have heard about changing the cork float to a tillitson carb float but cannot see how to do that. If anyone has made this change could you send me the instructions.

The problem is in your tank, not your carburetor. Get a new gas gauge float and gasket set from your Model A parts supplier. They come with instructions on how to replace the float.

FL&WVMIKE · 03-10-2012, 12:39 PM

jrelliott ......................
I think you have figured out your problem.
The original "A" Model floats were coated in shellac, which was gas proof. The alcohol in today's gas, disolves this shellac.
MIKE

msmaron · 03-10-2012, 02:11 PM

Just remember to DRAIN The tank below the gauge or....well you get the picture!

1931 flamingo · 03-10-2012, 03:41 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

DISCONNECT THE BATTERY BEFORE YOU DO ANYTHING!!!

Paul in CT

al's28/33 · 03-10-2012, 03:56 PM

Disconnect the battery, make sure the gas level is below your gauge (use a long stick to see about how much you have left if the gauge is giving you false readings). Remove the instrument panel, loosen the clamp holding the speedo cable on the inside firewall to give a little slack. Remove the gauge with the special tools. You can either get a whole new gauge unit or replace the cork with a new neoprene float or a brass float from Mikes Affordable Parts.

Search old posts you will find a wealth of information on all the options.

jrelliott · 03-12-2012, 10:50 AM

Thanks to all who respnded.

MikeK · 03-12-2012, 11:13 AM

When I was in Dallas in '08 for the world meet my gauge window started leaking badly. The tank metal contact surface for the gasket was never very good, and I had just changed the gasket(s) before I left Chicago. I borrowed the gauge tools from the repair tent and went at it. A good Samaritan smelled what I was doing and handed me some blue Hylomar in a brush can. I used it on the gaskets and the seal is perfect. If you haven't done the job yet, try Hylomar.

While you're at it, if it's not a fine-points car you may want to change the "F" at the top to a "B" (bankrupt)

Tom Endy · 03-12-2012, 11:28 AM

You can use a brass float from a Tilotson carburetor in place of a cork or neoprene float. They are tubular shaped and easily fit through the boss in the tank during installation. It is a simple matter of soldering the brass float onto the end of the wand.

Tom Endy

03-10-2012, 11:02 AM	#1
jrelliott Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Pine, AZ Posts: 794	Fuel Gauge not reading correctly The cork on my fuel gauge must have absorbed gas as does not read correctly. Showed empty but when tried filling gas, pump kept shutting off and saw gas in the gauge window. Have heard about changing the cork float to a tillitson carb float but cannot see how to do that. If anyone has made this change could you send me the instructions.

03-10-2012, 11:33 AM	#2
V4F Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: ca. Posts: 2,522	Re: Fuel Gauge not reading correctly it takes a long time to saturate a float . i buy good new ones ....... __________________ V4f

03-10-2012, 12:39 PM	#4
FL&WVMIKE Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Daytona Beach, Fl & Spencer, W. Va, Posts: 4,442	Re: Fuel Gauge not reading correctly jrelliott ...................... I think you have figured out your problem. The original "A" Model floats were coated in shellac, which was gas proof. The alcohol in today's gas, disolves this shellac. MIKE

03-10-2012, 02:11 PM	#5
msmaron Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Wauconda, IL Posts: 3,600	Re: Fuel Gauge not reading correctly Just remember to DRAIN The tank below the gauge or....well you get the picture! __________________ Mark Maron Ill., Region MARC & MAFCA MARC JSC Member MAFFI Trustee National Facebook Admin. https://www.facebook.com/groups/MARC.group/ A7191-Sport Coupe 29 Roadster 29-Town Sedan 29-Original Special Coupe

03-10-2012, 03:41 PM	#6
1931 flamingo Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: new britain,ct 06052 Posts: 9,390	Re: Fuel Gauge not reading correctly Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) DISCONNECT THE BATTERY BEFORE YOU DO ANYTHING!!! Paul in CT

03-10-2012, 03:56 PM	#7
al's28/33 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Redwood City, CA Posts: 1,591	Re: Fuel Gauge not reading correctly Disconnect the battery, make sure the gas level is below your gauge (use a long stick to see about how much you have left if the gauge is giving you false readings). Remove the instrument panel, loosen the clamp holding the speedo cable on the inside firewall to give a little slack. Remove the gauge with the special tools. You can either get a whole new gauge unit or replace the cork with a new neoprene float or a brass float from Mikes Affordable Parts. Search old posts you will find a wealth of information on all the options.

03-12-2012, 10:50 AM	#8
jrelliott Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Pine, AZ Posts: 794	Re: Fuel Gauge not reading correctly Thanks to all who respnded.

03-12-2012, 11:13 AM	#9
MikeK Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Windy City Posts: 2,919	Re: Fuel Gauge not reading correctly When I was in Dallas in '08 for the world meet my gauge window started leaking badly. The tank metal contact surface for the gasket was never very good, and I had just changed the gasket(s) before I left Chicago. I borrowed the gauge tools from the repair tent and went at it. A good Samaritan smelled what I was doing and handed me some blue Hylomar in a brush can. I used it on the gaskets and the seal is perfect. If you haven't done the job yet, try Hylomar. While you're at it, if it's not a fine-points car you may want to change the "F" at the top to a "B" (bankrupt)

03-12-2012, 11:28 AM	#10
Tom Endy Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Southern California Posts: 3,131	Re: Fuel Gauge not reading correctly You can use a brass float from a Tilotson carburetor in place of a cork or neoprene float. They are tubular shaped and easily fit through the boss in the tank during installation. It is a simple matter of soldering the brass float onto the end of the wand. Tom Endy