05-25-2021, 01:25 PM | #1 |
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Fuel Gage
What is the procedure and tool used to bend and set the gas indicator display? I saw the method awhile back. A length of band metal and how to do it.
Dave |
05-25-2021, 02:55 PM | #2 |
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Re: Fuel Gage
The first thing you would want to do is create a gas stick so that you know a gallon is a gallon and where it shows on your gauge.
5.5 gallons on a 30/31 should be exactly at a 1/2 tank on the dash. Drain the tank, put in a gallon and see where it is on the dash. I use a stick and a piece of stiff wire to bend the float, either up or down to get it right on the money. |
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05-25-2021, 06:23 PM | #3 |
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Re: Fuel Gage
I figure the fuel gauge is really only important when you are about to run out of fuel. When the gauge is out of the tank, I bend the float wire so that the float is touching the bottom of the tank when the gauge reads "0". Anywhere above empty is purely of academic interest.
With things set that way, I know when I am getting low on fuel and I'd better start looking seriously for more when a give the steering wheel a yank and the slosh in there is not enough to get the gauge to even give a jiggle. I know when it's full - I can see the fuel in the window.
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05-25-2021, 06:35 PM | #4 | |
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Re: Fuel Gage
Quote:
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05-25-2021, 08:16 PM | #5 |
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Re: Fuel Gage
I have done hundreds of these with gas in tank and without. I always calibrate it to read full when the float is at the top. Make sure fuel is below the gauge and remove, service and replace cork gasket behind glass and insert the fuel gauge loosely and with a wire inserted or magnet to pull gauge wire up through filler hole when the gauge reads full when the float touches the top of the tank you are good. Bend float wire slightly by hand to adjust.
It’s that simple. No need to drain tank or add so many gallons or use a Stick. I don’t mean to Throw out the other suggestions but if the float touches the top and is full you are good. When gauge reads 0 you still have gas but better have a station in your plan close. As I said I’ve done literally hundreds and doing them is a staple. If you can put your hands on an original Ford 5z wrench tool for the outer nut they are the best . After making sure your inner gauge (small gas gauge nut) is tight on the bench you are ready for the above calibration. Once done insert the gauge with a fresh cork gasket behind making sure the grooves are clean and free of any old material and insert the brass ring and outer nut and tighten well. An adjustment may be required if it moves. Larry Shepard |
05-26-2021, 07:37 AM | #6 | |
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Re: Fuel Gage
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05-26-2021, 09:43 AM | #7 |
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Re: Fuel Gage
I think there's only one calibration point that needs attention:
Factory calibrated amounts: Full: This when the gas is at the top of the tank and the nozzle clicks off. Slowly add more gas until the fuel level is just below the filler neck. Half full: This is when the gas level is visible in the sight glass. Empty: This is when the car stops running. What you really want to know is the "I need to get gas right away" reading. So put a can with a gallon of gas in it in your car and your gauge bender and drive it until it runs out. Add the gallon. Bend the gauge to the position of your liking. Now you know where a gallon is. You even have "a little less than a gallon", and "a little more than a gallon" readings. Or carry a wood stick with 1 3/4" marked on it and keep driving and checking until you have 1 3/4" fuel. Make note of what your gauge reads. Simplicity rules the Model A. |
09-05-2021, 05:40 AM | #8 |
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Re: Fuel Gage
What’s the way to bend the fuel gage wire, having everything installed ? I mean only having the filler neck to reach the wire ?
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09-05-2021, 07:25 AM | #9 |
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Re: Fuel Gage
OK ! Gage adjusted/calibrated !
Everything installed, fuel tank fully filled. Make a little tool out of flat steel, like in the pictures below. Then start fishing for the cork wire, with a little help of a free finger. The bend the wire by moving the tool handle to the left or right, whatever your problem is. My gage was indicating 3/4 instead of -F-. So I have had to twist the tool head some 20 degrees anti-clockwise to give it sufficient room to manouvre in the the gas neck. if you have a gage which is indicating above -F- , tank filled, you twist the tool head clockwise 20 degrees. Good luck ! A real time saver. Obviously for those of you who do not own a vise to make the tool, I would be more than happy to send you the tool at $ 150 including shipping all over the world. That would be $ 350 including a quality vise ! Haha
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09-05-2021, 07:30 AM | #10 |
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Re: Fuel Gage
Adjusting the gauge is simple:
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Bob Bidonde |
09-05-2021, 11:47 AM | #11 |
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Re: Fuel Gage
Thanks Bob, maybe I may be so frank to say my tool “beats the stick” ?
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09-06-2021, 07:03 AM | #12 |
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Re: Fuel Gage
hazelhoff, I like your your gadget for adjusting the gas gauge. Can I use your design in a presentation slide?
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