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Old 01-29-2026, 01:02 PM   #1
oldgas
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Default Fuel

I have purchased a fuel sending unit from Dennis Carpenter for my 1956 Ford Sunliner
.Part No. .B6A-9275
Could anyone tell me the Ohm readings on full & on empty.
Carpenter also indicates that this unit only is compatible with an original gauge which my gauge is original.
Thank you in advance for your input.
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Old 01-29-2026, 08:06 PM   #2
dmsfrr
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Default Re: Fuel

Long story, to aid in understanding...
The original '56 and earlier King-Seeley brand gauges used heat sensitive bi-metal switching contacts in their sensors to regulate the flow of current thru the Fuel & Temp gauges. Not a variable resistor.

"New replacement" fuel tank sensors use a variable resistor as a substitute for the old style switching contacts. The sensors usually come from an off-shore manufacturer and may or may not give correct / consistent gauge readings.

Ohm readings? Dennis Carpenter customer service folks would be the first ones to ask. But because they have nothing to do with the long distance manufacturing process they may not know, unless the resistance specs are mentioned in the supplied paperwork.

More background info...
Original '56 gauge electrical parts are 'one-year-only'.
'55 gauges were designed to operate on 6 volts. (Although original pairs can work on 12v.)
'56 was the first year of 12v and the gauges operated on full voltage.
In '57 Ford updated the tank sensor to a variable resistor and a small dash mounted voltage regulator to provide a lower voltage for the gauges.
.

Last edited by dmsfrr; 01-30-2026 at 03:21 PM.
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Old 01-30-2026, 11:49 AM   #3
cos
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Default Re: Fuel

Hello Many years ago when I was member of CTCI TB club there was a fella was having trouble with temp sender. Can't remember 55 or 56. He took it apart and cleaned up contact points and it worked.

Last edited by cos; 01-30-2026 at 11:51 AM. Reason: wrong reply
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Old 01-30-2026, 05:16 PM   #4
oldgas
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Default Re: Fuel

Thank you for sending the information on the sending unit.
Much appreciated.
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Old 01-30-2026, 05:21 PM   #5
rotorwrench
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Default Re: Fuel

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The King Seeley variable current indicator gauge systems were very reliable but unfortunately, nothing lasts forever. The indicator will function with a variable resistance type sending unit but the indicator wasn't calibrated for variable voltage systems since the Ohms range of the rheostat is just not the same as current based types. Ford, GM, and Chrysler generally used their own designs with different Ohm ranges although there may be a few cross overs. It is possible to match an indicator to a specific range but that requires a change to the design and mounting of the indicator so that it will fit the dash it needs to be installed in and at least looks original. It's basically converting the whole fuel quantity system over to the needed power supply. Most replacement senders are of a universal nature so they can be adjusted to different tank designs.

This link lists Ohm readings for GM, older Ford, and Stewart Warner. There are likely other listings on the net if you search. 36 to 56 Ford replacements are 10-full/100-empty.
https://www.classicinstruments.com/t...sistances.aspx

Last edited by rotorwrench; 01-30-2026 at 05:28 PM.
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