Erradic fuel level reading with Ricks tank

[dhutton]

Is the issue that the level in the sump is changing or is it just that the sender is bouncing around in the tank. If the sender is just bouncing around in the tank I think an electrolytic capacitor from the sender line to ground might help filter out some of the bouncing.

Try a 1000 uF capacitor with a voltage rating of at least 24 volts and see if this helps. Make sure you get the polarity correct, plus to the sender and minus to ground.

Here's one from Radio Shack:

http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...entPage=family

If it's still moving too much you could try this 4700 uF part:

http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...entPage=family

I have a Rick's tank too but I haven't connected the sender to the fuel gauge yet.

Don

[Stuart Adams]

I've had the same problem before, I thought that was normal.

[gearheadgarage]

Same story here.....great to 1/4 tank, sloppy all over the board under that level, with 4-5 gallons to spare

[Vegas69]

I found out the problem. I pulled my tank to do some re plumbing and called Hector. They design the tank so the sender is farther off the floor than it probably should be. I had 4 gallons in mine when I drained it and pegged on empty. I checked the sender with my ohmeter and it works fine. I bet what's happening is once you get down to around 5 gallons the float isn't submerged and the sloshing fuel is having a field day with your gauge and soon to be our gauges.

[68protouring454]

if they know this, why no install a longer sending unit?

[Vegas69]

Originally Posted by 68protouring454

if they know this, why no install a longer sending unit?

My understanding is it was the advice of the manufacturer of the sending unit. Not thrilled with it really. I guess I'll have a 4-5 gallon reserve. That should get me atleast 50 miles. haha

[holschen]

http://www.hoffmann-speedster.com/us/prod/VDO_2.asp
scroll down to 2/3 to find

CONSTANT REGULATOR FOR FUEL GAUGE
but i quess it´s the same function as the capasitator....

[XcYZ]

Originally Posted by Vegas69

once you get down to around 5 gallons the float isn't submerged and the sloshing fuel is having a field day with your gauge and soon to be our gauges

That won't bother the gauge, but it is annoying.



Jake, I'm guessing that the design that they are using only comes in certain pre-made lengths. It's a floating collar style sending unit, so it's not something that can be modified like and old school setup with the float on an arm. Maybe one solution would be to place the sending unit in a different part of the tank that is deeper/taller?

[68protouring454]

scott, yeah fuel senders suck,lol
i know they make adjustable ones for fuel cells, similar to what they use, generally they have 8-12 ones and 10-14 inch ones, etc