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56 Dodge Fuel Gauge Problem
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dels56
Posted 2020-07-14 8:25 PM (#600895)
Subject: 56 Dodge Fuel Gauge Problem


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My fuel sender unit was non functional so I looked for a NOS but didn't like the prices so I built one. Used a Tanks Inc. # TAN-ORG 73/10 ohm sender unit which I modified to fit. 1st Photo

I am not getting a correct reading at the gauge. I do have 2 spare gauges and all read the same. Full but not Empty. Suggestions???

Photo 2, At 73 ohm
Photo 3, at 10 ohm
Photo 4, 5 & 6 tank unit connected to meter.


Edited by dels56 2020-07-14 9:07 PM




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56D500boy
Posted 2020-07-14 9:12 PM (#600898 - in reply to #600895)
Subject: RE: 56 Dodge Fuel Gauge Problem



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Del: From memory, the float arm on mine is a lot longer than the one in your photos. That would make it less sensitive, which might be a good thing. Less gauge movement on slopping around.

Mine was electrically okay but the OE cork float was kind of toast so I made a new float from two corks from Michaels (the craft store) and some fuel tank/line "dope".

More like this:



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dels56
Posted 2020-07-15 10:49 AM (#600914 - in reply to #600895)
Subject: Re: 56 Dodge Fuel Gauge Problem


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Yes, the float arm is shorter than the original however it is set for the depth of the tank and the readings over the range of travel are right on. 73/10 ohms. So why doesn’t the gauge follow. As stated I have 3 gauges and non follow the resistance. I like the looks of that tank unit in your picture, what is it, etc.?
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normsclassicradio
Posted 2020-07-15 1:51 PM (#600919 - in reply to #600895)
Subject: RE: 56 Dodge Fuel Gauge Problem



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Location: Kalispell, MT USA
I don't know, but does this car have a voltage limiter for the gauges? If it in a separate unit, using just the gauge and sender would lead to a higher reading. The limiter usually limits the voltage to 5-6 volts/
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56D500boy
Posted 2020-07-15 2:02 PM (#600921 - in reply to #600919)
Subject: RE: 56 Dodge Fuel Gauge Problem



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normsclassicradio - 2020-07-15 10:51 AM
I don't know, but does this car have a voltage limiter for the gauges? If it in a separate unit, using just the gauge and sender would lead to a higher reading. The limiter usually limits the voltage to 5-6 volts/


I know that is true for some later cars (I had an 85 Dodge Diplomat cop car that had a instrument cluster voltage regulator issue) but I don't think that is true for a 56 Dodge, at least based on this wiring diagram (and my "visits" under the dash of my 56 Dodge to fix my temperature gauge):

REFERENCE: http://www.forwardlook.net/forums/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=70141



Edited by 56D500boy 2020-07-15 2:04 PM
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normsclassicradio
Posted 2020-07-15 2:16 PM (#600924 - in reply to #600895)
Subject: Re: 56 Dodge Fuel Gauge Problem



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This very nice color diagram shows 2 wires from the gauge to the sender in addition to the chassis ground. Maybe the limiting is done in the sender? Does the gauge have 3 terminals and the OE sender have 2?
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56D500boy
Posted 2020-07-15 2:57 PM (#600926 - in reply to #600924)
Subject: Re: 56 Dodge Fuel Gauge Problem



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normsclassicradio - 2020-07-15 11:16 AM
This very nice color diagram shows 2 wires from the gauge to the sender in addition to the chassis ground. Maybe the limiting is done in the sender? Does the gauge have 3 terminals and the OE sender have 2?


I think that the two wires to the sender are Suburban (wagon) only. I know my 56 Dodge sedan only has one wire to the sender, making the sender the variable resistance ground, just like the temperature sender.

I have a 27767 green-faced 56 Dodge fuel gauge in my hand. It only has two terminals on the back, i.e. the switched 12 V in and the variable resistance ground through the sender out. Seems to be the 12V in is on the threaded stud and the ground is on the round pin/bullet connector out, like the temp gauge (shown in the photo below).

Del: Do you have your test wires set up correctly?





Edited by 56D500boy 2020-07-15 2:58 PM
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dels56
Posted 2020-07-15 3:56 PM (#600931 - in reply to #600895)
Subject: Re: 56 Dodge Fuel Gauge Problem


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My car wiring is similar to your car. No voltage regulation for instruments. The 2 wire is for a suburban. The hot wire is the nutted terminal. The connection from the tank unit is the bullet connector.. I have 120VAC light switch and am going to hook it up on the bench and vari the voltage to the gauge to see What happens I remember my 56’s (I had 2 in my younger days) that I could squeeze 15 MPG Out of them so if I have a full tank I can calculate approx running time??
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56D500boy
Posted 2020-07-15 5:37 PM (#600938 - in reply to #600931)
Subject: Re: 56 Dodge Fuel Gauge Problem



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dels56 - 2020-07-15 12:56 PM I have 120VAC light switch and am going to hook it up on the bench and vari the voltage to the gauge to see What happens


Del: I think that sounds like the wrong procedure. I think you want your 12V constant source connected to the nutted stud and then hook up the 120V variable resistance switch between the bullet connector and the ground for the 12V source.

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dels56
Posted 2020-07-15 6:41 PM (#600940 - in reply to #600895)
Subject: Re: 56 Dodge Fuel Gauge Problem


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Didn’t work either way. Dimmer switch maybe was in that box for a reason. But...the tank unit work perfectly according to the ohmmeter. So I’ll keep thinking on it.
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normsclassicradio
Posted 2020-07-16 7:26 PM (#600988 - in reply to #600895)
Subject: Re: 56 Dodge Fuel Gauge Problem



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Lamp dimmers for AC are not a true variable resistance. A low ohm potentiometer is a better choice. Experiment with it and when you find a setting that works, measure the resistance and find a fixed resistor close to that value you can leave in the circuit permanently.
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dels56
Posted 2020-07-17 1:36 PM (#601016 - in reply to #600895)
Subject: Re: 56 Dodge Fuel Gauge Problem


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Thanks Norm. I not the best electrical guy. I'm 1-1/2 hours from an electronic store but will follow your advice ASAP.
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normsclassicradio
Posted 2020-07-17 1:41 PM (#601017 - in reply to #600895)
Subject: Re: 56 Dodge Fuel Gauge Problem



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Location: Kalispell, MT USA
Try here,
https://www.mouser.com/Passive-Components/Potentiometers-Trimmers-Rh...
I have bought lots of items from them. Or even Radioshack.com
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