A three part suggestion:
It might be mechanical:
A. When the tank is virtually empty, open the filler and
locate the float/arm with a flashlight and coathanger hook. Move the float
all the way up and down, listening carefully for any scraping sounds that
may arise when it drags on the side of the tank.
It might be electrical:
B. Pull the sender out of the tank, turn on the ignition and
move the float up and down through its normal range of motion. The gauge
should track smoothly although it may not be entirely linear. If it doesn't,
take a very close look at the sender's wiper and windings, as something
maybe amiss.
C. A longshot- Any chance the gauge needle is hanging up on
the inside of the glass lens or the gauge face? look for any scraping on
the gauge face...
Good Luck
Bob Westerdale
59 3A TS36967
-----Original Message-----
From: John Edwin Pike [mailto:toadhall@pnc.com.au]
Sent: Monday, December 11, 2000 5:36 PM
To: Triumph Digest
Subject: TR3A Electrical Problem - Fuel Gauge
Gentlefolk,
I am returning to this list after a longish absence, and have a query for
your
combined minds.
The fuel gauge in my 3A reads "full" until I've used around 3/4 of the tank.
The needle then comes off the stops, and acts as though the total capacity
is
around 3 gallons. That is, when there's about 1 1/2 gallons left the gauge
indicates "half", and when the tank is empty that's what the gauge reads.
Being somewhat electrically challenged, my trouble-shooting to date has been
to remove the sender unit, clean the contacts on the resistor, and clean the
various earth contacts. None of this has made any difference.
Problem: How do I convince the gauge that the tank capacity is actually 12
gallons? And do I have a problem with the gauge, the sender or the wiring
in
between ??
Any assistance will be greatly appreciated.
John Pike
TR3A TS 75053 O
Australia
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