Erratic Fuel Gauge...

[veg_burner]

I've started getting erratic readings from my fuel gauge. It's not really consistent i.e. one minute I'm at 3/4 the next I'm at 1/4. I ran out of fuel the other day when it was 1/4 full.
Is it the gauge or the sender in the tank? Or ???

[billrei]

The easiest thing to check first is the electrical connection to the tank fuel sender. If that is starting to get corroded it will result in flakey readings. If that is not it then I would target the sender itself. It can get gunked up over time. Take it apart and clean it, just be careful with the thin (0.003") nichrome wire.

[veg_burner]

how do i get to the sender & is the electrical connector right there?

[rg2098]

Pull out the first aid box. It opens up to the tank sender and the connecter is right on top.

[barry123400]

The first aid kit box is secured by two phillips head screws. They must be removed first prior to lifting the box out. Good to hear the sender can be cleaned as have one to do and thought it would just be worn out. Anything special about getting into the tube? My gauge is so erratic I was getting concerned the pivot points on the actual gauge may break or wear out. Tips like the tank unit may be cleanable are priceless. Remember to pull tube with fuel tank low if possible and let unit drain down for awhile before completely lifting out. Does not hurt to position rags to prevent spillage on your seats etc either. This of course is after cleaning the connection on top does not solve your problem.

[ridinsmooth]

I had to do this same thing almost a year ago. Getting into the tube was a bit tricky for me. I don't have any pictures or I'd post them, and as I said it's been a year so I don't remember exactly, but at the bottom of the tube is a retaining nut, but I don't believe it's designed to be used w/ a socket. It does have a slot like for a screwdriver, but the bolt coming through it is in the way. What I wound up doing was taking a removable flathead screwdriver bit and filing away at the middle of it until it would clear the bolt. Once I'd done that, removing the nut was simple. There's probably a much easier way to do it, but that worked for me.