Wandering Fuel Gauge

[Jim Wasson]

We have a 2004 Santiam with a wandering fuel gauge. At times we start out with 1/2 tank drive for a few hours, stop, and upon restarting the gauge reads past full.  After an hour or so of traveling the gauge repositions to something less than 1/2. The coach is in for service now, if I have the tech replace the sender am I throwing good money after bad or is there really a solid fix for this issue

[Gerald Farris]

You should be able to pinpoint the problem by unpluging the tank unit and replacing it in the circuit with a rheostat. The rheostat can imitate a good tank unit by changing the resistance in the circuit in the same manner that the tank unit does as the fuel level changes. You will need to know the resistance  values that the system uses as the tank goes from full to empty.

You have to keep in mind that the dash gauge has a time delay built-in to prevent excess gauge fluctuations.  

Gerald

[Jim Wasson]

Gerald,
Thanks for the information. Any idea where I would find the resistance values?
Jim

[Gerald Farris]

You may be able to get the information from Beaver Coach Service in Bend at  800-843-2967. Those guys are a wealth of information (esp. Ken Carpenter).  

Gerald

[Jim Wasson]

Gerald;
Thanks again for your help.
Best regards,
Jim