My fuel gauge works in reverse

[Mitchell87]

So my fuel gauge has not been working for some time. I replaced the fuel sender with a reed float sender and I still have the same problem. Ive tried switching the connections on the gauge itself and at the sender and no change. What is wrong. This is so annoying.

[pilott]

On industrial reed float senders (not marine duty) I've seen this caused by the float being inverted. It contains a magnet that opens/closes the reed switches as it slides up & down.
If it is inverted, it closes the reed switch when it should open.

Try flipping the float and see if that fixes it.


cheers,

Paul

[boatbod]

US Std vs European VDO senders/gauges.

[RaymondR]

The simplest solution is probably to leave it as it is and stand on your head when you read it??

(Sorry, could not help myself, the devil made me do it)

[wholybee]

Originally Posted by boatbod

US Std vs European VDO senders/gauges.

I agree. I had the same issue, and replacing my Volvo fuel gauge with a Moeller fixed it. If your sending unit and gauge aren't the same brand, at least make sure they are either both US or both European.

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by boatbod

US Std vs European VDO senders/gauges.

Exactly! Mismatched gauge & sender.

Fuel Gauges:
American Floats: 240 Ohms (Empty), 103 Ohms (½ Full), & 33 Ohms (Full)
European Floats: 10 Ohms (Empty), 95 Ohms (Half), & 180 Ohms (Full)
Automotive & other Float Switches may use other resistances such as 0 - 90 Ohm, 73 - 10 Ohm, & etc.

➥ http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...sting-645.html

[danielamartindm]

Originally Posted by Mitchell87

So my fuel gauge has not been working for some time. I replaced the fuel sender with a reed float sender and I still have the same problem. Ive tried switching the connections on the gauge itself and at the sender and no change. What is wrong. This is so annoying.

One of the first things that pilots are taught is that the only time fuel gauges are really accurate is when they read empty. Another myth shattered.

[Squanderbucks]

As mentioned above sender type and gauge type have to be of the same type. As my father told me many years ago “when all else fails read the instructions”.
In the spec sheet that comes with both the sender and the gauge I’ll be s note telling the OHMs range. They must match.
Some digital gauges and instruments pick a setting you can change in its setup to switch around. But not fixed analog gauges. Also have to be careful about trying to run two gauges off one sender. Usually not a feature on fuel gauges. Oil pressure and temp gauges will allow that with a dual station sender. Not your issue but related types of issues.

You may consider upgrading to a digital sender like One from CruzPro that lets you pick sender type and actually calibrate the fuel levels at various depths of fuel. Especially nice for oddball tank shapes.

[Racer86]

Originally Posted by pilott

On industrial reed float senders (not marine duty) I've seen this caused by the float being inverted. It contains a magnet that opens/closes the reed switches as it slides up & down.
If it is inverted, it closes the reed switch when it should open.

Try flipping the float and see if that fixes it.


cheers,

Paul

Correct for this type,, as stated, flip the float over and reinstall it.

[Jerry Luck]

Try a double gasket, it's probably grounding out on tank!! Try backing off plate screws a little first. Jerry Luck on Mahi Mahi

[Privilege]

Flipping switches and or wiring wont work. As said above, it a compatibility issue and its a PITA to change out your tank sender unit or to find a compatible gauge. I have the same problem on my French boat but I fixed by simply changing the meaning of the 'E' and 'F'.

'E' means 'Enough'. 'F' means 'Finished'.