Fuel Gauge not working---- Easy Fix?

(loonytik) · (loonytik) **Join Date: Apr 2008** 09-12-2008, 7:16 AM

I had my boat in the shop to fix a broken steering cable and have the shaft repacked. After I got the boat back I noticed that my fuel gauge was not registering anymore. I would take it back to the dealer I took it to but its a 2 1/2 drive from my house and I dont want to waste the time and gas.

Is this an easy fix?

Thanks

(rallyart) · (rallyart) **Join Date: Nov 2006** 09-12-2008, 7:54 AM

The plug might have not been reinstalled on the sensor. It should be on top of the tank. It could also be a wire got pulled and is loose at the plug. Those should be easy.
Maybe a wire go pinched underneath, and that would not be easy.

(robandrus) · (robandrus) **Join Date: Feb 2002** 09-12-2008, 8:04 AM

This is pretty common on older boats. Anybody know how to test the sending unit? (usually that's where the issue is..or so I've heard.)

(bigkitch) · (bigkitch) **Join Date: Apr 2008** 09-12-2008, 9:30 AM

What style of boat? Was it registering before they did the work on the steering cables?

Sounds like Either they pulled a wire of the gauge by accident, lost a ground connection, or just plain fiddled with things and knocked wires loose. I would go over the wiring on the back of the gauge, and on the sending unit at the top of the tank.

Rob, the sending unit is a variable resistor with a float, so when it is powered, the float determines the amount of resistance going back to the gauge according to the fuel level, and in which the guage translates that into a calibrated reading on the gauge itself. If your not to mech. inclined i suggest leaving it alone, but is yours not registering right either?

(bcrider) · (bcrider) **Join Date: Apr 2006** 09-12-2008, 9:52 AM

It's not difficult to fix. Pull the sending unit out and lift the bobber up and down. If the needle on the guage doesn't move there is either a problem with sending unit or a wire going to the gauge itself. As far as I remember there is only a ground and a lead to the gauge. Sending units are cheap as well so you can always just buy a new one. I had my dealer fix mine with no luck. Then I did it myself and realized my dealer was an idiot for not being able to fix it.

(loonytik) · (loonytik) **Join Date: Apr 2008** 09-12-2008, 10:26 AM

Thanks for the response. Its a 2003 Moomba Mobius and the wires on the back of the gauge are all intact and in good shape. Im thinking when they replaced the steering cable they knocked something loose.

(bigkitch) · (bigkitch) **Join Date: Apr 2008** 09-12-2008, 10:53 AM

yeah sure sounds like they did. Check all the wires on the top of the tank going to the sending unit itself. If everything checks out, you will need to check that unit.

(robandrus) · (robandrus) **Join Date: Feb 2002** 09-13-2008, 2:32 PM

Graham, my boat is a 1996 MC Maristar.

Yes I'm mechanically inclined. Dave, thanks for the response. I'll pull it and check it out.

Where is a good place to buy sending units? --not the dealer as I prefer to not get jacked over on everything. ebay?

(peter_c) · (peter_c) **Join Date: Sep 2001** 09-14-2008, 9:35 AM

You can test the sending unit with a volt ohm meter using resistance. It is easier to just ground the wire at the sending unit and confirm that the gauge on the dash swings to full though.

(robandrus) · (robandrus) **Join Date: Feb 2002** 09-15-2008, 7:49 AM

I pulled my fuel sending unit and ordered a new one, but I'm a little concerned that the gauge doesn't move at all, not even up to the empty when you turn it on. I also grounded it out and no movement. Well, I may have just wasted $50 ordering a new sending unit off e-bay. We'll see.