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Fuel gauge comes up one needle width when ignition is turned on. When measuring with volt meter from meter posts, voltage fluctuates. Voltage to cluster also fluctuates when measuring from temperature gauge. Suspect voltage regulator but can't find it. Cluster is on printed circuit. 'Bout ready to push motor home off cliff. 1988 SUNCREST 34'
Ford chassis?
YES, IT'S 460 FORD ON A JOHN DEERE CHASSIS.
If your temp gauge is operating correctly, then it's not the voltage regulator, (regulator operates like a turn signal flasher, so testing with a test light shows fluctuation, or a "on-off-on-off-etc"). The regulator supplies current to the gas and temp gauges. I would more suspect the fuel tank sending unit. To check it, use a volt/ohm meter,locate the two paths in the printed circuit that go to the gas gauge annd mark which terminal in the gang connector they go to, disconnect the wiring harness gang connector at the printed circuit board, turn on the ign. key and see which of the two terminals is "hot", the other one goes to the tank sending unit. If you only have a volt meter, then just connect the volt meter across the two terminals in the wiring harness while the key is on, you should show some volt reading if the winding of the sending unit is intact, (the sweep arm of the sending unit progressively grounds/ungrounds turns of the winding to change the resistance in the circuit). If you do get a reading, then the float of the sending unit has sprung a leak, filled with gasolene, and sank. In either case, the tank must be dropped, unless you want to do some measuring and cut a hole in the floor directly over the sending unit. Let us know what you find.
Forgot to add that the instrument cluster voltage regulator is a very small, silvery, rectangular unit that is retained on the printed circuit board by a snap on each end, these snaps are a larger version of those used on a 9 volt smoke alarm battery.
KENT, THANKS FOR THE RESPONSE. I believe your recommendation is correct .... the sender died. This is not a happy thing to find out since I have 80 or 90 gallons of gasoline onboard.
Your assistance is greatly appreciated and I will send the full story when I am back on the road. That could be awhile.
THANKS A LOT...HOW DID YOU GET SO SMART ABOUT RVs???
RICHARD |
RV and bus conversion info since 1996.
email RICHARD HESS
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