Gas gauge not working on Alumacraft-Help!

[RainyEye]

This is my 2nd Alumacraft and the first time I've encountered a problem of an inoperative gas gauge on the console panel. Before I start looking for the solution I thought I'd just ask for any suggestions anyone might have. Thanks!

[Wish-I-Were-Fishn]

The gas gage on my 165CS is weird too. I never really know how much fuel is in the tank.

[RainyEye]

Mine has always been hard to read because of the long and shallow tank, but now, it's dead, it just stays below empty, no matter what.

[marine_man]

Check out this post I put together a while ago.. it should give you an idea of where to start:

Gas Gauge Troubleshooting

marine_man

[RainyEye]

Marine Man- this looks really helpful- thanks for this information!

[RainyEye]

Marine man or anyone else: I followed the diagnostics down to the jumper wire, the fuel gauge didn't respond so I'm assuming it's a bad gauge. My question is, if I replace the guage does it need to be compatible with the sending unit or doesn't it matter? Thanks again!!!

[boatfixer]

Gas guages are pretty standard as far as function, but try to find one that will match your existing guages. Did you verify that you have 12 volts going to the guage on the purple wire? did you verify you have a good ground?

[jason007]

I also have an issue and was wondering if there are any safety concerns to take into consideration when removing the sending unit from the tank with gas still in it? I am a little nervous about connecting and disconnecting a source of voltage on the sending unit to troubleshoot.

[boatfixer]

A very ligitimate concern. When removing the sending unit itself from the tank, disconnect the battery and secure the cable leads. To toubleshoot the sender, you can run separate grounding wire to a safer location.

[RainyEye]

Thanks for the info, I will check out the voltage and grounding before I purchase a fuel gauge.

[beaver11]

try to tighten your wing nut on your battery. had the exact same thing happen.all the other gauges worked but the gas gauge.i just tightend the wing nut a little more then it worked.

[RainyEye]

Thanks, I will check that out !

[RainyEye]

Problem solved- I opened up the dash from the console and tightened all wire connections on the back of the fuel gauge and it works! Thanks again for all the suggestions!