The Ford Barn

1962300 · 03-06-2022, 01:48 PM

Hello All,

I am working with the following goods:
- Aftermarket Fuel Tank
- Aftermarket Sending Unit (from ISSPRO)
- Feeds a 1930 Essex Fuel Gauge

My Sending Unit has:
A) A failing rheostat; very inconsistent readings on my multimeter
B) A full of fuel plastic float

I sought out & ordered the smallest Sending Unit from Tanks, Inc.
But it is a hair larger rheostat that the opening in the top of the tank allows for.
I can file, or Dremel, the opening out a bit to allow for the new Sending Unit to then drop in.

Or....
I can seek another Sending Unit that perhaps matches this thing that already fits.
Anyone know any other sources for quite narrow sending units?
Picture attached of what I have, on the left.

And Thanks!

Karl Wescott · 03-06-2022, 05:32 PM

Might be an idea to contact isspro: https://isspro.com/

1962300 · 03-07-2022, 02:22 PM

Does anyone know how to check the OHM readings for Empty & Full on the gauge itself?

koates · 03-09-2022, 02:20 AM

I have an Australian made gauge tester which has a variable rheostat which takes the place of the tank sender and has a readout in ohms on its dial. I have used it for years to test dash gauges. Dont know if anything like that is made in the USA. No use buying tank units unless their resistance range matches your Essex gauge. You could look up an Essex car manual to see if they list the gauge specs or take your gauge to an auto electrical shop and see if they have a tester. Make sure you tell them it is a 6 volt gauge. Regards, Kevin.

rotorwrench · 03-09-2022, 07:40 PM

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When I test gauges for the aircraft, I apply a variable voltage to them. Full swing is generally pretty close to system voltage but some work the other way around. Voltage at empty would depend on the voltage drop of the rheostat. Different manufacturers use different ranges of rheostat if the system in designed that way but there are only four or five different ranges that I'm aware of. Ford used King Seeley systems after they changed over to electric gauges. The KS systems use a current regulator system in their senders. It always depends on what the indicator gauge was designed to function on. I have no idea what a 1930 Essex design used. The original 1932 systems weren't even electric. They were hydrostatic.

03-06-2022, 05:32 PM	#2
Karl Wescott Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Oregon Posts: 1,289	Re: 1932 Fuel Tank Sending Unit Might be an idea to contact isspro: https://isspro.com/

03-07-2022, 02:22 PM	#3
1962300 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Long Beach, CA Posts: 181	Re: 1932 Fuel Tank Sending Unit Does anyone know how to check the OHM readings for Empty & Full on the gauge itself? __________________ Matt Allyn 1932 Ford Roadster / 1949 Mercury Coupe / 1949 Harley Davidson "45" / 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz Convertible / 1957 Lincoln Premiere Convertible / 1959 Lambretta TV175 / 1962 Sunbeam Alpine Convertible / 1962 Chrysler New Yorker Station Wagon / 1962 Chrysler 300H / 1962 Chrysler 300 Sport / 1964 International Travelall / 2015 Tesla Model S

03-09-2022, 02:20 AM	#4
koates Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Melbourne Australia. Posts: 2,079	Re: 1932 Fuel Tank Sending Unit I have an Australian made gauge tester which has a variable rheostat which takes the place of the tank sender and has a readout in ohms on its dial. I have used it for years to test dash gauges. Dont know if anything like that is made in the USA. No use buying tank units unless their resistance range matches your Essex gauge. You could look up an Essex car manual to see if they list the gauge specs or take your gauge to an auto electrical shop and see if they have a tester. Make sure you tell them it is a 6 volt gauge. Regards, Kevin.

03-09-2022, 07:40 PM	#5
rotorwrench Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 16,436	Re: 1932 Fuel Tank Sending Unit Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) When I test gauges for the aircraft, I apply a variable voltage to them. Full swing is generally pretty close to system voltage but some work the other way around. Voltage at empty would depend on the voltage drop of the rheostat. Different manufacturers use different ranges of rheostat if the system in designed that way but there are only four or five different ranges that I'm aware of. Ford used King Seeley systems after they changed over to electric gauges. The KS systems use a current regulator system in their senders. It always depends on what the indicator gauge was designed to function on. I have no idea what a 1930 Essex design used. The original 1932 systems weren't even electric. They were hydrostatic.