34' Gas Guage

[usered]

I have an 34' with original gauges. The gas guage has given me problems ever since I've had the car (1985) The hydrostatic gauge doesn't work most of the time and the liquid will turn white after a few months. Can't tell you how many times I've run out of gas. My wfie won't ride in the car unless I carry a gas can!

Does anyone know of an alternative to the hydroststic system, some type of electric sender that would be compatible with the original gauge. I realize the original gauge would have to be modified.

Ed

[al's28/33]

Ed I have a '33 pickup all the same gauges as you. I removed the hydro gauge and installed a later year FORD mechanical gauge including new tank and sending unit so the two are compatible with 6 volt and correct OHM reading. I had it all done by a local mechanic. Pain in the butt process but it has been working fine for 8 years now. You can find the gauges on ebay. I'll post some pics.

[al's28/33]

Here is the fuel gauge. I kept the outer housing so the bezel would fit in the dash opening without any modifications and just made the later year gauge fit with some adjustments in the back.

[mrtexas]

You can get the fuel gauge converted to LED and use an electric sender.

[usered]

Thanks for the response, I should have said this is a 34' coupe and it has oval guages with a combined gas and temp gauge.

[G.M.]

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The gauge and sender are easy to rebuild. They are not a mystery but simple plumbing fixtures. G.M.

[FlatheadTed]

There were thousands of cars using the one you have ,I use one in my 34 ,has been operating now since 92 OK .I use Mack's red it seems OK ,add a little each 10 years ,Just fix yours get the pipe air tight ,Ted

[Jim in Wisconsin]

I've had a 33 sedan since 1970 or so with the dual gauge also. It has never worked particularly well, as least not good enough to trust it. Your wife has the right idea - a gas can .. or try to always drive on roads where you know someone! It's encouraging that some guys get theirs to work, maybe I'll replace the lines and fluid and try again, but somehow I bet it still won't work. Did they work good when they were new?
Jim S.

[FlatheadTed]

Before hooking up the 1/8 pipe you need to use a bike pump t0 dry the line out .They worked good when new ,when I am planning a drive i pock my head in and check the fuel ,no need to switch on the ignition ,The discoloration of the liquid could be contamination of residue of the old liquid ,The pipe must be air tight with a arrow fitting on the ends .You put a couple Gal in then top up the Red till its at MT so you have the reserve ,

[barnfind08]

Whats MT.??

[FlatheadTed]

Sorry to much texting ,Empty !!

Originally Posted by barnfind08

Whats MT.??

[fordcpe]

Mine works great now for over 6 years. I fixed and cleaned everything the sender in the tank has little cups that were all cracked and broken just cleaned and solder it up.You have to watch as there are little holes that have to stay open new line from tank to Gauge end were soldered on the line.Darrell

[jimTN]

Start with (reading and rereading service info from the Ford Service Bulletins) the tank, pull the unit and make sure it is not gumed up, all holes should be open. All connections should be clean and air tight. Gauge glass with its small tube must carry fluid freely. Blow the line out first then attach to the gauge. Sounds like you have a leak in the line or one of the fittings. If you still do not have conficence in the gauge, make a calibrated wood stick and stick the tank like we to on a Model T.

[usered]

Thanks for all the responses, I think I'll try one more time with cleaning everything out, if that doesn't work I like the stick idea, however I have tried that to but with the angle of the gas tank opening its a little hard to get a good accurate measurement especially at 50mph!

[G.M.]

I have posted in detail several times how to fix, test and adjust these type of senders and gauges. Maybe someone has a copy and can post them. G.M.