Fuel gauge - not working

[jtminor]

OK guys, just purchased a 1949 F 1 , fuel gauge is not working

Where should I start the process of checking this out...?

[19Fordy]

I would begin by examining the gas tank sending unit. It could be something as simple as a hairline crack in the float causing it to fill with gas. Read this and do a search on Gas Tank Sending Unit.
https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showt...k+sending+unit
and
https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showt...k+sending+unit
and
https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showt...k+sending+unit
and
https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showt...ing+unit+works

[HD Rider]

Short the wire to ground at the sender to see if the gauge moves. If it does pull the sender to see if the float sank.
If it does not move, work your way forward to until you find the faulty wire or gauge.

[jtminor]

When I ground the sender, the gauge moves to full ??

I just filled the tank, when I started to remove sender, it started to over flow...I will need to use up some gas before I can remove....

[19Fordy]

Can you drain or siphon some gas from the tank?
Some tanks have a drain plug.

[tubman]

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In case you don't already know, Ford used the "King-Seely" gauge principle on their vehicles during this era. This system uses bi-metallic strips that "make and break" an electric circuit instead of varying the resistance. A complete explanation is beyond the scope of this thread, so if you are unfamiliar with this system, perhaps you should do a little research. Here is a diagram that may help get you started.

Because of this, the gauges are incompatible with just about all replacement fuel senders. Some guys say they have made them work (sorta), but to get the most accurate readings, the gauge and sender must use the same system.

BTW, if you do remove the sending unit, be careful with it, as good ones are hard to find. If it is good (and it probably is) you'll save yourself a bunch of time and expense.