[DeTomaso] Fuel Gauge quit working

[JDeRyke at aol.com]

In a message dated 4/8/09 2:01:10 PM, panteradon at gmail.com writes:

> My car has been sitting for quite some time.  Now the fuel gauge does not 
> work.  What is the best way to diagnose the problem?  Can the sending unit 
> be pulled with the tank in the car?
> 
Yes, with some difficulty. But first, check to see if the sending wire to 
the fuel gauge is still connected. Adding a small-amperage 12VDC source from 
a battery charger to the line off the sender wire should momentarily kick 
the gauge needle to full. If not, the gauge may be disconnected or the 
console' ground loose; the meter itself seldom fails.
To pull the sender, the drivers side rear quarter window with frame must be 
pulled out. This is easy since only the gasket and old paint holds it in 
the car body. A flat-blade screwdriver will start it out and your hands can 
pull it the rest of the way. Then the sender and its 16" long float arm can be 
pulled out the window opening. Fuel senders are not usually repairable 
except for 2 things: old gas often turns to varnish and cements the resistor in 
place. An overnight soak in paint thinner will free it up. And sometimes the 
float perforates, fills with gas and sinks to the bottom. Floats are 
laughably cheap at Pantera vendors. Complete senders are not (call around to the 
Pantera vendors- some are much cheaper than others). Since the only senders 
still available are the late L-moldel senders with the built-in fuel-out 
line, a replacement sender has some extra value for pre-L cars. Good luck- J 
Deryke



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