Fuel gauge Level causing switch over?

[Jed196]

Hey guys,

My VO fuel guage is at about 1/8 a tank and my light will go out for about 15 seconds and then come back. I was on a pretty flat steady road no sloshing. Does this sound like a normal situation. I happened on the way to work so I'll check my pressure when I get home, but its a fairly new filter (2000 miles).

Thanks.

[FastCote]

I can't say if it is "normal" but it does happen to me, starting somewhere below 1/4 tank. It has been mentioned in a couple of other threads that the new fuel pickup (hard plastic version) is higher than the old flexible hose style. At first I was kinda cranky about it but I am thinking it might keep me up away from the crap (and possibly water) at the bottom. Maybe that is just wishful thinking cause the sloshing probably stirs it all together.

[Wilson]

it's not a direct result of the fuel gauge reading... But it is likely that you are not getting vo to the pickup tube. Or you need a new filter or a few other reasons

[FastCote]

I am betting it is a pickup issue. You would be surprised how much grade there is on a "flat" road. Also, with the WIDE FLAT tank, it doesn't take much for free surface action in there. I am sure the oil is all over the place while driving!

Also, you "lights out" condition likely lags that actual turn or hill by many many seconds. I would take a while for the pump to lose suction.

[Jack_Toepfer]

My bet would be the pickup.

Your gauge is too slow to see the lighter sloshing but then your pickup runs dry that light will go out. Until it can suck up enough (when the oil sloshes the other way) to raise the pressure.

I've ignored the gauge, it is innacurate as far as the pickup is concerned. I fill up at/around 1/2 tank because mine sloshes so bad. Maybe I turn too hard?

[Jed196]

I also try to fillup at 1/2 a tank, just wanted to get an idea of how far I can go before dino will kick in..

Thanks for the input guys..

[Clay]

pull your filler cap off and stick a tape measure in the tank....my 12" tank will read 6 " of oil when the gauge reads 1/4 tank....very inacurate. In fact the old fuel sending unit is going in my new tank, today possibly.

[Jed196]

oddly enough I had just dipped my tank when I saw your post Clay. I have about 3.5 to 4" in there (parking lot is angled a bit). I would imagine thats enough to loose draw to the pump and cause switch over.... Now I know my limit. Fill her back up before I get to 1/4 tank......

thanks fellas.

[Clay]

Modify you pickup line...pull the ridgid line out and put a short length of hose on it that will extend it to the center of the tank where it will lay on the bottom.
I have been trying to fab up something that won't look like its "redneck engineered" and post pics up for you guys to use if you want to fix this problem. You should be able to use all the fuel in your tank.
My pickup line is a rubber hose with a metal end on it to wieght it down and its long enough that it lays over close to the center of the tank on the bottom.

[Jack_Toepfer]

Modify you pickup line...pull the ridgid line out and put a short length of hose on it that will extend it to the center of the tank where it will lay on the bottom.

Do we want the oil on the bottom? Of course the water will settle out with the heat... but will the bumps and sloshing from normal driving just put it back in?

[Marv]

Same thing happens to me on curvy roads and a low tank.

I've measured mine before and when I'm on "E", I still have 2" of oil in the tank when sitting level.

[Clay]

Do we want the oil on the bottom? Of course the water will settle out with the heat... but will the bumps and sloshing from normal driving just put it back in?

I'm doing it. But i also take measures to drain water off my tank periodically.
So far so good.