[C320-list] Fuel Gauge Malfunction

[Wash, Steve]

David,

We have seen the same thing in our 2004 (Hull 1029).

When I did a brief check of things I noticed that the 'common' return of
the fuel sender is the tank and there is a wire from the electrical
system riveted (I think) to the tank.  Mine was loose and I could swivel
it about the rivet.  I am suspicious of this connection. You have brass
against aluminum and vibration ... This all spells a frettering induced
oxidation.  I gave mine a few vigorous jiggles and have not had any
further problems this season.

As far as accuracy ... The gauge measures the resistance of the sender
... So the resistance of the oxidation will be a factor.  That being
said, when the gauge pops up to a reading, I would believe it is
trustworthy enough to know it is time to put fuel in at 1/4 or below.

I hope this helps.

Steve
 

-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of David
Detrick
Sent: Friday, October 02, 2009 2:19 AM
To: c320-list at lists.catalina320.com
Subject: [C320-list] Fuel Gauge Malfunction

Have a 2004 C 320 whose fuel gauge sometimes stays frozen on "E" after
starting, and then after running a while, pops up to the correct level
of fuel in tank. Several questions---

 

1.       What are possible causes-loose wire, bad sender, dirt in gauge,
etc.?

2.       How would you fix the problem?

3.       Could the problem affect the gauge reading properly when it pop
to
a level above "E." In other words, can I trust the gauge?