Gas Tank

Discussion in 'Technical' started by rickm, Apr 5, 2010.

  1. rickm

    rickm Member

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    My gas gauge doesn't work on the car I just got. It's a 71 Mav with 10,652 miles so you know it has sat alot. I see new sending units are $80 and not knowing what the inside of this tank looks like I would think it's better to just put a new tank under it. I think I've seen where some guys have used Mustang Tanks. If you have which one is a bolt up. Tanks
     
    rickm, Apr 5, 2010
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  2. facelessnumber

    facelessnumber Drew Pittman

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    On the gauge, does it not work at all, or just not work anywhere close to accurately? If the needle moves, it might just be the voltage regulator in the cluster.
     
    facelessnumber, Apr 5, 2010
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  3. rickm

    rickm Member

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    It goes to the E and stops. If it's the cluster, what then ?
     
    rickm, Apr 5, 2010
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  4. facelessnumber

    facelessnumber Drew Pittman

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    The cluster voltage regulator is usually available at parts stores, cheap and easy to install.
     
    facelessnumber, Apr 5, 2010
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  5. rthomas771

    rthomas771 Member

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    A lot of us put the 76-77 tank in our cars. Get a new tank with new sending unit for around $125. You will need longer bolts for the straps and new vapor valve. To me...this is better than sticking a band-aid on an old tank
     
    rthomas771, Apr 5, 2010
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  6. Acornridgeman

    Acornridgeman MCCI Wisconsin State Rep Moderator Supporting Member

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    To test the guage and wiring, pull the wire off the sending unit and touch it to ground. If everything is working as it should the guage will move rapidly up to full. Don't leave it grounded, just do it long enough to see if if moves all the way to full. If that works, problem is with your sending unit.

    Do a search, there are many threads on gas tank options and "how to" repair, replace threads.

    (y)
     
    Acornridgeman, Apr 5, 2010
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  7. facelessnumber

    facelessnumber Drew Pittman

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    I agree... And I'm not suggesting a band-aid fix for a tank/sender problem, I'm just saying the problem might be somewhere else. Definitely get a new tank if you need it, but I'd rule out the $9 fix first.
     
    facelessnumber, Apr 5, 2010
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  8. rickm

    rickm Member

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    facelessnumber when you say cluster voltage reg are you talking about the voltage reg on the inner fender by the battery ?
     
    rickm, Apr 5, 2010
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  9. rthomas771

    rthomas771 Member

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    The constant voltage regulator is on the back of the gauge cluster. It's a small metal box about 1"x 1/2"x 1/2"
     
    rthomas771, Apr 5, 2010
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  10. rickm

    rickm Member

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    OK the gauge worked fine when I jumpered the plug out so now it's a tank with new sending unit. I don't care about size as the car is for local cruising it's just what is the easiest and doesn't hang down in the rear ?
     
    rickm, Apr 6, 2010
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  11. Acornridgeman

    Acornridgeman MCCI Wisconsin State Rep Moderator Supporting Member

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    Acornridgeman, Apr 6, 2010
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  12. rickm

    rickm Member

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    I took the sending unit out and the float was filled with gas, the unit works fine so I just need a float fron NPD and I'll be all set Thanks Rick
     
    rickm, Apr 6, 2010
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