Hi,

I recently noticed my fuel gauge acting weird. I have a 1969 Z28 with a dash center fuel gauge-no console. With the key off, the gauge needle sits just above 1/2 full with only about 3 gallons of fuel in the tank. With the key on, the needle moves to way past the full mark. From reading other posts, I get the idea that my problem is either a bad ground, bad sending unit or faulty gauge. I plan on starting by checking out the ground, then moving to the sending unit. Finally the gauge. Here is what I would appreciate advice on:
1) To get an accurate look at the ground, does the fuel tank need to be dropped and if so, is this a straight forward process?
2) I know the tank needs to be dropped to check the sending unit. If it is bad, I would appreciate advice on what type of sending unit to purchase. Ecklers offers both "repro's" for around $50.00 and Gm for about $175.00 if I remember correctly. Any problems with the reproductions?
3) If the guage is bad, can you recommend anyone to repair it?

I live in Southern Oregon (Medford)

Thanks in advance for any help or suggestions you can give.
Larry

 

You'll need to drop the tank to do diagnostics at the sending unit. Once the tank is down you can pull the sending unit and test things out. Here's a good tutorial from Ecklers on how to do so.
The GM Fuel Gauge Mystery 1965 & Newer |

I haven't heard of issues with repro sending units, and would probably go that route myself.

 

1972BB427, Thank you for that link. It is exactly what I needed.

BH

 

You can get to the sender ground lead as it is screwed onto the tank strap boss on the pass side in front of tank.
Remove lead, sand area, reattach lead. Might coat with grease preventing rusting.

 

Another great tip. Thanks! I will try that tomorrow. I have the needle pegging past full. Im hoping its just the ground.

BH