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Garage => Mechanicals => Topic started by: john erbe on 25 January 2023, 11:06 AM

Title: Gas Gauge Hangs-up
Post by: john erbe on 25 January 2023, 11:06 AM
Needle moves-up as tank is filled. As fuel is consumed it will lower but then stop. After continued consumption it will suddenly release and drop down about a quarter inch and from that point on will indicate correctly. Is it the gauge or the tank float that's getting stuck?
Title: Re: Gas Gauge Hangs-up
Post by: JeffCullen on 25 January 2023, 12:17 PM
My money's on a sticky float... sometimes you can get lucky, pull the sending unit and clean it out... need to be VERY careful with the tiny wires!
Title: Re: Gas Gauge Hangs-up
Post by: Jan S on 26 January 2023, 04:53 PM
Quote from: JeffCullen on 25 January 2023, 12:17 PMMy money's on a sticky float... sometimes you can get lucky, pull the sending unit and clean it out... need to be VERY careful with the tiny wires!

Agree!
Title: Re: Gas Gauge Hangs-up
Post by: andrewk on 26 January 2023, 07:28 PM
I just removed my fuel level sender - it was caked up with particles from the fuel and rust from the tank. If you're taking the sender out, make sure to inspect your tank for rust (obviously drain the fuel completely first).

I made the decision to get the tank serviced and also replace the fuel level sender. The new parts from MB seem to be of a lower quality than the original, the markings and part number etc are all wonky, and it doesn't seem to be a VDO part any more...

116-542-05-04 was the part number for the 96 L 450 SEL 6.9 tank.
Title: Re: Gas Gauge Hangs-up
Post by: john erbe on 28 January 2023, 01:26 PM
Thanks guys.
Title: Re: Gas Gauge Hangs-up
Post by: W116120 on 29 January 2023, 10:24 AM
Happens a lot with the diesels too with algae/fungal growth getting in there. Had to clean out mine