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Fuel gauge

terry_thatcher

Terence Thatcher
I have the old fuel gauge. It was never reliable, so I installed a Hart tank tender, with which I am very happy. If I unscrew the old gauge on the top of the tank, will the whole mechanism come out? (Assuming I can get the screws or bolts to come out of the mild steel plate on top of the tank.)
 
Terry

If your furniture layout is the original, you will have to drill a hole in the cabin sole near the corner of the settee to reach the port/fwd most screw.

Jim
 
that is to remove the plate, I believe. If I can remove just the gauge face and the whole contraption comes out, I can do it without getting under the sole.
 
Terry
Just to remove the gauge from the plate, you will need access to the one screw that is buried under the floorboard. You will need to drill a 1/4" hole just to port and fwd of the gauge to access that screw. With that last screw out, the gauge will come free.

Jim
 
Thanks, Jim. I will look. By the way, I posted a question for you,rather un related, on the thread about "looking for ladder options" if you have a minute.
 
Terry
Just to remove the gauge from the plate, you will need access to the one screw that is buried under the floorboard. You will need to drill a 1/4" hole just to port and fwd of the gauge to access that screw. With that last screw out, the gauge will come free.

Jim
This must be a production difference between years. I can access/remove everything just be removing the drawer. I have had the gauge/sender out a couple times. I haven't taken the plate off, but I believe I could get it out too. 1981 382 hull 256.
 
I can get to all the screws/bolts for the gauge. But one of the bolts holding down the plate is under the cabin sole. Someday I will try what Jim says and try to drill down through, tho that sounds likely to create new problems.
 
I just took a look and was surprised at what I found. I don't have a plate. The gauge/sender is easily accessible and I have removed it before. But, I had always thought the tank was fiberglass. Using a very bright flashlight, I can very clearly see the forward corner of the tank (looking from the bilge) and around the hose barbs are welded, and glassed over. So, my tank is stainless, but completely glassed over. With connections directly on the tank, not on an access plate.
 
Warren
Could your tank be an aftermarket installation? This is the first time we've heard of anything except the fiberglass tank with the steel plate.

Jim
 
I suppose that it is possible. I think it unlikely though. That would be a pretty major reconstruction. R&R the sole, galley, and settee. It really looks like fiberglass, as it is completely glassed over. It is only by shining a bright light at it that I can see through the cloth and see the welds on the corners. And tapping on the bottom of the tank from the bilge it sounds like steel.

However, it has been repowered, and the PO had beautifully refinished the entire interior, including a laminate over the sole. I always wondered why the laminate instead of sanding and refinishing. Maybe there is more history hidden underneath it.
 
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