Gas Gauge Accuracy

[bossbob]

My car is still not road worthy, but I run the engine frequently for kicks and giggles, keep the fluids moving, etc. Anyway, last weekend I watched my fuel filter go dry, and new I had to invest another gazillion dollars for a bucket of gas. I typically throw in 5 gallons at a time, I think I have run maybe 20 gallons since I've owned the car. So before I add gas to the tank.

I have 2 questions.

1. I get a little bit of residue in the glass fuel bowl (no filter in the bowl), I have an inline filter before the carbs which is clean. Should I be concerned, should I address the fuel tank, or keep well enough alone.

2. My gas gauge still shows 1/4 tank even though it is empty, how do I adjust I am thinking I would have to do something with the sending unit but not sure, or, again, leave it alone, and just know when to fill it up.

Thanks again.

[RussellC]

Potentially silly question, what kind of fuel are you using? Leaded, Unleaded; Octane rating?

I would be curious to know what some senior members of the forum advise for gas as well.

Thanks,
Russell

[SLOroadster]

The quick and easy way to tell if the tank needs attention is to open the access plate in the trunk floor (4 screws that may or may not come out easily.) From there, pull the sender out and look in the tank. If its clean, there is your answer.

As for the level reading, it might be the sender, it might be the gauge, and it might be the little voltage regulator that fits under the dash next to the steering column that controls the readout for both the temp and the fuel level. This is adjustable, but it adjusts both the temp and the fuel level. You might be able to bend the arm of the sender to show empty, but this will take a little trial and error. Where does it read with 5 gal of fuel in it? If it reads 1/2, then its correct at half.

As for fuel type, a street car should run on 91 just fine. If you have made internal mods to the engine, all bets are off there.

Will

[DAC21]

"The quick and easy way to tell if the tank needs attention is to open the access plate in the trunk floor (4 screws that may or may not come out easily.) From there, pull the sender out and look in the tank. If its clean, there is your answer"

And don't create any kind of electrical charge / spark while you are at it.