Faulty fuel sender or fuel gauge?

[BrianVT]

The fuel gauge on my boat wasn't working when I bought it. I got through last summer fine without it but it would be nice to have it working.
Replacing the gauge or wires would certainly be easier than the sending unit. How to test if the gauge or wires are the problem?
If it is the sending unit, how to be 100% safe when changing that? Obviously disconnect the battery. And no power tools. But I'm still nervous about being down in that tight cavity and somehow making a spark.

 

[dingbat]

Replacing the gauge or wires would certainly be easier than the sending unit.

You can change two sending units in the time it takes to replace a gauge if the sending unit is easily accessible.

The dangers of working around an open fuel source is mostly over hyped. Do stupid things you win stupid prizes
If your uncomfortable working around fuel take it to a professional.

How to test if the gauge or wires are the problem?

How To Troubleshoot Your Marine Fuel Level Sender | KUS Americas, Inc.

Do you know what to do if your fuel level sender stops working out on the water? Click here to learn how to diagnose and replace a marine fuel level sender.

kus-usa.com

 

[TBarCYa]

I know this is a couple week old thread but if you do choose to do the work yourself and you remove / replace the sender PLEASE make sure that you orient the sender so that all 5 of the screws can be used. I once bought a boat that previously had a fire and during the rehab found the cause to be missing screws on the sender that allowed fumes into the bilge when fuel was added.