Installed new Fuel Gauge.. stuck?

[RetiredSoldier919]

Hi all,
I tried searching for an answer to this, but could not find one.
I just replaced my sending unit with a new one that I ordered here on iboats.com.
I followed the instructions, so I'm not sure what is going on.
After I replaced the unit I connected the battery and turned the ignition switch to on.
The needle went to half full and stayed there, even after turning the ignition off and disconnecting the
battery. The fuel tank is half full, so is this normal behavior for the fuel gauge? Or should if fall to
empty after cutting power. Also, I did not replace the gauge...yet.

My first thought is to simply fill the tank and see if it moves.

1986 Four Winns 190 Horizon with Merc 150HP V6 O/B.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Installed new Fuel Gauge.. stuck?

Some gauges "float" when turned off and if yours is that design then that behavior is normal. Why replace the gauge? Have you proven something is wrong with it? There are over 100 posts on fuel gauge issues -- use the SEARCH to troubleshoot the system. Diagrams are included in most of the threads.

 

[generator12]

Re: Installed new Fuel Gauge.. stuck?

If the sending unit is accessible, remove it and work the float up and down with your eyes on the gauge. If the gauge follows it, it's working.

 

[RetiredSoldier919]

Re: Installed new Fuel Gauge.. stuck?

I ended up replacing the gauge and the sending unit. Then it worked properly. I bought both as a kit, so I figured I might as well use both. The float on the sending unit was damaged, so that was easy to deside. The old gauge looked fine, but I questioned why it shot to half full and did not return to empty when power was off. The new gauge goes to an accurate reading and then goes to empty after turning off the power. Thanks for your replies.

 

[glenn property of pam]

Re: Installed new Fuel Gauge.. stuck?

on the older style gauges most do not return to zero with the key off. mine stays at the last reading with the key off which i kinda like.