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Question
Greetings,
1984 Pininfarina spider 2000. Within 15 to 20 miles after fill up, my gas guage registers about 1/2 full, after another 100 miles the gauge works properly. The fuel sender unit is new. Help!
Thank you,
Enrico
Hi Enrico:
Fuel Gauges are notorious for false readings. With the new sending unit, you are getting the wrong level of resisted current being sent to the coil that controls the fuel gauge. This could means you have a weak fuel coil.
However, don't try to replace the coil just yet. Instead, try not filling the tank completely full. If the sending unit float is being submerge too heavily in fuel, this could be causing the problem. Too much fuel in a tank can cause a false reading, because the sending unit is suppose to be tilting the needle towards FULL. But if the float on the sending unit is half submerge in fuel, I can see how it would register 1/2 FULL until the fuel level drop to a point where the float could pop up as normal.
It kind works like the old fishing corks. The cork must float freely on top of the water so you will know when it dips below the water, you've got a bite. However, if the cork is already submerged in the water, you can't tell when a fish bites it. Hope all of this makes sense.
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Answers by Expert:
Vern Bullock
Expertise
Visit my website at: http://www.classytransportation.com/ I can answer most questions about autos built in the 60's 70's and 80's. Specifically, Lincolns, Rolls Royces and the Excaliburs. Mechanical issues and technical questions are my expertise. I also have a general knowledge of most older automobiles. Keep in mind, I can only provide answers if the questions are very specific and complete. Without details, I can only speculate and that's not good for solving your problem.
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I have owned and maintained Silver Shadows for over 10 years now. I find most mechanics and even Rolls Royce mechanics have very little knowledge about these automobiles. I have researched these cars in quite a bit of detail and can pretty much tell you what is wrong, if you can describe the behavior in detail. I have saved quite a few RR owners a lot of money and aggravation due to improper diagnosis. I am the owner of Classy Transportation, LLC a luxury limousine service specializing in antique cars, classic cars, vintage cars and exotic cars.
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I hold a BS degree in computer science and a MS degree in mechanical engineering.
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