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Classic/Antique Car Repair/1966 Mustang Fuel Gauge

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Expert: - 7/22/2008


Question
The fuel guage on my mustang does not work, it is normally at empty(left) but when I turn the key it moves about a half an inch to the right.  I am not sure if the issue is in the wiring or the sending unit.  Any suggestions on how to verify which is the issue and the what to do to correct?

Answer
If you can get at the wire to the sending unit, remove it and ground it. Then turn on the key. If the gauge moves to the full mark with the wire grounded then the problem is either a defect in the sender of a bad ground to the fuel tank. If the gauge does not move then the problem is wiring or the dash unit.
Brad

Classic/Antique Car Repair

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Brad Sears

Expertise

All automotive including antique and collectible. However if the car has been modified I can only answer in general terms and maybe get you pointed in the right direction.

Experience

Automotive tech instructor. Syndicated auto columnist 1970's though the early 1990's. Syndicated auto radio talk show, Ask Brad About cars, CBS Radio 70's through 90's TV Show "Last Chance Garage" 1980's PBS-TV syndicated. Auto instructor for the following companies: Fram Autolyte Holly Carter AMF Ford Motor University Of Conn Blue Hills Technical School Sugar River Technical Center Grew up in a family garage in Needham Mass and turned wrenches from the age of 14.

Publications
Manchester Union Leader, Nashua Telegraph, Motor Service Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Popular Mechanics (Saturday Mechanic early 80's), Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and lots more.

Education/Credentials
More than I care to remember. Basically Franklin Technical Institute in Boston, Northeastern University, Fitchburg State Teachers College, Tufts University, and a lot of factory schools along the way.

Awards and Honors
Moto Award winner. And much more.

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