After disconnecting the wires to the fuel level sensor, measure the resistance
and see if it varies as it should. If you decide you need a new one don't
throw away the plastic cover because if it is the one I bought (West Marine) it
works great for changing the oil. The perfect size...... Russ
Phil Agur <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: All connections seem to be
tight and clean.
Ted,
Loosen and retighten all the connections in the off chance what seems clean
and tight really has an invisible layer of metallic oxide insulating the
connection. It usually doesnt to take much break though this thin layer of
oxide. This is always a worthwhile first step in trouble shooting since its
free.
The second thing would be to inspect or even test the crimp lugs. Way to
often owners and technicians doing electrical work install crimp lugs
improperly which leads a failed connection between the wire and terminal over
time. If you ever see someone working on your wiring that crimps a lug and then
pulls it by hand to see if its ok then he/she is not the one you want working
on your wiring. There is indeed a pull test used in the calibration and
validation of a crimping process but it is done by a machine that pulls until
the wire stretches to failure. The little hand jerk indicates he/she is unsure
and is using the wrong tool for the crimp and wants validation it may have
worked.
Instead of seeing a hand jerk test you want to hear their crimp tool ratchet
closed, knuckles go a little white, and then a click before it will release the
crimped lug. This type of tool wont let a tired hand get away with a low
pressure crimp that just barely grips the wire and is what you would expect a
professional to use.
The back-up to this, which is not nearly as good because solder wicking up
inside a stranded wire reduces its ability to withstand vibration, is to
crimp, hand jerk, and then solder the lug on. Here they know they are doing
they are doing the crimp wrong but are attempting to seal the crimp using
solder.
And the holly grail of crimping would be (what I use) are adhesive lined heat
shrink insulated terminals applied with the specified ratchet crimp tool.
Failing systems on a boat can risk lives.
Phil Agur s/v Wing Tip
Secretary/Treasurer Call Sign WCW3485
IC27/270A MMSI 366901790
www.catalina27.org Vessel Doc# 1039809
-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Sent: Wednesday, August 22, 2007 7:37 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: catalina27-talk: Fuel Guage repair
I have an 82 with a 5411 diesel. The fuel gauge does not work. Does anyone
have any experience with trouble shooting the problem? It could be the sending
unit in the tank or the gauge itself. All connections seem to be tight and
clean.
Ted Pinelli
5082 Andiamo
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