Gas guage pickup...

[scarfie]

...has gone bad. I think. 2000 Challenger 2000. Where is the fuel level pick up located so I can test it? If it is bad, is there a way to fix it or do I need to spend the $149 to replace it?

Thanks.

 

[kustomkarl]

You need to check the Pink and Pink/Black wire coming out of the baffle tube in the gas tank. The sending unit works off resistance. Pull the plug apart at the tank, and use an ohm meter to check for resistance between the two pink wires. The resistance will be different depending on how much fuel is in the fuel tank. If you get no resistance, remove the clamps off the sender, and pull the sending unit out of the fuel tank. Check the magnets on the float in the sending unit. To get to the float out, pop the bottom off and look for the 4 magnets on the float. If they are missing use a strong magnet to get them out of the tank bottom. If they are dirty clean them and re-insert it back in the baffle tube and check the wires again to check for readings of resistance depending on where the float is in the baffle tube. Check the float to see if it “floats” in a cup of gas. Sometimes the float becomes saturated and won’t float in gas…but it will in water, so use gas to check it. If still no reading of resistance replace the sender. If you get readings, check continuity of wiring to gauge. At the baffle you could un plug the guage and using a jumper wire between the 2 wires in the plug on the guage side. Attach the lanyard to power up the gauges. If the guage goes to full the guage is good. If it still doesn’t respond, do a continuity test of the wires to the guage. If all wiring checks out ok, and the guage still doesn’t respond, the gauge is bad. Keep me posted on your progress.

On some models there is a small fuse in the top of the baffle too.


Karl

 

[scarfie]

Great...thanks for the detail. i'll get on this some time this week.

 

[tresvatos1]

Starting fuel flow after working on fuel system?

How do I start suction to the carbs again after I have worked on the fuel o system. Last time I sucked the fuel hose to get the fuel started to the carbs and had bad experience. What is a way to get the fuel system started again?

 

[kustomkarl]

If you choke the carbs, it draws in more fuel faster from the feed lines. You could also add a small amount of fuel and the oil you use as a pre mix, and add a couple oz. in to the spark plug holes and reinstall them and fire it up...as the engine runs for a few seconds it will suck in the fuel it needs to fill the fuel lines.

Karl

 

[tresvatos1]

Thanks for the helpful info. I had a really bad experience last time when I sucked the gas into my mouth..was pretty scarey

 

[kustomkarl]

That's good encouragement to quit smoking too if you smoke.:rofl:

Karl

 

[tresvatos1]

:agree:

Nope don't smoke! That would screw you up pretty quick after swallowing gas... but seriously when I looked at poison control website, it tells you not to try to throw up because the petrol damages your lungs, throat , and esophaugus when it comes up, but to drink lots and lots of water, and milk until it is neutralized in your system. Just in case anyone does this ever by mistake.

So you are saying to pour gasoline/oil mix. into the four fuel lines before reataching them to the sending unit that goes into the gas tank.

 

[SeadooBOB Square Pants]

If you choke the carbs, it draws in more fuel faster from the feed lines. You could also add a small amount of fuel and the oil you use as a pre mix, and add a couple oz. in to the spark plug holes and reinstall them and fire it up...as the engine runs for a few seconds it will suck in the fuel it needs to fill the fuel lines.

Karl

Karl if my gas gauge indicates half tank when it is full does this just mean re-adjustment or is the gauge needing some TLC??