6 replies to this topic

[MR77LX]

Gday Lads,

My fuel gauge needle on my lx Torana moves around over bumps and turns.
I have a John little drop tank and I’m running a small auto metre gauge. (Hot rod style gauge)
Is there a fix for this? Cheers

[VDO]

The Autometer gauge doesn't have the type of movement to slow down the reaction to the sender motion, like the original does.

 

The Autometer will have an air core type movement which reacts instantly, and the original is a bi-metal (thermal) movement which is much slower to react.

[MR77LX]

I read somewhere about attaching an electrical capacitor to the gauge?
I don’t think that’s right though.

[Rockoz]

I read somewhere about attaching an electrical capacitor to the gauge?
I don’t think that’s right though.

 

 

A capacitor may help.

Some trial and error would be required to get a size that works well enough.

 

Cant see any harm in sticking a 4700uF or 5600uF electrolytic across it and see how it goes.

More capacitance should slow movement down, less should speed it up.

 

What do you think Chris? (VDO)

Would want to keep an eye on your fuel levels while trialling it.

[S pack]

The Autometer gauge doesn't have the type of movement to slow down the reaction to the sender motion, like the original does.

 

The Autometer will have an air core type movement which reacts instantly, and the original is a bi-metal (thermal) movement which is much slower to react.

This was the driving force behind GMH changing from the magnetic type fuel gauge to the thermal type gauge in the HQ Holden sedan, coupe and station wagon.

The problem was reduced somewhat with the release of the second type magnetic fuel sender unit which positioned the float closer to the centre of the tank, however the wide flat fuel tank allowed the fuel to slosh around violently as the fuel level reduced.

Edited by S pack, 08 July 2018 - 10:21 AM.

[VDO]

A capacitor may help.

Some trial and error would be required to get a size that works well enough.

 

Cant see any harm in sticking a 4700uF or 5600uF electrolytic across it and see how it goes.

More capacitance should slow movement down, less should speed it up.

 

What do you think Chris? (VDO)

Would want to keep an eye on your fuel levels while trialling it.

 

You're correct re the capacitor, it can slow down the movement.

 

Some amount of testing will be needed to get the right size, however you MUST observe polarity.

Use an electrolytic capacitor and connect positive to the gauge positive and negative to the sender wire.

 

You could contact Autometer and ask them, perhaps they could recommend the correct capacitance.

[MR77LX]

Ok great, thanks guys!