87 Spree Fuel Gauge inop

[indetrucks]

I have tried two sending units and both have the same results.
When I have a full tank, the gauge reads low (in the red)
When I ground the wires the gauge reads alllll the way low (below the red).

Even after removing the sending unit and manually putting it to full, it reads low (in the red).
The float is good (no holes or full of gas). Is it possible the problem is the gauge itself? It does move, just never past 1/8th tank (staying in the red/empty).

Book says something about a broken or shortened balancing coil? Where is that located and how can I test it?

Thanks guys

[indetrucks]

Bueller?

[indetrucks]

Book says something about a broken or shortened balancing coil? Where is that located and how can I test it?
Can I just buy a new gauge cluster (assuming that's where this balancing coil thing is?)

Just throwing out ideas since no one else is...

[DickB]

Book says something about a broken or shortened balancing coil? Where is that located and how can I test it?
Can I just buy a new gauge cluster (assuming that's where this balancing coil thing is?)

Just throwing out ideas since no one else is...

Balancing coil refers to the type of gauge. The balancing coil is most likely in the gauge itself and probably not easily repairable. If it is bad you could replace with a new cluster.

Easiest way to test the system is to check high and low resistance of the float with a voltmeter (ohmmeter) per the specs in the service manual. I see that there are different specs for 85+ models - are you mixing the wrong model year pair of gauge and sending unit?


Here is reference: http://books.google.com/books?id=Dp_LUw ... ge&f=false

[indetrucks]

I will check the system with an Ohm meter but I feel you're right and that it's likely the gauge itself.

It's acting the same way with two different sending units installed.
To Ebay I go