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Topic: Today's chuckle--- fuel gauge issue (Read 602 times) previous topic - next topic

Today's chuckle--- fuel gauge issue

While awaiting service at FOT, we took the recently purchased 1996 U320 on a weekend trip, returning to FOT parking lot last evening.  This morning they were ready for us in the fiberglass shop, so I fired up the coach to move it down.  Things didn't go as planned-- went about 10 feet and the engine died --- fuel gauge said 1/2 tank, but visual inspection showed empty!  Talk about lucky, if it had been 10 feet further to the parking lot we would have run out on the road.  Lesson learned, don't trust the fuel gauge.  Bad sending unit.
  Now for the chuckle.  We pulled our old trusty 1990 Grand Villa along side which we had brought up to FOT to stay on while repairing the U320, and after borrowing a hand pump from the shop pumped fuel from the Grand Villa into the U320.  A transfusion if you will--- after 3 fuel purges on the 320, we back up and running, but I felt a little like Jethro from the Beverly Hill Billys.
Current coach 1996 U320 40'
Previous coach, 1990 36' U280

Re: Today's chuckle--- fuel gauge issue

Reply #1 –
Quote from: Kemahjohn –
While awaiting service at FOT, we took the recently purchased 1996 U320 on a weekend trip, returning to FOT parking lot last evening.  This morning they were ready for us in the fiberglass shop, so I fired up the coach to move it down.  Things didn't go as planned-- went about 10 feet and the engine died --- fuel gauge said 1/2 tank, but visual inspection showed empty!  Talk about lucky, if it had been 10 feet further to the parking lot we would have run out on the road.  Lesson learned, don't trust the fuel gauge.  Bad sending unit.
  Now for the chuckle.  We pulled our old trusty 1990 Grand Villa along side which we had brought up to FOT to stay on while repairing the U320, and after borrowing a hand pump from the shop pumped fuel from the Grand Villa into the U320.  A transfusion if you will--- after 3 fuel purges on the 320, we back up and running, but I felt a little like Jethro from the Beverly Hill Billys.

The replacement electronic tank sensor works perfectly.  Self calibrating. Accurate
"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4

Re: Today's chuckle--- fuel gauge issue

Reply #2 –
That is the plan, the $111 price tag is a lot cheaper than out of gas on the interstate!
Current coach 1996 U320 40'
Previous coach, 1990 36' U280

Re: Today's chuckle--- fuel gauge issue

Reply #3 –
VMSpc is my preference, forget the gauge.

Re: Today's chuckle--- fuel gauge issue

Reply #4 –
I'm with Dave.  No matter what I do I know how much I have within just a few gallons.  VMSpc will let you see what the engine computer reports as gallons used since day one.  My gauge reports from 1/4 to 1/2 no matter how much fuel is in the tank.

Roger
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Today's chuckle--- fuel gauge issue

Reply #5 –
Belt and suspenders.  Gauge and miles since full.  Add in future silvetleaf to distract me even more while driving and I will be covered.
"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4

Re: Today's chuckle--- fuel gauge issue

Reply #6 –
I go by miles driven since fill up.  I go 700miles period.  I always get 10MPG running 60MPH.  The gauge is usually showing between empty and 1/4 tank.  I figure that stopping at 700 miles I should have about 30 gals. and worst case 10 gals.  Just don't get caught futher than 100 miles from services if you are at 700 miles.

Pat,
Pat/Blue Angel
1995 U240 36ft
MC# 16511
Build# 4653

Re: Today's chuckle--- fuel gauge issue

Reply #7 –
I generally fill the tank at the end of each travel day. I don't think I could drive far enough to get anywhere close to empty in one day.

Re: Today's chuckle--- fuel gauge issue

Reply #8 –
Love the 194 gal fuel tank, normal run it down to about  80-100 gal ob board, that is about  750-800 miles traveled, could very comfy run 1200 miles. Normal fill where price is favorable. ;D    Large tank & being cheap is a good combo.

Re: Today's chuckle--- fuel gauge issue

Reply #9 –
I think my coach has electronic sender, but does anybody have a part number to verify? There are only 3 wire connections on the sender.

I've been camping for the last week, and when I started up the gauge read empty and low fuel light was on. I only had about 250 miles on a competely full tank, and I didn't see any fuel leaked out on the ground. I opened the driver side fuel capped and peaked in with a flashlight and I was still over 3/4 full.

Well, I drove a few miles, stopped to look at something, got back in and started up and everything worked again! I've put 5,000 miles in the last month and fuel gauge has been very accurate.

The tank is rectangle and easy to see in down to about 2/3. Just dip it if lower.
1998 U270 34'
 

Re: Today's chuckle--- fuel gauge issue

Reply #10 –
Original fuel gauge sender went flakey and no amount of adjustment would fix it. I had FOT install a new sender on our coach in April, 2014. I've been pleased with the results. Fuel gauge and trip odometer complement each other as indicators. VMSpc is not an option on my engine.
J D Stevens
1997 U295 CAI 36' Build #5085
2002 Subaru Outback
Motorcade 16869
Bellville, TX