Testing a factory fuel gauge without a sending unit to test with??


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By Big6ft6 - 14 Years Ago
Hey guys.  Is there a way to find out if the fuel gauge in the dash works before I spend the money on a  new sending unit. 

So I'm determined to get the 56 driving EARLY this summer before I get lost in the rest of life again.  I'm slowing saving up and buying parts.  One of the parts I need is a new sending unit for my brand new fuel tank.

However, the ones I'm seeing on the web aren't cheap, approx $100.  At that price I'd hate to order one only to find out that my fuel gauge doesn't work.  If all is good, where is the best place to get a new sending unit?

By oldcarmark - 14 Years Ago
Go into the trunk and take the wire off the sending unit(one screw).Turn the ignition key to the on position where the gauges are powered.Ground the wire in the trunk to a good ground.If the gauge moves to full it works.If it does not move to full or only partial to full then the gauge is toast.If it moves to full make sure the sending unit has a good ground by running a wire from one of the sending unit mounting screws to a good clean metal area.if the gauge now works you are all set.If it still does not work you likely need a sender.Someone on the site might have a good used one that works. 
By Big6ft6 - 14 Years Ago
Thanks Old Car! I will try touching the live wire to a good ground and see what I get.    The old sender went into the garbage last fall when I pulled the old tank, it was rusted solid...it looked like something from the bottom of the ocean!  The inside of the tank looked like a toxic waste dump.  So it all went into the recycling box at the town dump.  I have a new tank, if I have a new sender I will be able to hang the tank and the car will once again be self-contained!!  Instead of running from a fuel container sittin on the floor.BigGrin  Then I just need tires...and in theory it will drive foward under its own power!  (stopping will be the next project)
By fairlane bob - 14 Years Ago
according to the 56 Ford service manuel you are suposed to use 2 D cell flashlite batteries in series and + side to wire and gdn _ sodewith key on guague should read approx 1/2tank
By YellowWing - 14 Years Ago
If you need a sender I think I have one in the basement. It is used but in good condition and was working fine when I removed it about 8 months ago. Had to replace it when I installed new gauges. Let Me know if you would like it. Mike
By Big6ft6 - 14 Years Ago
fairlane bob (2/15/2011)
according to the 56 Ford service manuel you are suposed to use 2 D cell flashlite batteries in series and + side to wire and gdn _ sodewith key on guague should read approx 1/2tank

Thanks Bob!  I'm gonna have to get me one of them manuals!

By fairlane bob - 14 Years Ago
I do not believe that 56's have a gauge voltage unit ,I believe that started in 57.I was looking at that too when I was having fuel gauge probulms a while back,trying to gain some accuracy in gauge readings.
By oldcarmark - 14 Years Ago
1956 was the ONLY year that the gauges were powered by 12 volts.No regulator used.
By oldcarmark - 14 Years Ago
You might also consider Tee-Bird.com.They list the 56 sender for $66.00.Not quite as bad as a $100.00.
By Big6ft6 - 14 Years Ago
Thanks guys for the thoughts and insight.  YellowWing is hookin' me up.  I'm this much closer to driving the ford out of the garage!