I read the forums about gauges and still need a bit of direction. Have 57 bird. Fuel gauge is not working right but when I perform all the tests (grounding, new wire etc.) all check out but when put all together, I only read 3/4 full when tank full. There is a voltage regulator on the back of the dash which controls the fuel and temp gauges (drops voltage down to about 5) and it appears to be working as well.



Anyway, tired of messing with this so thought I would add a second fuel gauge. Bought one (said for FORD) hooked it up and all it did was surge up and down, almost like a ticking. I assume it has something to do with the regulator but not sure.



Can someone recommend a gauge to get?



Thank you for your help



Rod


1957 Thunderbird

312

As long as the original reds correctly at the "empty" end of the scale, I don't really see any problem using it as is.

John - "The Hoosier Hurricane"

well that is the other problem. Empty can be at 1/2 tank or just under 1/2. Strange little car.

1957 Thunderbird

312

When you fill the tank does the gauge read full for most of the time before it starts to drop? Maybe the arm holding the float is out of adjustment. In other words it's not working in the same range as the height of the tank.



Jeff

Jeff Petersen

I am thinking adjstment of the sending unit arm. Need to check shop manual and see if they address this. If it is an aftermarket sending unit it is my understanding that they can be inaccurate. Need to find out why mine quit working some time back. Mine is probably the sending unit. Guage checked out. May check out the one in my parts car and see if it works.

Full tank reads 3/4. Pulled sending unit out, grounded and keyed on. Moved the arm and it gauge would only go to 3/4 but would drop to empty. Tested gauge by grounding it and it pegged, tested wire from gauge to sending unit and it is good as well. Also tested by having unit in and grounding it and it pegged. I would think that the unit Concours sent me is correct. They are the ones that specialize in the baby birds. Guess it is possible it could be wrong.

1957 Thunderbird

312

Shop manual did not address this. I followed the steps for testing and independently they all pass test except the 3/4 gauge level. This is why I thought I might check with new gauge but I don't think the new ones run through a regulator, which means I would need to get the source elsewhere than the original wire? hmmmmm

1957 Thunderbird

312