How to bench test a new '49 Chevy fuel gauge and sender

[Dwight Romberger]

Hi All,

 

I am banging my head against the bench trying to test a new '49 chevy fuel gauge with a new '55 chevy sender. Both are supposed to be 0-30 ohms.

 

The fuel gauge has 2 terminals on the back. One is clearly marked "to sender"

 

The fuel gauge stays on "E" as I raise and lower the float.

 

I have it wired like this on the bench:

 

 

POS terminal from battery to fuel gauge "hot" terminal

 

Wire from fuel gauge "sender" terminal to terminal on sender

 

Wire from body of sender unit to NEG terminal on battery

 

 

Am I missing something? Does the body of the fuel gauge need to be attached to the NEG battery terminal (grounded)?

 

I would really appreciate some help. 

 

Thanks,

Dwight

 

 

 

 

[misterc9]

The body of the gauge would be grounded by the screws attaching it to the dash cluster.  To bench test you would need to ground the gauge body. Don't let anything short out.