1986Ford4.9

I've a 1986 Ford F-150, 4.9 Carb, single fuel tank. Truck runs like a bear, always has. Been well kept and so on.

Problem is the fuel gauge. When I top it off, gas gauge says full. Works as intended. Yet, when it gets just a hair below halfway, over the course of a week, it just drops to empty.

I have a good idea that I have to replace the unit inside the tank. I think the problem is some of the metal fins for reading is bad on the lower half as I imagine they get the most wear as we're prone to throw a few dollars in the tank here and there.

Is there anything else I should look for?

gDMJoe

HINT/TIP: You'll find posting in thesection more helpful/appropriate than General F150 Discussion posts.
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1986Ford4.9

Thanks!

GhostriderI

Sending unit is where I would look first. your right it can wear like you think. Are there any other gauge problems? If not that should fix it. IMHO

1986Ford4.9

Ghost,

Uhmmmm, no the rest of the dashboard works fine. Thanks, I was a little worried in dropping the tank and taking it out. I hear when they are old, they break pretty easily. So, if it could be something else, I was going to check there first.

All right, I'll do that this weekend.

Thanks again!

shortride

iTrader: (1)

It is most likely the sending unit. I had the same issue shortly after restoring my '65 F100 with a 4.9L engine.

GhostriderI

When I changed my sending unit it came with new seal and lock ring, the fuel lines were "fun" to unlock (took some time to figure out the tool) and the plug had been there a while so was "stuck" a little patients it will come apart.