Need help w/fuel gauge

[jadney@vwtype3.org (Melissa & Jim)]

>
>     I am having a minor problem with my T-3 fuel gauge. When the tank is 
>     over half full of gas, the fuel gauge displays the normal reading. 
>     However, when the tank gets down to about half full, the needle jumps 
>     back and forth a lot. I tried replacing the fuel sender with one out 
>     of another car (same year) with no change. I assume it is the fuel 
>     gauge or the cable. How do I test these? Thanks in advance for your 
>     help.

The problem is in your sender; you were just lucky enough to get two bad 
ones in a row.  Any type three unit for the right voltage (I assume there 
are 6 and 12 V units???) will work.

To fix, just pull out the sender and remove the nut at the bottom of the 
alum can, then take the can off.  You will find a float that has some spring 
contacts that make a connection between the two hair-fine wires on either 
side of the float.  The problem is corrosion or dirt on the wire.  Just 
lightly and carefully rub the wire with some scotchbrite (sort of an 
abrasive sponge.)  Don't get carried away, and don't break the wire.  Put it 
all back together and try it again.

To prevent this problem, I think it is helpful to keep your gas dry.

Jim
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       Melissa Kepner                                    Jim Adney
       jadney@vwtype3.org              jadney@vwtype3.org
                             Laura Kepner-Adney
                             Madison, Wisconsin
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