Pagoda SL Group

W113 Pagoda SL Group => Drive train, fuel, suspension, steering & brakes => Topic started by: nahuston on October 13, 2014, 21:04:45

Title: Fuel gauge/ sender problem
Post by: nahuston on October 13, 2014, 21:04:45

I need some help tracking down a fuel gauge issue. When I turn the key on the gauge pegs full all the time. The low warning light still works. I assumed there was a short to ground somewhere in the harness but I have checked and there is not. I have swapped gauges and it still pegs (with the sender plugged in or unplugged). Does anyone know what resistance I should see on the wire to the gauge (blue green)? Is it expected that the gauge would peg full with the sender unplugged? I would expect it to drop to zero not full but maybe its different in these cars?
Thanks

Title: Re: Fuel gauge/ sender problem
Post by: nahuston on October 14, 2014, 13:57:14

I found another 230sl and unplugged the sender - the gauge pegged full. Looks like a need a sender. I have the early style, in reading here it looks like I can't use the newer style "tube'? Is that correct?

Title: Re: Fuel gauge/ sender problem
Post by: WRe on October 14, 2014, 14:09:53

Hi,
the early 230SL (until 1964/65) had an arm of lever sender, later than all the same tube; see http://www.sl113.org/wiki/Fuel/SenderUnit.
...WRe

Title: Re: Fuel gauge/ sender problem
Post by: jf308 on October 14, 2014, 17:41:37

MB Classic center just sold me a "tube style" for my 64 230 SL and that is war came out of the old tank.  Will let you know if it functions shortly.

John

Title: Re: Fuel gauge/ sender problem
Post by: scoot on October 14, 2014, 21:49:35

My understanding is that the tube-style sender and the float-style sender are not interchangeable.

Title: Re: Fuel gauge/ sender problem
Post by: ja17 on October 25, 2014, 07:35:59

There are  early and late "tube style" I believe.  The lever type and early tube style are interchangeable.  The later tube style (most common) and the lever style are not unless the gauges are change also. I have taken both tube styles apart and one has three vertical wires and the other has two vertical wires. 

Title: Re: Fuel gauge/ sender problem
Post by: scoot on October 25, 2014, 13:37:25

Quote from: ja17 on October 25, 2014, 07:35:59

There are  early and late "tube style" I believe.  The lever type and early tube style are interchangeable.  The later tube style (most common) and the lever style are not unless the gauges are change also. I have taken both tube styles apart and one has three vertical wires and the other has two vertical wires. 

That is very interesting and something I have never heard before.  If you have pictures please post.  Would the early style tube sender correspond to an early Fintail also? 

Title: Re: Fuel gauge/ sender problem
Post by: ja17 on October 27, 2014, 04:26:18

I believe so Soot.  I'll see if I have some around to photograph.