Community Forums

dshogman · 01-31-2009, 12:23 PM

When I got the coach 2 years ago, the fuel gauge did not work. Finally got a replacement float from WRV and had it installed while in Vermont summer 2007. Never really paid too much attention when I was traveling - just fill up at half tank and move on.
While staying in one place this winter, I fill up every 30 days for the Hydro Hot. Last 3 months, fuel gauge shows 1/2 and I put in 70-72 gal. The tank is supposed to 110 per the cabinet placard.
So were there different types of fuel floats for different tanks? Is there any way to tell if I have the wrong float mechanism?
Thanks,
David

DrDaveMA · 01-31-2009, 10:31 PM

David, I have a '05 38' FDTS Everything says it is a 110 Gal tank, however it is in fact 100 gals. When WRV sent me a replacement float they sent the 110 gal sender. When I replaced it, I noticed that the tank label (viewed by opening the generator slide you can see the label on the tank in the back of the compartment) says the tank is 100 Gals. Apparently the '05's manufactured early (mine was Sept '04) did not get the 110 gal tank. Check to see if that is your issue, they may have sent you the wrong sender.

Most of the time I do not use the fuel gauge, I reset the trip odometer each fill up, and normally refuel around 500 miles, that should be around 2/3 tank, allowing me a reserve for the Hydro Hot.

two sailors · 02-01-2009, 08:14 AM

My fuel gauge stays on full for a long time then will take about 50gal when at the 2/3 mark.
The last half goes pretty fast. 85 gal is the most I have ever put in.
This year the gauge has been doing the full to empty an back as we go down the road. Whats That about?

EngineerMike · 02-01-2009, 08:25 AM

for a no-fuss fake-fix, force a fuel stop @ 3/4 and record how much you add to fill it, repeat @ 1/2 & 1/4 (or even @ eighths if you like). That's your new graduation.

Dave&Kacy · 02-01-2009, 03:18 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by two sailors:
My fuel gauge stays on full for a long time then will take about 50gal when at the 2/3 mark.
The last half goes pretty fast. 85 gal is the most I have ever put in.
This year the gauge has been doing the full to empty an back as we go down the road. Whats That about?

Dear Two Sailors,

Most fuel sensors are electronic and occassionally the ground wire becomes loose or corroded. This will cause the gauge to alternate full to empty or fluctuate in between. Take a look at the ground wire on the tank. It will probably look corroded. Remove the wire, clean it with contact cleaner and a wire brush and things should return to notmal.

Good Luck!

takepride · 02-01-2009, 07:04 PM

2 Sailors:

If Dave's re-grounding doesn't work you'll need a new sending unit. It's a very common problem on some years of Alpines. Do a FIND on it. Here's one thread. You'll see lots of other threads.

It's an easy repair, 30 minutes. Withdraw it from the tank via the wheel well and install the new one. IIRC I paid $58 for the part.