Fuel guage not working

[Moe]

I was wondering if anybody has had this problem. I pulled the sending unit out and when I push the float up/down the guage works. So I took it and stuck it into a gas can and the float sinks! WHen I put it into water it floated like it should. Is it possible that it soaked in some gas and is too heavy? I am working with James at MOHN on this problem.

[NautiqueJeff]

That's weird. I'm sure James will figure it out. You're in good hands.

[nms1991]

water has a different specific gravity(density) than gasoline, that is why gas floats on top of water. Probably the float has absorbed some fuel, by the way what year and model of boat do you have?

[Moe]

OK, so now I'm REALLY confused! If gas is less dense than water(therefore it floats on water) Shouldn't my float work in gas for sure? The boat is a 2002 SANTE.

[Hollywood]

The less dense object will float. The water is denser than the float, but the float could still be denser than the gas. Increasing density: Gas < Float < Water

[ag4ever]

Your float would work if it was full of gas only if your tank was full of water.

My last truck had a fuel gauge that stoped working (ford). It turned out that the brass "tank" float had a pinhole in it, and filled with gas. i replaced it (about $5) and it started working just fine. If your float is made of metal, and is like a tank full of air, I would bet it developed a leak, and now has some fuel in it. If it is a piece of wood like material, I would bet it is saturated with fuel causing it to be too heavy. Eiether way, replace the float portion, and it should be fine.

[nms1991]

the float has lost its ablity to float due to it being saturated with gas or the fuel due to the reformulation of the gas to make it burn cleaner. Check with your dealer to see if he remembers a bullitin about fuel senders in the 1998 to 1999 sports and 2000 to 2001 sports about a adjustable sender, but i would recomend replacing the sender or float depending on what style of float it is.