gas guage

Unknown

Does the tank on a step down need to be grounded in order for the fuel guage to work? I don't see a ground wire anywhere and was wondering if it is grounded via the fuel line. Any ways my fuel guage quit and I am trying to figure out where the problem lies.

7XPacemaker

The tank was not originally grounded with a wire, it counted on the straps for its ground. My gauge on my dad's '49 quit this year, and I ran a ground off of one of the screws to the frame and it fixed the problem. Another problem that it could be is that the float in the tank could have filled up with gas. If that is the problem, Dave Sollon has the part number for a Ford float that will work, all you'll have to do is bend the clip to tighten it up around the float.

[Deleted User]

Jim, The tank is indeed grounded by the fuel line. I cut my line to install an electric pump and then the gauge would not work. I ran a wire from one of the sending unit mounting screws to the frame and now it works fine.
The straps are insulated from the tank and the tank is insulated from the bottom of the trunk floor by felt strips that seem to be soaked in undercoating or something like it.
Bob

Unknown

ok guys thanks for your replys. I am sure its a grounding problem as the needle moves a little bit but not accurately and it was working fine and then quit one day. ( at leasty I hope its as simple as a ground problem).