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Fuel Guage Trim
Posted: Sat Jun 17, 2023 19:12
by Hawaiis0
My tank runs empty when indicating 1/8th remaining.
Is there any trim to zero a gauge?
Re: Fuel Guage Trim
Posted: Sat Jun 17, 2023 22:31
by richardw
Should there be a ballast resistor or voltage stabiliser in the fuel gauge circuit on your Excel? If this is not properly connected then it could cause higher than normal gauge readings. I believe on my Elite this unit limits the gauge circuit voltage to 10v rather than 12v.
Just a thought, Richard
Re: Fuel Guage Trim
Posted: Sun Jun 18, 2023 09:55
by Pete Boole
The VDO instruments don't use a voltage regulator - only the Smith's instruments. I don't know the answer though
Pete
Re: Fuel Guage Trim
Posted: Sun Jun 18, 2023 19:29
by pistolpete
Is that why it waves about
Re: Fuel Guage Trim
Posted: Mon Jun 19, 2023 09:12
by Pete Boole
I think it waves about because the voltage variations (as the petrol sloshes around) are "undamped". There are devices that damp the signal. There are threads on here somewhere about it and which device to buy.
Pete
Re: Fuel Guage Trim
Posted: Mon Jun 19, 2023 10:06
by rbgosling
Sounds like something wrong - my SE with VDO instruments runs dry with the needle about 1-2 mm below the empty mark. Agreed, there is no voltage stabiliser for these instruments. But I don't know what's wrong. Maybe something as simply mechanical as a bent arm for the float on the sensor - dunno how it could get bent, but that would change your reading!
Re: Fuel Guage Trim
Posted: Mon Jun 19, 2023 12:42
by Alan_M
pistolpete wrote: ↑Sun Jun 18, 2023 19:29
Is that why it waves about
It waves about as the anti-slosh / damping relay fitted will have failed by now - they all do.
You can use one of these to sort it.
https://spiyda.com/fuel-gauge-wizard-mk3.html
Re: Fuel Guage Trim
Posted: Sat Jul 08, 2023 12:06
by tonypoll
I fitted a Spiyda anti-slosh damper quite a few years ago, and it works very well.
I initially fitted this in the boot and took the electrical feed off the fuel pump. This was not a great idea, since every time the fuel pump 'ticked' the fuel gauge would bounce.
I moved the anti-slosh damper to behind the instrument panel, where it works perfectly.
Tony
Re: Fuel Guage Trim
Posted: Mon Oct 23, 2023 00:51
by Jazzy
"It waves about as the anti-slosh / damping relay fitted will have failed by now - they all do"
Hi Alan, which relay is this on MY91 car?
Cheers,Ian
Re: Fuel Guage Trim
Posted: Mon Oct 23, 2023 12:09
by Alan_M
Jazzy wrote: ↑Mon Oct 23, 2023 00:51
"It waves about as the anti-slosh / damping relay fitted will have failed by now - they all do"
Hi Alan, which relay is this on MY91 car?
Cheers,Ian
I believe they are fitted next to the petrol tank