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Cherokee Fuel Gauge
When I had my tanks out in 1999 for the paint job and hose replacement,
I also noticed stains from the sending units downward. I decided to replace the gaskets and reseal the things "while I was at it". The local wrenches said that getting the screws around the sending unit to seal completely was a crap shoot and the recommended method was to coat them with fuelube. They also said they were trying out using statoseal washers on the screws in an attempt to keep the screws from leaking. When I had the sending units out, I noticed that the resistive element had holes for rivets at both ends, however, only one end was riveted on both sending units. I thought it was odd but was not about to "experiment" by replacing the other rivet. My mechanic agreed. What was also odd was that the resistive element could wiggle back and forth pivoting on the single rivet. It struck me that eventually that would break from fatigue. But, I found no remnants of rivets in either tank and was hesitant to do any modification to this important system. Put everything back together and all worked fine for about 3 years or so. Then, the right gauge began reading about 2-3 gallons lower than the left gauge with a level plane and the same amount of fuel. It continued to read low by anywhere from 2-5 gallons low for about the next 2 years. Then, one day, the right gauge read 0. Really less than zero and on the peg. Getting out the repair manual, I saw that zero resistance should send the gauge to the "full" peg. I briefly grounded it and it did jump to "Full". For the next year, it worked as it had (around 4 gallons low). LAst couple of flights, it began reading all over the place, from less than zero to a few gallons low. Again, I briefly grounded the gauge and it flew up to zero. But this time, if remained flaky and is reading all over the place. By switching the sending units to the opposite gauges, the problem appears to indeed be with the right sending unit (or the wire from the terminal block to the sending unit). Checking the blade connector at the wing did not have any effect. I cannot remember if there was enough of a hole to get at the wire on the sending unit when you removed the inspection panel at the right landing gear. My hope is that the wire has worked loose at the sending unit terminal. I seem to recall JUST being able to touch the terminal if I put my arm in it up to the elbow (and it was NOT easy). Anyone else have any experience with these critters? Are they supposed to have 2 rivets holding the resistive element(one at either end)? Can you get at the terminal without pulling the tank? Are new sending units available for a reasonable price (maybe $200 or so)? Thanks for any suggestions. Please restrict any feedback to actual experience. Mike |
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