1955 fuel gauge stuck on E | Ford Thunderbird club group 1955-2005 T-Bird models

1955 fuel gauge stuck on E

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Texas Tom

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I recently acquired a 1955 Thunderbird. Its fuel gauge needle sits on E and doesn't move. I assume the problem is that the cork float on the sending unit has sunk to the bottom of the tank, and that the solution is to simply replace that cork.

Do you folks who have more experience with TB's agree? Or am I missing something?

THANKS.

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I also just acquired a 1955 T-Bird with the same problem. I had a number of issues. First the gauge was shot, and I had to have it re-built. The problem there was probably when the car was re-wired to 12VDC from the original 6VDC, the gauge was not changed nor was the sending unit. After the rebuild it was indicating wonky readings. Removed the wire from the sender and grounded it, and bingo, tank read full. Remove the ground and it slowly went to "E" Removed the sender and it is totally shot but I think it also is the original 6VDC sender. and on top of that the brass float was full of fuel. Waiting on advice from the rebuilder for his suggestion for a compatible sender to his 12VDC rebuilt gauge. But my bet is this sender. I don't think any of the floats are cork. That seems crazy to put something that can break down and clog up fuel lines would not be prudent.

www.classictbird.com

Fuel Sender - Use With 56 Dash Unit - 1 Per car-classictbird.com

This is for use with original gauge. Not for use with our reproduction gauge and sender set. Only use for 1955 if converted to 12v AND the dash gage has been changed to 12v as well. Ohm range 100-300 Full-Empty COMES WITH 9276 GASKET and SCREWS
www.classictbird.com

If you are still 6VDC:
www.classictbird.com

Fuel Sender - Use With 55 Dash Unit - 1 Per car-classictbird.com

COMES WITH 9276 GASKET For use on 1955 with the original dash gage. (regardless of 6 or 12v) Resistance readings 14 to 140 ohms Full to Empty. Current stock is 20 to 90 Full to Empty - JKB 08/14/15
www.classictbird.com

Also you might want to add "FUEL GAUGE" to your post title before your get scolded.
 
Texas Tom said:
I recently acquired a 1955 Thunderbird. Its fuel gauge
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How is anyone supposed to know what your post is about when you title it "1955"? Please follow the posting prompts on future posts and properly title your post.

Title revised.
Good-titles.jpg
 
Texas Tom said:
I recently acquired a 1955 Thunderbird. Its fuel gauge needle sits on E and doesn't move. I assume the problem is that the cork float on the sending unit has sunk to the bottom of the tank, and that the solution is to simply replace that cork.

Do you folks who have more experience with TB's agree? Or am I missing something?

THANKS.
Click to expand...
First off never assume a part is defective without testing it first. The easiest way to determine if the fuel sending unit is the cause is to remove the wire at the sending unit and ground it. With the key on and the wire grounded, the needle on the fuel gauge should move past the fuel mark. If it does than the sending unit is the cause. On a 1955 Thunderbird with the original 6-volt dash gauge, the resistance readings of the sending unit are 20 to 120 ohms from full to empty.

Fuel gauge diagram '55 positive ground.jpg

If when you ground the wire, the needle stays on empty that means that the cause of your problem is either the lack of voltage to the gauge, the wire that goes to the sending unit is open or the gauge itself. If that's the case let me know and I will instruct you on how to test and calibrate your fuel gauge.

doug7740
1955 Thunderbird Blue
 
Fun Fact: Ford Motor Company sponsored several popular shows in the 1960s like The Andy Griffith show & The Twilight Zone.

 
I had a similar problem with my fuel gauge when I got my 55. Mine never read below 5/8ths. Two things contributed to this. First I discovered that the brass float had hairline cracks in it, enough for it to fill up with fuel. You'd think this would cause it to sink to the bottom and read that tank as empty. I tested the sending unit by removing it, attaching wires as appropriate and moving it through it's range of motion while watching the fuel gauge (ignition on of course). Worked fine. When I replaced the float, I realized there was some obstruction in the tank (I assume something in how the tank was made) preventing the float from going all the way to the bottom. I think this is related to replacing the 6v with the 12v sending unit. Anyway I bent the float arm slightly to the drivers side and it now travels the full range.
 
Hi, new to this fourm.
I have been full body off restoring a 57 for the past 2.5 years.
Also had a stuck float, and found that the float can get stuck underneath the pick up tube in the tank.
by rotating the sending unit slightly to the passenger side it clears this pick up tube.
 
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