Daf 33 fuel gauge

[sanderson]

Hi folks just wondering if there is a common problem with the fuel gauge on a 33? Mine has just stopped working.
Any tips on what to try?

[33grinder]

Check all the wires on the sender. If you have a multimeter then check continuity. So far as I'm aware the guage usually works (but they are not that accurate!) and it's usually a problem with the sender. We may have some used ones if push comes to shove but no guarantee that they will be better. If you can isolate it to the sender then may be worth buying one new from DAFHobby, I don't think they are too pricy. Trouble with the senders is that it's a sealed unit so you can't dabble with the internals but petrol is pretty corrosive stuff and it's probably worn away those internals.

[macplaxton]

If you do get inside you may find the resistance wire has broken like this:

This one is a Smiths sender from a c.1981 Volvo, you can see the arc the contact sweeps across the wire.


DSCF4979a.JPG by macplaxton, on Flickr

Could be re-wound by a specialist, as the nickel-chrome wire has a specific resistance per foot or metre. Fiddly job for a rookie as the ends need to be re-riveted as well as having the right wire and right number of turns.

I could be wrong, but I would have thought it was a bit old for a resistive carbon track type sender.

[33grinder]

I think it uses a float and bimetalic strip Rich.

[macplaxton]

Er, ok. Well the the float might go porous and cease to float or the bimetallic strip is no longer making the intended contact.

Either way not something to toss out, as eventually the only option is fix the things rather than replace and to do so will need a few units to recondition.

Edit:

Hang about why would it use a float and bimetallic strip? I can understand the float bit. All those fuel thingies have a float, usually on the end of an arm. The only place for a bimetallic strip is at the instrument end to make the needle move. Possibly.

Me wants pics!!