[Healeys] Fuel Probe

[Bob Haskell]

Kees,

Austin-Healeys, at least the non-Sprites, did not have a voltage stabilizer.

Cheers,

Bob Haskell
AHCA 3000 MkI registrar
http://www.ciahc.org/registry_3000mk1.php

On 11/29/2017 03:29 AM, Oudesluys wrote:
> The original sender/bi-metal gauge combination of this kind should work 
> fine and is reasonably accurate. The earlier coil gauge is a different 
> matter. It does not really give a steady reading. You cannot mix the 
> sender for the coil gauge with the bi-metal gauge and v.v.
> The sender can have the rare fault with earthing or a broken coil but it 
> is easily replaced. Another often overlooked problem is the 10V voltage 
> stabiliser that serves the fuel gauge and the temperature gauge. This is 
> a small metal box usually attached to one of the instruments. The 
> bi-metal keeps the average voltage at 10V. It is not very stable but 
> fairly durable. If faulty it can better be replaced by a solid state 
> device. If both temperature gauge and fuel gauge are erratic, replace 
> the voltage stabiliser.
> Kees Oudesluijs
> 
> 
> Op 28-11-2017 om 22:27 schreef Roger Grace:
>> For interested listers ...
>> Ever since I acquired my BJ8 I have been frustrated with the fuel 
>> sender unit and gauge performance and reliability. Changed out the 
>> sender 2x and many hours fiddling with gauge adjustment that really 
>> with the dual attracted armature mechanism is a challenge. The MS 
>> sender ground strap solution helps if you have a problem with crud in 
>> the shaft bushes but doesn't help for bad sender coil winding or 
>> slider contact malfunction.
>> So. I embarked on a mini science type project to do a full replacement 
>> with a capacitive electronic fuel probe and a modern stepper motor 
>> type of gauge. The biggest challenge was getting the probe to fit into 
>> the original sender unit opening. Our tanks have a 6 hole flange and 
>> modern cars use a 5 hole SAE bolt pattern and an adaptor wasn't 
>> feasible. In the end used a probe with 1/8 npt and remote electronics. 
>> With careful arrangement of the Al mounting flange that had to be 
>> made, was able to get the probe to also measure the fuel in the small 
>> well at the bottom of the tank before recording E. Next time would do 
>> slightly differently to account for the dead zone at top of the tank 
>> that caught me out.
>> I had a Smiths look alike gauge built but with a modern 5V stepper 
>> motor drive. After numerous hiccups along the way, have now got it 
>> working satisfactorily ... after spending far too much time (and $) on 
>> it as well ! Will verify final accuracy on the road next Spring !
>> See a few pix; if anyone wants more details - contact me directly.
>> gauges are: original/new sm/aftermarket sm cheepo for testing
>> rg
>>
>>
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> 
> 
> 
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