G13SJC
New Member
Well I was, and also the inaccuracy of the reserve.
I often found that I could safely cover 30 miles with the fuel guage covering the red section (1998 Freelander). A few weeks ago, I covered 50 motorway miles with the pointer in the red, drove a further 20 miles and vehicle was still running.
I decided to empty the fuel tank, by powering the fuel pump (direct connection) and removing the inlet manifold fuel connection. I emptied a further 8 litres (until fuel ran out) and then measured the voltage coming from the sender.
I added a measured 5 litres and did the same again starting the vehicle (once fuel pipe reconnected) to gain an accurate reading due to fluctuation due to higher voltages with alternator charging.
I then gave the figures to an electronics guru who I met through another forum. He built me a simple circuit that checks the voltage and when at the 5 Litre mark switches on a 2mm LED. (there is a small voltage tolerance, so may light at 7 Litres)
Anyway the unit arrived and I was nervous about taking apart my instrument panel and drilling the dial material. It was an absolute doddle - easier than putting up shelves!!
I tested the unit and rebuilt everything (without taking a photo!!)
Pics are attached - I just need to use up the fuel to test in action. Apologies for the poor quality - my camera is useless at close work with flash!!
To sum up - I can now use more of the fuel in the tank without the fear of running out as when the LED lights I have at least 30 miles in which to refuel.
Regards,
Steve
I often found that I could safely cover 30 miles with the fuel guage covering the red section (1998 Freelander). A few weeks ago, I covered 50 motorway miles with the pointer in the red, drove a further 20 miles and vehicle was still running.
I decided to empty the fuel tank, by powering the fuel pump (direct connection) and removing the inlet manifold fuel connection. I emptied a further 8 litres (until fuel ran out) and then measured the voltage coming from the sender.
I added a measured 5 litres and did the same again starting the vehicle (once fuel pipe reconnected) to gain an accurate reading due to fluctuation due to higher voltages with alternator charging.
I then gave the figures to an electronics guru who I met through another forum. He built me a simple circuit that checks the voltage and when at the 5 Litre mark switches on a 2mm LED. (there is a small voltage tolerance, so may light at 7 Litres)
Anyway the unit arrived and I was nervous about taking apart my instrument panel and drilling the dial material. It was an absolute doddle - easier than putting up shelves!!
I tested the unit and rebuilt everything (without taking a photo!!)
Pics are attached - I just need to use up the fuel to test in action. Apologies for the poor quality - my camera is useless at close work with flash!!
To sum up - I can now use more of the fuel in the tank without the fear of running out as when the LED lights I have at least 30 miles in which to refuel.
Regards,
Steve
