fuel guage question

pioneer1 · Posted: Tue Nov 10, 2009 3:05 pm Post subject: fuel guage question

In my 84 ,with new gas tank and sender unit, the gauge is "wonky". After a fill up, the dash guage never shows full. The level drops off quickly to 3/4 tank after 40 miles and when it hits empty I still have 15 gallons or so.
Is there an adjustment on the sender,or a test? or could it be the voltage regulator? What relation does it have to the guage and where is it under the dash? Thanks
_________________
"Always waiting for tomorrow ruined everything"

'85 Porsche 911 Targa

'76 Westfalia project

Vsyevolod · Posted: Tue Nov 10, 2009 3:17 pm Post subject:

Often times, it's the wires that need replacing. That or the sender unit itself has gone tits up. Unfortunately, the best time to replace that sender unit is when you already have the tank out...

Stephen

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Home Team Van · Posted: Tue Nov 10, 2009 3:27 pm Post subject:

the voltage reg is in the center of this picture. It's on the back of the instrument cluster.

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

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82 Diesel Westy

pioneer1 · Posted: Tue Nov 10, 2009 6:02 pm Post subject: fuel gauge

Thanks for the picture and location.The sender is new but how/what does the voltage regulator affect the fuel gauge reading?
_________________
"Always waiting for tomorrow ruined everything"

'85 Porsche 911 Targa

'76 Westfalia project

dobryan · Posted: Tue Nov 10, 2009 6:34 pm Post subject: Re: fuel gauge

rolfsky · Posted: Tue Nov 10, 2009 10:51 pm Post subject: Re: fuel gauge

dobryan · Posted: Wed Nov 11, 2009 9:18 am Post subject: Re: fuel gauge

Vanagon Nut · Posted: Wed Nov 11, 2009 11:56 am Post subject: Re: fuel guage question

pioneer1 · Posted: Wed Nov 11, 2009 12:17 pm Post subject: fuel gauge

Thanks VNut for the answer-I guess I'll check the voltage and go from there.
_________________
"Always waiting for tomorrow ruined everything"

'85 Porsche 911 Targa

'76 Westfalia project

Vanagon Nut · Posted: Wed Nov 11, 2009 8:23 pm Post subject: Re: fuel gauge

whafalia · Posted: Thu Nov 12, 2009 8:54 am Post subject:

If I recall correctly the middle pin equals the mounting tab equals ground.

Dogpilot · Posted: Thu Nov 12, 2009 9:33 am Post subject:

If your voltage regulator is bad, your temp gauge will be wonkey as well. The float in the tank may be mis-adjusted or the rod bent. You may want to pull it out and check it against the gauge outside the tank and then bend the rod to get proper readings.
_________________
Geology with a Syncro rocks!
86 Syncro Westy AKA "The Bughunter"
98 Disco I
08 Range Rover SC
08 VW Rabbit S
1951 O-1G

Vanagon Nut · Posted: Thu Nov 12, 2009 11:09 am Post subject:

reluctantartist · Posted: Thu Nov 12, 2009 12:19 pm Post subject:

I had to replace my voltage regulator when I would run out of gas at 1/4 of a tank. At least I got the impression of having awesome gas mileage for a little while. I have some extra voltage regulators in my parts drawer if anyone has a trouble finding one.
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1982 Westy, 1974 412 Variant... Yes, Aircooled's are great! Oh and I do have modern computer controlled vehicles too, but I just don't care about them.

stayfido · Posted: Wed Dec 23, 2009 4:02 pm Post subject:

Any idea where to find one of these voltage regulators? Is it a specific Volkswagen part or a generic electronic component I can find more easliy?

BC Westie · Posted: Wed Dec 23, 2009 4:45 pm Post subject:

I went through this couple of years back. With an Air Cooled without a Water temp gauge it is easy to think it it the sender unit in the tank.

I replaced my tank sender, baptized by fuel, only to find my gauge was the same.

I then went to check the voltage regulator and there was a touch of wht corosion on the arms. Cleaned them off and voila!

Turns out I did not need a sender unit in the tank.

I think everyone should start with this cheap part. As mentioned easy to diagnose if you are water cooled.

I did try to source one and my local moms and paps auto parts store could get them cheaply out of the US.
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1980 Vanagon Cali Import 86,000Miles
1981 Vanagon (Auto) 219,000kms
1981 Westfalia (Auto) Cali Import 169,000Miles
1981 Westfalia 300,000kms
1982 Westfalia Cali Import 193,000Miles
1982 Westfalia (Auto) 205,000Kms
1984 Vanagon 306,000kms
1987 Vanagon GL 300,000Kms

mad.macs · Posted: Wed Mar 17, 2010 9:12 am Post subject:

The 1A Voltage Regulator is $0.75 at mouser.com
the 2.2A VR is NLA (apparentley)
http://www.mouser.com/Search/Refine.aspx?Keyword=KA7810A
Fairchild Semi PN KA7810A

Do we need the 2.2A or will 1A do?
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'84 Rivi Vanagon Auto Trans, Stock WBX

Dogpilot · Posted: Wed Mar 17, 2010 9:22 am Post subject:

I don't think the system would draw more than an amp for the cluster, but then again the sensor for the coolant tank level, which is essentially a conductivity meter, may be the culprit for high draw. Thinking about it, at .75¢, live on the dangerous side and experiment. The worst that can happen is your .75¢ goes up in smoke. The regulator will die, nothing else.
_________________
Geology with a Syncro rocks!
86 Syncro Westy AKA "The Bughunter"
98 Disco I
08 Range Rover SC
08 VW Rabbit S
1951 O-1G


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