Fuel / Temp Gauge - Not Accurate

[WardL]

A Cobra buddy has a way to adjust the fuel gauge by bending the float around in the gas tank. I haven't done it, but he made it sound easy. It must be a trial and error thing...

[Blas]

The word "accurate" and Smiths should never be used in the same sentence. But remember, you are driving a "car" not baking a "cake". I would think that a temperature gauge should register within 5 or 7 degrees. If your is acting as you said, it is on the way out. There is a expanding gas inside the capillary tube, if a spark from a spark plug wire should hit this tube, microscopic holes will allow the gas to escape. As it escapes, the readings on the gauge deteriorates. Sounds like what you are experiencing. The only recourse is to replace the gauge. Repair costs about the same as replacement. A great option for vintage gauges. Replacemed is not too hard, and you can opt for better routing of the capillary tube to prevent a repeat replacement.

[kkosche]

Originally Posted by WardL

A Cobra buddy has a way to adjust the fuel gauge by bending the float around in the gas tank. I haven't done it, but he made it sound easy. It must be a trial and error thing...

So I pulled up the carpet in the trunk, removed the cover from the trunk floor (took a bit of time to remove the fiberglass cover from the mastic that use used without chipping it . . . it was really in there). Connections looked well connected, no corrosion.

Took resistance reading while I was there (I will attempt to include a picture) . . resistance was 52.8 Ohms . . . 17 Gallon tank, with 42 miles on it . . given my 7 MPH average (testing, non-highway driving) that would mean ~11 Gallons or about 5/8 of a tank. Gauge read right below full. Drove car 21 more miles (3 gallons more). Gauge dropped to 5/8 full. Not very confidence inspiring as to accuracy.

If the answer is . . this is how it is . . . its a Smith gauge . . get use to it . . this is not your Audi . . . yada yada . .so be it . . I will stop chasing. Under normal driving conditions / highway and after a bit more tuning, I hope to see milage in the 12 MPG range . . . and will just keep a close eye on the trip gauge and get more familiar with the car so the gauge is more of a very rough guideline.

I appreciate the comments and guidance so far, and welcome any additional thoughts on the above.

Thanks!