I am experiencing a similar problem on my '70 280SL Automatic with the fuel gauge. The gauge seems stable on "Full" down to 3/4 full, then bounces a bit down to half full, and is stable from there until the red light comes on. I thought about replacing the sender, but thought I'd do a couple of checks first. With a full tank, the red light does not come on until about 400 km on the trip odometer. Does anyone else has a similar fuel useage? I wonder how many km I should expect to get to a tank full - more or less than the 400 km? I would expect a little more, as the engine was running rich. Comments?
Also, I had the car in for service yesterday and the plugs showed evidence of running rich, which was adjusted. Also, oil change in the transmission to Dexron 3, and the valve clearances adjusted. Big difference in operation, engine seemed quieter and "more willing", and a significant improvement in transmission gear shifting.
I just got the car in April, and am still establishing baselines in maintenance, as the car has been sitting for a while. Surprising (but not really) what a bit of maintenance will do.
It was a very enjoyable trip home from the Service Shop yesterday afternoon, both windows down and the car running well and sounding great. It was a hot sunny day, about 30 Deg C, no sign of overheating even in rush hour traffic.
As "Rick" (Humphrey Bogart) said to "Inspector Renaud" (Claude Rains) at the ending of Casablanca, "this could be the start of a beautiful friendship".
Jim
quote:
Originally posted by German Dude
Folks,
with my new old-style fuel sender in place, the gas gauge is finally working. It is kind of bouncy, but the search has shown me others are dealing with this issue too. I was happy to see that even my low-fuel warning light works.
I did not find anything on a solution to the bouncy gauge - is it just something we old-time-sender-owners have to live with?
In addition: whenever I fill her up, I fill in gas until the nozzle automatic switch-off kicks in (I hope you know what I mean). After that, the gauge shows about 3/4 full. Since I don't want a gush of gas over my feet, I don't keep pumping after shut-off. However, with an about 60 liter tank capacity, I should be able to pump about 15 liters more. I would appreciate to hear about your fill-her-up-strategies.
Thanks,
Juergen
64 230SL #2933, 4sp, signal red, white hard top
93 Citroen XM station wagon
JLHunter