Fuel Gauge Needle Shakes

[af3683]

The fuel gauge needle on my TR3B is constant when the ignition is in the on position, but shakes when the car is started. The wire on the gas tank send unit is secure. If tried to check the conections on the back of the fuel gauge, but am having trouble getting my hand up there. Is some shaking of the needle normal?

Thanks,
Art

 

[Brosky]

Art, that really does sound like a loose connection. Is the sender tight in the tank?

 

[af3683]

I know that the sending unit connections were tight last October because I checked them before I installed a millboard panel. I'd be surprised if they loosened up because I have not driven the car much.

 

[DNK]

Might be the alcohol in the fuel
Bourbon makes me shake

 

[TR3driver]

Most likely IMO would be a poor ground at the gauge. Although I'm still not certain if the factory installed a ground wire or not; the vast majority of cars seem to be relying on the clamp to ground the gauge to the panel, which is far from secure. TR4-onwards doesn't need a ground for the gauge, but the 'balanced' gauge used on TR2-3B does.

 

[af3683]

I checked the clamp on the fuel gauge and it appears to be fine. I'm now back to examining the ground wire from the gas tank sending unit. My ground wire goes from the sending unit to the <span style="text-decoration: underline">left</span> strap that secures the gas tank. Specifically, the bolt goes thru the strap which goes thru the ground connector which then screws into the trunk. Does anyone know if this is the correct sequence or should the bolt go thru the ground connector and then thru the strap and then into the trunk? Also, any chance that the ground should go to the <span style="text-decoration: underline">right</span> strap or does it matter? Thanks again.

Art

 

[Brosky]

Art, just try running another ground as a jumper at both ends to see if the problem stops.