Fuel gauge question

[StatDoc]

Just picked up my FJ1100 (1984 model -no reserve switch) - anyhow I've got an interesting problem - the needle on the fuel gauge is stuck on the wrong side of the little stop (in other words it looks like it rotated clockwise until it hit the stop rather than rotating anti-clockwise from full to empty, thence hitting the stop on the correct (left) side).  Anyone else run into this one?  I would really like to fix this one part of the bike that's not quite perfect.

thanks

Steve

[Dan Filetti]

...the needle on the fuel gauge is stuck on the wrong side of the little stop...
Steve

Steve-

Congrats on the new ride. 

This is a fairly common problem.  Some have had luck using a strong magnet to get it righted, but that's not the root-cause.  I suspect that you will find that the fuel gauge will bounce around like mad, and eventually even swing so wildly that it loops itself, precisely where you are at now.  The root cause, in my mind is one of two things:

1. Some sort of electrical problem that destabilizes the current to the fuel gauge, I think I remember reading on here that someone fixed the wild swinging by sorting a ground or some such.  

2. Others claim that the gauge has lost it's dampening fluid.  They further have described, in some detail, the process by which the gauge can be repaired by removing, drilling a small hole in the back and injecting new dampening fluid.  

Do a search, look around, it's been previously discussed ad nauseum.

Dan  

[StatDoc]

Thanks much - I'll try a rare earth magnet at work to see if I can bring it "over the hump" as it were - if that fails I'll spend some time with my fluke multi-meter to chase down electrical issues!

cheers

Steve

[rktmanfj]

http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=4465.0

[FJTillDeath]

Dans right it is a very common problem. one that I myself have had. I tried the "refuelling" technique and it half worked (it spins round in circles very violently) but only when its in a certain section of the gauge. Now that I heard the may be an electrical fault I think I will try that. Good luck mate and kudos on the ride

[StatDoc]

question and a comment -

First - where do I apply the magnet?  The indicator appears to be plastic.  Second - ground (earthing to those who speak English but don't live in the states) is the root of many evils - I believe I'll start checking out ground connections this weekend (once I figure out how to get the fairing off! )

I'll post what I find - hopefully it'll help others

cheers

steve

[rktmanfj]

question and a comment -
(once I figure out how to get the fairing off! )

cheers

steve

Don't miss the two bolts on (one each side) the headlight bucket... be ready to catch the headlight as the fairing comes off.

[nvmike24]

I have had the same issue with the gauge. I figured the sender/float was the offending part. I have never heard anyone refer to Dampening Fluid. This sounds akin to Muffler Bearings and a Gallon of Compression.

[FJTillDeath]

I have had the same issue with the gauge. I figured the sender/float was the offending part. I have never heard anyone refer to Dampening Fluid. This sounds akin to Muffler Bearings and a Gallon of Compression.

So how did you fix it then

[ddlewis]

I have had the same issue with the gauge. I figured the sender/float was the offending part. I have never heard anyone refer to Dampening Fluid. This sounds akin to Muffler Bearings and a Gallon of Compression.

Shouldn't this stuff be called damping fluid (vs dampening fluid).  damping as in reduces oscillations?

Dampening fluid does sound related to muffler bearings and metric crescent wrenches..

[rktmanfj]

I have had the same issue with the gauge. I figured the sender/float was the offending part. I have never heard anyone refer to Dampening Fluid. This sounds akin to Muffler Bearings and a Gallon of Compression.

Shouldn't this stuff be called damping fluid (vs dampening fluid).  damping as in reduces oscillations?

Dampening fluid does sound related to muffler bearings and metric crescent wrenches..

[FJ111200]

Just a thought, but, i had this sort of problem on one of my XS's when i put the fuel gauge in the tank the wrong way round, and it read empty when full and full when empty. As i said, JAT.

[nvmike24]

I've not fixed it yet. Just happened in the last two weeks. Not interested in elective surgery during riding season. Heading to Bryce Canyon on Friday and don't wish to have the 1100 down. Waiting on Carbs for the 1200 so it is not going on the run.