Fuel Gauge

[AndyM]

I have made a habit of keeping the fuel topped right to the top on the theory it would help keep any condensation from being a problem as I live in an area with very high humidity.

I see my fuel gauge now reads low - plumb full shows 3/4 on the gauge. I have run the tank down to what I THINK is about half and then filled it back up. Still shows 3/4.

Not a huge issue but I have read some folks are having panel problems so I am wondering if it's related.

 

[mickeyd]

Probably not.

I know that my gauge shows less in the tank than there really is. When the gauge reads less than a 1/4 tank, it is more like 1/2 full.

I think that Kubota does it to help keep people from running out of fuel.

 

[GeoHorn]

That's sorta like my wife telling me we have to be somewhere by 2 o'clock.... when in fact the event doesn't start until 3.... She knows I'll drag my feet...because I know she's fudging on the time so we won't be late.
She sweats it out and gets all stressed-out...while I relax and we get there on-time anyway.

The reason the gauges show less fuel than actual is more likely because corrosion and built-up resistance in electrical connections have added resistance to the indicating circuits thereby rendering the system less-than-accurate. Does that matter? No likely... because you acclimate to the errors and adjust your practices accordingly.

 

[AndyM]

interesting about the change in resistance. For the first year all read well. Then the gauge started to read low, which was why I wondered about the panel. The carport I park in gets pretty muggy in winter so maybe that's the problem.

 

[anthonyv]

My bet is a rusted out fuel sending unit. Very common problem with these machines. They start rusting, get weird readings on gauge, then crud up the tank & plug up the fuel lines.

 

[AndyM]

Anthony

That should be a warranty item I would think. Do you know how easy it is to change out? Hate to think I am looking forward to plugged filters and lines.

 

[anthonyv]

Have a BX24 so no warranty. You need to remove ROPS & then unbolt fender. Sending unit is on left just in front of ROPS mount. I have done two so far & keep a replacement in the shop. As to why they rust out I don't think anyone has ever gotten an answer from Kubota.

 

[AndyM]

Thanks for the info - I will have a look at the time and parts to see if it would be better to just do it or get the dealer involved. I doubt they would do a house call and it's a major hassle to get the tractor to them.