Fuel gauge float

mattyb515 · Jul 8, 2023

Hi all,

I'm trying to ensure all of the gauges on this machine work properly and am at the fuel gauge. The float for the gauge is MIA. I can't see any remnants in the tank nor is it floating on the surface. My question is can I use some common household item like a wine cork as an alternative? The machine is a diesel Ford 555A. If not, it's no big deal and I'll purchase a replacement. I'm just trying to refrain from taking the hood and sender out of the tank for a second time.

Thanks

Jim.ME · Jul 8, 2023

I would not use household cork if I didn't want to do it over. Cork floats are generally coated with a gas resistant product like shellac (also needs to resist alcohol. There are many types of fuel gauge floats available to purchase, brass or synthetic, I would use before cork. JMHO

used red MN · Jul 8, 2023

If the end of the float arm has the shape of sort of a
shepherds crook end then it will have a brass float that
is replaceable. The replacement float has a groove the
the shepherds crook slips over. See link for an
example, these floats fit many trucks, tractors and
other equipment.
Example float

Fritz Maurer · Jul 9, 2023

Determine first that the sending unit works by
plugging it in and grounding it on the tank. Also
ground the sender wire on the tank to see if the
tractor is capable of reading the sender. Gauge will
go to full with wire grounded. Most likely electrical
failure point will be at harness plug where it comes
through the firewall near the brake pedals. Two
possibilities for floats ( there may have been others)
were a cork cylinder or a oblong phenolic piece,
both free-swiveling on the float arm. The cork gets
old and sinks, but have never seen a failed phenolic
float. You can use pretty much anything, as long as
you can get it through the hole in the tank. Just wire
it on the arm in such a way that it cant slide off the
end of the arm. Cork would work, but you would
have to coat it with something like shellac.

Fuel gauge float

mattyb515

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Jim.ME

Well-known Member

used red MN

Well-known Member

Fritz Maurer

Well-known Member

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