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6 Volt to 12 Volt Fuel Gauge conversion

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RICK/GA

02-28-2003 04:42:22

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I apologize up front for posting a message on this board regarding a fuel gauge that I know N-Series tractors don't have. But I am a proud 8N owner and I need help with it's bigger younger brother the 841. The 841 gas was a 6 volt system. The previous owner converted to a 12 volt. The fuel gauge has not worked since I bought it. So I don't know if the fuel gauge ever worked with the 12 volt system. I know that fuel gauges come in 6 or 12 volts. I rewired my 841 and hooked up the fuel gauge. The needle pegged to the right. I am wondering if it is because it may be a 6 volt gauge. Is there something I can do to still use the original fuel gauge if it is a 6 volt gauge? The aftermarkets aren't very similar to the original gauges. I am not a perfectionist as far as that goes but I like to get kinda close.

Any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks

RICK/GA

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Claus

02-28-2003 14:22:37

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Re: 6 Volt to 12 Volt Fuel Gauge conversion in reply to RICK/GA, 02-28-2003 04:42:22

Whether 6 or 12 volts, the voltage to the sending unit needs to be regulated, otherwise as the voltage changes, i.e. with speed and battery condition, if it were not, then the fuel meter would also change. As an example, a 12 volt system can vary as much as 2 volts or more. Go to Radio Shlock and get a 7905 regulator and a couple of 1 mfd capacitors and a 100 ohm resistor. Make your own regulator. Dropping resistors are not suitable for this type of work since the current changes with the resistance of the sending unit.
Happy Motoring
Claus

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Dell (WA)

02-28-2003 09:36:00

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Re: 6 Volt to 12 Volt Fuel Gauge conversion in reply to RICK/GA, 02-28-2003 04:42:22

Rick..... ....Don't know about your 841 electrical system, but I seem to remember even my 6 volt '52 Ford V-8 had a dashboard mounted 5 volt gauge regulator for the gas gauge. I'm guessin' your 841 "might" have something like that, don't know, check your I&T FO-20 manual.

Otherwize, you'll need a customized gas gauge resistor. If deadnutts accuracy is required, you'll need a 2-terminal reostat or center and eather side terminal potentometer of about 100 ohm to adjust your 12 volts down to what ever voltage makes your gasgauge indicate to your satifaction. This is basic electronics technology.

OR just an el-cheapo $2 12 to 6 volt converting resistor would probably do fine.

Of course, you could make, calibrate, and use a wooden dipstick (grin)..... ...Dell

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DavidO

02-28-2003 07:44:33

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Re: 6 Volt to 12 Volt Fuel Gauge conversion in reply to RICK/GA, 02-28-2003 04:42:22

All of these methods work. Probably what I would do is get a variable resistor (Pot, potentiometer)and hook it up in series with the meter. (Unhook one of the meter wires and connect it to the center lead on the pot. Hook another wire between the meter where you disconnected the wire and one of the other connections on the pot. It doesn't really matter which one.)Fill the tank with gas. Turn on the ignition key and adjust the pot so that the guage reads "FULL". Turn off the key, disconnect the pot, and measure the resistance between the two connections that were hooked up before. Be sure it is the same two connections, it does make a difference. This is the value of resistor that you need to put in series with the meter. (Hook it up to the same connections you used for the pot)This may sound difficult, but it is really easy and cheap. Radio Shack should have all of the parts you need. If you need more detail, please send an email. Good luck which ever method you use.

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Buckeye Fan

02-28-2003 06:14:20

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Re: 6 Volt to 12 Volt Fuel Gauge conversion in reply to RICK/GA, 02-28-2003 04:42:22

Radio Shack has a small voltage reducer for about $1.99, very simple, I used it on my 48 Willys and it works great. HTH, Buckeye.

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Jim Cox (SW Missouri)

02-28-2003 05:17:10

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Re: 6 Volt to 12 Volt Fuel Gauge conversion in reply to RICK/GA, 02-28-2003 04:42:22

take your sender to a buddy with a quality Ohmmeter, or an electrical rebuilder. (They use them for critical rotor resistance). Measure the resistance of the sending unit with the float at both travel extremes. When you find your highest resistance, Contact me and i'll help you find a duplicate resistor, that will 'drop' the other six volts you have now added to your elec. system. Additionally, you'll need to swap polarity of the leads on the gauge, now that things are Neg ground
Don't go with the expensive 6V voltage droppping regulator they sell in hotrod mags, next thing you know you'll need to replace your gauge (true story- my 1954 ford sedan). One gauge, one resistor, one dependable setup.
Best of luck to you
Jim Cox
Starter Rebuilder Guy

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Willy-N

02-28-2003 06:32:05

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Re: Re: 6 Volt to 12 Volt Fuel Gauge conversion in reply to Jim Cox (SW Missouri), 02-28-2003 05:17:10

I am useing the Resistor method in my 6 to 12 conversion on my Power Wagon. Works and is cheap to do, nothing fancy. I burn out my gauge and it will cost me around 125.00 for a new one! My gauge is a 2 wire type also so not sure if he would use the same resistance I use.Mark H.

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Mountainman

02-28-2003 11:54:53

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Re: Re: Re: 6 Volt to 12 Volt Fuel Gauge conversion in reply to Willy-N, 02-28-2003 06:32:05

Mark,

JC Whitney has a selection of gas tank sending units and lists the resistance value for each one. I think there are three types in common usage.

Maybe that info will help you get the right guage.

hth

Mountainman...CA

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Willy-N

02-28-2003 15:43:18

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Re: Re: Re: Re: 6 Volt to 12 Volt Fuel Gauge conversion in reply to Mountainman, 02-28-2003 11:54:53

I have my gas gauge allready and it is a special one (1948) for the dash so I had to go with the resistor on mine. Mark H.

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