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Fuel Gauge

Discussion in 'Motorcycle Tech Talk' started by Devolution, Sep 16, 2008.

  1. Devolution

    Devolution New Member

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    Hi All, I am trying to work out the bugs in my latest project. I bought a 99 FLHTC with 9K on the odometer. The bike had been sitting for at least for 2 yesrs in storage. All fluids have been changed. The bike runs great with out any leaks. Here the problem, I've run 2 tanks of gas through both with Seafoam, but the gas gauge is bouncing around all over the face of the gauge. The needle only bounces slightly if I am at a stop. The connections to the gauge and sensor may be a little corroded but I wanted to run this by everyone to see if there were any other suggestion. I know the gauges aren't accurate, but that needle is driving me crazy.
    Thanks for the help, -Devo.
    Devolution, Sep 16, 2008
    #1
  3. Red Rider

    Red Rider Well-Known Member

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    Sounds like you're on the right track, in that the connections are likely the problem. So I guess I'm wondering how we can help? Do you have the service manual? I do have the '99 HD bagger manual: if I can help, just tell me how......
    Red Rider, Sep 16, 2008
    #2
  4. Devolution

    Devolution New Member

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    Gas Gauge


    Thanks Red Rider, I just wanted to confirm what I was thinking. I am currently waiting for the Factory Manual which is on order from the dealer.
    Sometimes I feel a little more confident if I bounce the idea off someone. I am new to Harleys but not motorcycling. The bug has bitten me and I moved up from an Evo RoadKing to a FLHTC Twin Cam, both in the last 6 months.
    Everyone has been really great in helping me and I am having a great time enjoying my bikes and renewed passion for 2 wheels.
    Thanks, again. -Devo
    Devolution, Sep 16, 2008
    #3
  5. hotroadking

    hotroadking Super Moderator Staff Member

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    HD fuel gauges are not "accurate" I go by the Odometer and use the fuel gauge as a reference.

    You can clean the connections, and you can remove the float through the fuel gauge hole once you pull the gauge out, and you can bend it to get it accurate but the bounce may still be there, could be a spring that needs to be adjusted, however, if you bend it wrong, it could be off more, or closer to accurate.

    I've never seen one that was "spot on"

    If it's bouncing wildly I'd say you need to check the float

    BTW I'm guessing you have a carb bike because you didn't put an I behind the FLTCU designation
    hotroadking, Sep 16, 2008
    #4
  6. smiley7661

    smiley7661 New Member

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    I have a similar problem on my 99 FLHTC. When the tank is full, the needles reads fine, but once I get about 40 miles on the tank it starts bouncing, then shortly goes all the way to the "E" and sits till the next fill up. It used to bother me, but no I just reset the trip odometer and use it as my gauge.

    Congrats on the new bike, just out of curiousity, what kind of mileage are you getting?
    smiley7661, Sep 16, 2008
    #5
  7. Devolution

    Devolution New Member

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    Thanks, I'm not sure yet about the mileage, Ive only been running it to clean out the carbs and tuning. I have a 95 RK that gets horrible gas mileage but I'm also really hard on the throttle. On the RK I think I get around 30MPG with open pipes and an Big Sucker air cleaner. -Devo.
    Devolution, Sep 16, 2008
    #6

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