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Fuel gauge priblem

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Minimacmurph
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Fuel gauge priblem

Post by Minimacmurph »

Hi everyone,

Looking for a big of advice.

Fuel gauge on my 99 cooper is not reading correctly in that when I fill her up it only ever reads as 3/4 full on the gauge!

I wondering if there is a way to reset the gauge ? Or will it need to be replaced?

Its a gauge which is half fuel reading and other half water/engine temp and it's the middle large gauge of a six part set (3 large and 3 smaller)

The second side if the gauge showing the temp is reading fine!


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macker
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Re: Fuel gauge priblem

Post by macker »

just carry a fuel can with you and forget about it :D

my fuel gauge reads empty almost all the time :lol:
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Billy
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Re: Fuel gauge priblem

Post by Billy »

Murph,

All mpi fuel gauges are the same - totally unreliable. I bought a Sportspack new in '98 and it didn't work properly either then. The main Rover dealer, Top Car, changed the float in the tack and no difference. I drive a '98 as my everyday car now and it's exactly the same. You'll need to get into the habit of writing down the mileage each time you fill up and refill every 200 miles or so.

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des
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Re: Fuel gauge priblem

Post by des »

Had the exact same problem with my 98 cooper when I got it, replaced the fuel sender in the tank and perfect since. Was dear enough, £25 from mini spares.
Minimacmurph
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Re: Fuel gauge priblem

Post by Minimacmurph »

Des,

Whats involved with replacing the fuel sender? Not something I have tackled before.
Minimacmurph
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Re: Fuel gauge priblem

Post by Minimacmurph »

Billy,

Have you lived in Carrigaline previously?

If you did I think I may have met you a long time ago, only reason I ask is the guy I met had pretty much the same collection of Minis you have!
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The Marcos Graveyard
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Re: Fuel gauge priblem

Post by The Marcos Graveyard »

Seeing that the float in the fuel tank is on a wire arm attached to a variable resistor, I would have thought that you could vary the Full and Empty points by bending the wire arm.

Seeing as the only point that you are interested in really is the Empty reading bending the wire so as the float will sit lower relative to the sender would seem to be all that is needed.

Discuss.
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Billy
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Re: Fuel gauge priblem

Post by Billy »

Yep, that's me. Used to live in Seaview Villas from '95-'00.
des
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Re: Fuel gauge priblem

Post by des »

It was a very simple job, only needed a screwdriver. Just make sure the tank is close to empty, remove the screws (about 6 I think) and the sender wire and remove the old sender, and screw in the new sender using a new gasket and your done.
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Billy
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Re: Fuel gauge priblem

Post by Billy »

des wrote:It was a very simple job, only needed a screwdriver. Just make sure the tank is close to empty, remove the screws (about 6 I think) and the sender wire and remove the old sender, and screw in the new sender using a new gasket and your done.

Did it work for you Des on an Mpi?
Minimacmurph
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Re: Fuel gauge priblem

Post by Minimacmurph »

Billy,

I lived around the corner in seaview close!

Was only a young fella at the time and you bought the new mpi and at the time I wanted to buy the purple mpi rover had in the showroom but couldn't get the finance!!

Went for a run one time with you on an outing and you gave me the automatic to drive great to see you still have it on the road!
Have to hook up soon!

Sorry for turning this thread into a personal catch up, interested to know as well as Billy if the fix worked on an mpi? But why wouldn't it work on an mpi?
des
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Re: Fuel gauge priblem

Post by des »

Your dead right Billy, the MPI does not have the screws, you just push it in and turn, even easier. Not sure why I remember 6 screws holding it in, must be losing my marbles. My 98 is a jap import, so it's SPI, but same part number as the MPI.
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woody
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Re: Fuel gauge priblem

Post by woody »

I use an SPi tank in the turbo with an old Smiths fuel gauge an it works perfect.
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seanos
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Re: Fuel gauge priblem

Post by seanos »

I've the same problem, a little red jerry can fits perfect in the rear bins ;)
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