Jump to content
SAU Community

Fuel Gauge Staying At Full, High Pitched Whine Coming From Wiring

Lolrick

By Lolrick,
in General Maintenance

 Share

Recommended Posts

Lolrick Collaborator

Lolrick

Posted
Posted

Hi guys,

Here's an electrical diagnostics challenge, I believe.

A few weeks ago, my fuel gauge started playing up. It basically went straight up to a 'Full' tank and stayed there, even as I used fuel.

Every now and then, after i start the car, it will drop to the actual fuel level. However, after 5 mins it will slowly creep back up again.

All of the fuel sender issues reported for R33 and R34 models (I have a R34 turbo coupe) seem to show the fuel level ok until half way, where it will stay, OR it will immediately drop to 0. I have not experienced this, so I want to see if anyone has had a similar problem they solved without touching the fuel pump and sender (I am not a mechanic, would prefer to avoid going there unless no one has any other ideas)

I noticed when i removed my back seat recently that when the engine is on (and even perhaps when priming the ignition?) there is a high pitched whine coming from the wiring/distributing harness halfway through the cabin on the drivers side (will post picture tomorrow in daylight). I'm thinking of hitting this with some contact cleaner?

Has anyone experienced anything like this?

Thanks!

Mick

Lolrick Collaborator

Lolrick

Posted
  • Author
Posted

I've had suggestions that it's coming out of the speakers, but i had RCA cables and remote running down one side that are unplugged at both ends, and no power wires at all.

  • 2 weeks later...
Lolrick Collaborator

Lolrick

Posted
  • Author
Posted

For reference, took this into the mechanic today. At some point, the previous owner had messed around with the sender, and the two brushes connecting the float and the rods had one snapped off. My mechanic extended the snapped wire and put it all back together, and the gauge now reads permanently alright. The fuel gauge sometimes read correctly before when at a certain angle where the rod would travel and push against the broken wire.

However, the bracket holding the pump and sender in the tank had obviously been exposed to air/condensation, and have built up considerable rust. Rusty fuel got everywhere when the tank was opened up. Fortunately, the fuel filter appears to have been doing its job, though its looking a little old and will definitely be replaced in the next service in 2000kms time.

As for the sound, I swear that i can not hear the whine anymore. This will probably be fully muffled when i put the car seats back in

All up, $330 GONE! labour only. This is why we ask the forums first :)

Hope this helps anyone that may have similar issues in the future.

Lolrick Collaborator

Lolrick

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Mechanic himself suggested just wait till i come back in for the service and will have the car on the hoist - would you consider this important enough to move forward?

Got a Pulsar Grand Master

Got a Pulsar

Posted
Posted

Are you talking about the intank filter or the one in the engine bay?

If in the bay, rip it off and slap in a new one. Cheap insurance.

Ryco Z200 and no naked Flames. ;)

  • Like 1
Lolrick Collaborator

Lolrick

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Mechanic himself suggested just wait till i come back in for the service and will have the car on the hoist - would you consider this important enough to move forward?

Are you talking about the intank filter or the one in the engine bay?

If in the bay, rip it off and slap in a new one. Cheap insurance.

Ryco Z200 and no naked Flames. ;)

Just the engine bay one - will start lobbying mechanically minded friends to help, otherwise Taki (my mechanic at Perfect Run) does it for $90, which i'm happy to pay

  • Like 1
Got a Pulsar Grand Master

Got a Pulsar

Posted
Posted

$70 - $80 too much.

Buy this from SupercheapRepcoAutobarnEbay. ---> http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/RYCO-Z200-FUEL-FILTER-Ford-Holden-Nissan-Toyota-/110774477872

DIY and refer to this ---> http://www.skylinesaustralia.com/forums/topic/440234-diy-replace-fuel-filter/?hl=%2Bfuel+%2Bfilter

It's easy. :)

Humbla Grand Master

Humbla

Posted
Posted

Just the engine bay one - will start lobbying mechanically minded friends to help, otherwise Taki (my mechanic at Perfect Run) does it for $90, which i'm happy to pay

90 to change a fuel filter, your getting ripped hard.takes 10 mins to do. :-)

suwidji Experienced

suwidji

Posted
Posted

easy DIY to replace the engine bay fuel filter. Was one of my first maintenance jobs, and im not very mechanically hands-on. Only annoying thing was getting the hoses off the filter, but it eventally came off with enough force lol.

Lolrick Collaborator

Lolrick

Posted
  • Author
Posted (edited)

Alright gents, you've encouraged me to give it a crack. I feel comfortable knowing that if i do f**k everything up, at least only the engine will die, and i most likely wont :thumbsup:

Edited by Lolrick

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share
Go to topic listing


  • Latest Posts

    • Matt Z
      SAU NSW - Archies Flame Grille Meet & Cruise to Kurnell

      By Matt Z · Posted

      Join SAU NSW for a flame-grilled feed & flame-spitting cruise! Sunday 17th August 2025 3:30PM Meeting Archies Flame Grille Sylvania Waters 4:45PM Cruise Departure 5:15PM Arrival at Cape Solander Kurnell Meet Location: Archies Flame Grille Final Destination: Cape Solander Kurnell *Disclaimer* There will be a lead and follow car so no one should get lost. If you would like to attend or bring others along please put your name down and a +1 as numbers will be needed prior! This is NOT a race and we will all be adhering to all road rules. If this is what you want please come to one of our many track days. This is an official SAU:NSW event and will be run under a CAMS permit. One of the things that really sets our club apart is our commitment to being true enthusiasts. When on normal roads we strive to maintain good relations with the authorities as well as the public in general. When attending one of Skylines Australia NSW events please try to: • Be aware of surrounding environment and act accordingly. • Drive courteously on the state’s roads as a true enthusiast should. • Understand how important it is to maintain the good name of SAU NSW and thus, treat others accordingly. • Any misbehavior will not be tolerated and you will be asked to leave.
    • Ozdavroz
      WTAC 2025

      By Ozdavroz · Posted

      Yeah good luck out there! Will be good to see a mighty GTST going harder than the GTRs
    • bcozican
      WTAC 2025

      By bcozican · Posted

      i will be there 😁
    • patrickxdf12
      Squeaking clutch/throw out bearing

      By patrickxdf12 · Posted

      Hello!  i just finished manual swaping my r34 skyline with a r33 rb20de box(RB71C)box  When the car is running it squeaks crazy loud and it was smoking from the gearbox area. The gearbox is fine it was tested. The clutch slave cylinder seems like it doesn't fully releases the clutch. I want to ask if this noise is from the throw out bearing or could it be the clutch assembly or disk att.xFliq87Gzw6kImKBVqDebXkj0fBqymk0JaYeP3_3SlM.mp4
    • RP1421
      S15 Spec R

      By RP1421 · Posted

      A few small updates since the previous post and lessons. I decided to do a little interior light upgrade on the 110. I quite like the iilumo items, even if they're a bit of a premium over other brands. You'll also note the Stedi Fogs, that will go into the S15 fog lights as I needed to match the bulbs since I got the new ones earlier. I hope they fit as the body is quite a bit longer than your normal bulb.  Annoyingly, I managed to trip the fuse, which normally wouldn't be an issue until I located the fuse. I can't say I've ever come across this. I had lucked out that someone nearby had a spare, but oddly enough Toyota dealerships seem to keep this in stock. I ordered some to keep in my stash and as luck would have it, someone else nearby tripped the same fuse so I passed on the favour.  I also did a little service on the 110 ahead of some additional work coming up. It's been annoying that Goleby's stopped carrying this particular HKS filter for the 110, so now I need to keep them on order from Japan. I also took the opportunity to install a bash plate and number plate riser. The plate riser is such a cheap but nice fix to help really tidy up the car. I'm tempted to now also replace my headlights, on this car. Both items were from Project Aero.    I also needed to replace the rear tyres on the 110, and after trying to get it aligned learnt that I need to replace some bushes in the front end, so that's next.  Closing out this update with a nicer picture as always! 
×
×
  • Create New...