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As for the fuel sender, they go bad. Fortunately, boat places have the correct senders for our Dodges and they're easily replaced.
'73 Concord 20' Class A w/Dodge 440 - see profile for photo
1975 American Clipper RV with Dodge 360 (photo in profile)
1998 American Clipper Fold n Roll Folding Trailer
Both born in Morgan Hill, CA to Irv Perch (Daddy of the Aristocrat trailers)
Leeann wrote:
Welcome, both of you!
As for the fuel sender, they go bad. Fortunately, boat places have the correct senders for our Dodges and they're easily replaced.
Welcome, both of you!
As for the fuel sender, they go bad. Fortunately, boat places have the correct senders for our Dodges and they're easily replaced.
If all the gauges stop working (except the ammeter), it may be more than the sender.
Two probable culprits: The dash voltage regulator and the ground system.
Most gauges operate on 6 volts. The dash voltage regulator steps down the voltage electronically and drives the fuel, temperature, and oil pressure gauges. (Older vehicles had electro-mechanical voltage regulators and aftermarket gauges usually use an internal resistor reduce the voltage.)
A single wire goes to the sender and a ground from the sender to dash gauge completes the circuit. I use a long jumper with alligator clips to test for ground problems. Usually, I use 16 gauge wire for the jumper. If that wire 'smokes', it indicates major ground problems, usually between the engine and battery.
If some of the gauges work but some don't, it narrows things down to sender, ground system, or corrosion in the wires and connectors.
I have found previous owners occasionally bypass the dash voltage regulators, causing incorrect readings and eventually smoking the gauge(s). (Most gauges are essentially calibrated volt meters, with the sensors being variable resistors that increase/decrease voltage depending on the condition they're sensing.)
Ammeters (and voltmeters if you've upgraded) are separate circuits, directly tied to the vehicle's electrical system and therefore aren't affected by problems with the other gauges.
It's possible to check senders/sensors using the ohms setting on a multimeter. You need to find the specifications for your particular sender/sensor to know if you're getting an accurate signal. However, you should notice a change in the resistance when the condition (pressure, temperature, or fuel level) changes.
Make sure your multimeter is working correctly. I spent the better part of a frustrating day troubleshooting before I figured out that my son's multimeter was FUBAR.
1970 Explorer Class A on a 1969 Dodge M300 chassis with 318 cu. in. (split year)
1972 Executive Class A on a Dodge M375 chassis with 413 cu. in.
1973 Explorer Class A on a Dodge RM350 (R4) chassis with 318 engine & tranny from 1970 Explorer Class A
DodgeVega wrote:
1976 Dodge Vega ...
1976 Dodge Vega ...
That's a good looking rig. I've always liked the looks of that year van nose.
![[emoticon]](http://www.coastresorts.com/sharedcontent/cfb/images/smile.gif "smile")
Downsizing ">
PoorGary wrote:
I have the same predicament. 78 Sportsman with 16.5s I was wondering if the 16 inch tires/rims are smaller than the 16.5s and by how much?? My motorhomes rear end tends to scrape bottom on slight inclines as it is.
I have the same predicament. 78 Sportsman with 16.5s I was wondering if the 16 inch tires/rims are smaller than the 16.5s and by how much?? My motorhomes rear end tends to scrape bottom on slight inclines as it is.
Glenndolph wrote:
Not very much. You need to put some air bag helpers on... the springs have sagged due to age...
Not very much. You need to put some air bag helpers on... the springs have sagged due to age...
Phantom59 wrote:
I will definitely second the firestone air bags
I will definitely second the firestone air bags
Thanks for the airbag tip will look into them definitely.
DodgeVega wrote:
Just picked up this 1976 Dodge Vega ... pretty decent condition ... I haven't been able to find much info on the Vega line of RVs.
Just picked up this 1976 Dodge Vega ... pretty decent condition ... I haven't been able to find much info on the Vega line of RVs.
Thats a nice rig. Almost identical to mine. Yours is tad shorter but way nicer rims.