‘69 Fuel and Temp Gauge issues related??

[JohnMc]

Two gauge issues have come up this spring and I wonder if they might be related?

First, my fuel gauge shows empty. I’ve grounded the sending unit leads and the gauges jumps to full, so sure looks like my sender in the tank. But this is a new sender, (within two years). Are these known to fail early? Any other cause possible?

Secondly, my “HOT” temp light comes on within a minute or so starting. I’ve changed out the switch in the intake and the result is the same. Any ideas of what could be causing this issue?

Thanks in advance guys.

[Royce]

Yes the new reproduction fuel sending units are known to either be faulty right out of the box or fail rapidly. Hope you saved the original, it can be fixed. Same for the auto part store temp sending units - they all read too hot too early. Original Motorcraft or Autolite would be the fix.

Two gauge issues have come up this spring and I wonder if they might be related?

First, my fuel gauge shows empty. I’ve grounded the sending unit leads and the gauges jumps to full, so sure looks like my sender in the tank. But this is a new sender, (within two years). Are these known to fail early? Any other cause possible?

Secondly, my “HOT” temp light comes on within a minute or so starting. I’ve changed out the switch in the intake and the result is the same. Any ideas of what could be causing this issue?

Thanks in advance guys.

[xr7g428]

This is not a Cougar right? IF you can tell us what you are working on or better yet provide the schematic we can still help.

[JohnMc]

OK, while I LOVE Ford’s big cats, the car in question is a ‘69 Ford XL.

Thanks for all the input, you guys are great!

[JohnMc]

My temp issue is fixed. I inadvertently installed a gauge sender instead of a light switch.