Dash Lense Cleaning

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RockHillWill
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Dash Lense Cleaning

Post by RockHillWill » Tue Feb 13, 2018 6:45 am

Going to be checking the ground wires at the dash because I have a fluctuating gas gauge, and am inquiring about the current thinking on cleaning the 'glass'? gauge lenses. Have heard of toothpaste, but that seems a little harsh. Any advice? Thanks!


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lkgindy
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Re: Dash Lense Cleaning

Post by lkgindy » Tue Feb 13, 2018 9:00 am

I have found that the fuel gauge problem is usually the fuel tank float assembly. As far as gauges, I have tried all kind of cleaners and always ended up just changing the gauges for new units. The years of harsh weather exposure really does a number on the lens.

Larry
1987 M-998 Project
1995 Hummer HT

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Kurt Lesser
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Re: Dash Lense Cleaning

Post by Kurt Lesser » Tue Feb 13, 2018 9:24 am

I've used a product called SIMICHROME for years to clean gauges and other stuff. Put dab of it on your finger and rub it in the gauge face while your watching tv because it will take a while. Clean it off with a soft cloth and you should have a nice looking gauge again. The old sports car guys love it but you may have to search around a little bit to find it today or you can find it online.
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dilvoy
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Re: Dash Lense Cleaning

Post by dilvoy » Tue Feb 13, 2018 9:42 am

For the fuel reading being erratic, the sender is the most likely problem as mentioned. You have to drop the tank to get at it unless you do the access panel modification to the trans tunnel. I recommend doing it and then installing the newer type sender that is an aluminum tube of sorts instead of that old style swinging type sender. Fuel slosh worms against the old style sender's pivot point and makes for trouble. I had a couple of originals around and when I had a problem, I figured that I may as well use them up and I had a failure right out of the box, luckily I had cut the access port so it was another ten minutes to install the late style sender. :P You can not do much more than change the sender through the port, but you can tighten up the nuts for the cover plate, because the seal does shrink down with age. You won't be able to change the seal for it without dropping the tank unless you have a body lift, because it is tight under there.
George D. Paxinos

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Ted Gates
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Re: Dash Lense Cleaning

Post by Ted Gates » Tue Feb 13, 2018 10:08 am

Price of the cleaner and time and fixing a broken plastic gauge holder verses price of a new gauge with new holder. I'd pick the new gauge.

I have several of the fuel access covers, tan, used take offs. pm if interested.

RockHillWill
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Re: Dash Lense Cleaning

Post by RockHillWill » Tue Feb 13, 2018 11:04 am

Thanks, guys, new gauges are looking pretty good. Do I understand it correctly, this if I get a new sending unit, I can just lower the tank and replace it? Any educated guess as to how long with (2) experienced mechanics and a professional lift ???

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Re: Dash Lense Cleaning

Post by Action » Tue Feb 13, 2018 12:21 pm

i thought the fuel gauges always drop to E quickly...
The sender has like 5 screws holding it in the top of the tank, and 2 wires.

Jason

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Ted Gates
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Re: Dash Lense Cleaning

Post by Ted Gates » Tue Feb 13, 2018 4:16 pm

Easy to drop tank. Fuel level should be very low. Takes about 3 hours. Replace rubber lines and tighten cover on tank.
Drain tank
Remove filler pipe with rubber attached and disconnect vent line
Drop rear propeller
Disconnect other vent line
Disconnect supply and return lines
Undo tank brackets
Drop tank
Or
cut access in bed and change sending unit

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86humv
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Re: Dash Lense Cleaning

Post by 86humv » Tue Feb 13, 2018 7:31 pm

Old trucks with original tanks will probably need :
Vent valve and seal
Tank plate seal
Inner screen on tube end
Sender
Tank plug
rubber hoses.
If you drop it, you can add the access hole.
I have most of these parts and access plate available....and gage
86 Hmmwv
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M1102 trailer

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Kurt Lesser
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Re: Dash Lense Cleaning

Post by Kurt Lesser » Wed Feb 14, 2018 6:36 pm

Your other option here is to put the access cover retrofit into the bed floor so that the sender can be accessed from inside the truck without dropping the tank.
Kurt Lesser
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