Can you calibrate the fuel gauge ? (genius at work here)

[wegweiser]

Over the last 35 years (and something like 15+ 2002s and dozens of customer cars) I've found that the sending units fail at a rate of 30:1 versus gauges. In fact, I've never had to replace a fuel gauge in any 2002, ever....but I guess they can go bad. It's the last item I ever suspect. 

[PaulTWinterton]

 

I've never had to replace a fuel gauge in any 2002

 

But how accurate are/were they?  Mine never failed, it just got more incorrect with age.  I was sure that it was the sending unit, until I changed out the gauge and have much better readings (and confidence) ever since.

 

What has been the common failure with the sending unit? I like to be prepared.

[wegweiser]

 

 

But how accurate are/were they?  Mine never failed, it just got more incorrect with age.  I was sure that it was the sending unit, until I changed out the gauge and have much better readings (and confidence) ever since.

 

What has been the common failure with the sending unit? I like to be prepared.

The only improvement I've found in the accuracy of gauges, is cleaning off any contaminants in the sending unit. Gauges that read 3mm below full (when the tank is actually full) were corrected by cleaning electrical connections on the back of the gauge and also  the internal sending unit bits. In my experience, the sending unit wires corrode and can permanently (or temporarily) inhibit float movement...or break entirely. I've had the tops of them corrode so badly that they break apart upon removal from the tank,too.. which leads to a fun fishing expedition in the fuel tank! ? 

 

For those of you that want NEW, freshly plated complete sending units ready to go, I have some great news! I'll be getting nearly ALL the different length / type sending units for coupes and 2002 in the next couple months. Expected price for these new ones will be about $189.00. They look BEAUTIFUL!