DOC HARLEY: FUEL GAUGES
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- Опубліковано 3 жов 2024
- Doc Harley from the Service Clinic at Low Country Harley-Davidson to help you with the health of your motorcycle! This week he shares the history of Harley® fuel gauges, how they work, and answers a few email questions from viewers.
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Doc Harley is a motorcycle technician at Low Country Harley-Davidson with over thirty years working on motorcycles. Over the years at the dealership he has worked on Harley-Davidson, Buell, and Triumph motorcycles with a few other brands here and there from trade-ins. There are thousands of how-to videos out on youtube and other websites across the world. Doc’s goal is to help solve problems that people run into when using their service manual, share insights only found as a certified Harley® technician, and some of the tips he’s picked up over the years.
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Thanks doc, history and tips all in one video. Appreciate the time and effort that you put into every subject you cover.
That’s one reason why I like the old petcock with the reserve. Once I have to switch to the reserve, time for gas 👍 I check my mileage way more than the gauge, as I already know when it’s time for a fill up. Keep it up Doc 👍😎
Great stuff! I bought my first Harley in 2001 and got the best advice ever from my sales rep ... "Never trust the fuel guage." LoL! And I never have. The odometer is the way to go. Keep cranking out the knowledge, Doc!
Thanks Paul…..Doc
The only time I ever ran out of gas, I was actually able to coast to the fuel pumps. Had they been selling lottery tickets there idvof loaded up on them. I will never ever be that lucky again and will do a better job of trip planning for fuel when I travel! Great Vlog!
LOL Planning is good. If you are doing back roads do not trust your GPS. it will list fuel stations that have been closed for years.
My '97 FLHPi had those problems. No more problems as I ripped out the problematic Magnetti-Marelli fuel injection in favor of a carb and Dyna 2000i ignition. Went back to what I've done on my other Harleys since I started riding in 1976. Zero out the trip meter upon fill-up. Stop for gas when trip meter hits 125-140. I can actually go about 180 on a full tank.
Doc Harley,thanks a lot to have help me to find the problem of my fuel gauge and solve it in one shot, from USA to ITALY just by e-mail! You are great! Thanks again
Thanks for a great lesson on fuel gauges and thanks for no bleeped out words.
I was just looking in my repair Manual about fuel gage .i just received my new 1 an i need to in stall it thanks for the info DOC you have the best channel
As the owner of a BMW with a “fuel strip” level sensor, I hope all you Harley folks appreciate how good you have it.
Thx great info..
06 ultra classic reads just under half and it will take 3.8gls . When light comes on take 4.2gls. That half tank mark is my gas time. Yes I ride some days hard with buddies and some ride Sunday ride.. lol. Thx again for info. Enjoy ur videos. Miss the reverse fuel switch.. old school.
Excellent video. In going through the fuel system of my 99FLHR, I needed a new sending unit for the carbureted style (older version) and found they are totally obsolete. That’s from both Harley and the aftermarket. Some research and a good call led me to Tri Starr LLC. They rebuild sending units for literally everything. After mailing, they advised 4 days later that it was ready to ship. It was gone 11 days g
What did they charge you?
@@og2216 it was somewhere between $75 and $125 including shipping. It’s been several years. They may have moved but the name is the same.
Mike So Glad they Picked you to do these video's !!! i really Enjoy watching them, Great Job Thanks !!!
Glad you like them!...Doc
I have a 2018 Sportster 48, I don't have a fuek gauge. I ordered and picked up a lcd fuel gauge that fits on top of the brake master cylinder on the handlebars. Expensive, and it will be expensive to have installed (I don't have the time to do it myself) but I can not wait to have a cool little gauge!
I love watching these videos, makes me feel like my 92 FLHS is using ancient technology. Had a petcock fail me once cause the lining of inside the tank was flaking off and chocked the screen giving me false indications
I have a 99 heritage softail with no fuel gauge or fuel light and it has been interesting riding
When you have an old bike a working gauge of any kind is welcome. On my 1989 FLTCU the gauge was dead and the sender obsolete but I found a radiator shop in New England that makes replacements. Lo! A working gas gauge and reasonably accurate too! Now I just need to derust the tank....danged ethanol!
Sounds like fun!
I’ve had many Harley’s from the late 90s to my current 2019 FXLR. Every fuel gauge has sucked on them. Inaccurate. Misreadings. Inconsistent low fuel warnings. You name it all have been terrible.
Yeah. Anyone trusting fuel gauge eventually will end up pushing their bikes.
To be honest, Harley would be better without the fuel gauge.
But......
Once again, a very clear and informative video. Learning the workings and history of the fuel gauge was quite interesting. Thank you from Australia.
Very cool. I didn’t realize motorcycle fuel gauges were still so mechanical.
Ahhh, another little known tid bit from the Doctor. Didn’t think about the gauge resetting by turning ignition all the way off. Thank you Sir.
2002 Road King fuel injected. My little yellow light came on the other day. A mile and a half later I ran out of gas. Would much rather have the petcock with the reserve.
Great video Doc
Thank you….Doc
Great info as always! Love your channel and all the tips! 👍
Thanks Doc,
I have a 2004 Roadking Custom.
The Fuel Cap Gauge is all over the place with no consistency.
When filled it will read full, then after the bike is turned off and back on it says 3/4 or a different reading.
Where would you say begin to diagnose the issue??
Thanks
Phil
Connection first. First the condition of pins and sockets in the connector under the tank. Then lifting the guage up the wires and connectors. The ground side especially. It may turn out that age has weekend the component in the tank….Doc
You are brilliant Doc. You remind me of my former father-in-law Larry Parker. He was brilliant too. On the note of your last comment, I refuel my stock 2001 Sportster 883 between 50 and 60 miles. Thank You for this video.
I can go 200 miles with my 2006 Sportster 1200 with the 4.5 gallon tank.
@@geraldscott4302 I do not like the larger fuel tanks, they make a bike look obese. The streamlined tank I have looks sleek, and I would pull off every hour anyway to stretch. I would never travel 200 miles non-stop. But enjoy your setup. 😀
I like the large adventure tanks that are clear plastic. Look down and see it sloshing around.
My old bike, a 2004 FLHTCUI, the fuel guage showed full until about 2/3 full then proceeded to fall rapidly from there.
Thanks again Doc! Always Looking forward to your videos!
My Vrod fuel sending unit looks nothing like the one you have on the table. I enjoyed the stories! The little details in engineering are neat!
I have the one on the table you didn't touch thanks I watch the hole show
Thank you!
You're welcome….Doc
Common sense is our most valuable commodity today, followed by software. Don’t like it, buy one without computers or software! Simple. DK, ASE master tech since 78.
Hi Doc. I know this is an older vid but I wanted to put a flush mounted gas cap and a dummy matching cap on the left side and just use the speedo range remaining on my 14 Dyna. However, now with CAN/BUS life is that gauge needed for the BCM to get the info or can I just disconnect and secure the plug? I saw a video once where these buys taped up the guts of the factory gauge and stuffed it back in the hole and covered it so they could use a different Speedo setup. I can't imagine that's the proper way to do it. Thanks!
Sorry to say the BCM will be upset if you remove fuel gauge with codes and system failures till repaired…..Doc
great video...rule number 1, use your odometer and use your yellow light as back up I do this all the time..
Very good tips Doc .......
You might have solved my issue fuel gauge goes to full and I have about a half tank or less now not sure what to replace
First check all wiring, sounds like wires are crossed. Unless you have had your float assembly out, then the float needs readjusted……Doc
@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson I replaced the fuel filter someone mentioned might be bad ground that's my next thing to check, hope my problem helps others thanks
Awesome info...I always wondered why the miles to empty display in my car reads 50-75 more miles in the winter than in the summer.
My 98 evo has 2 wires blk neg I assume and orange or red power. Bought an 03 tank has 3 wire wire an extra yellow wire. I assume that is for the low fuel light in speedo ?
New to the motorcycle seen and information like this is great to have on hand. Thank you
Welcome! and thanks for tuning in...Doc
Great video as always. I have a 2002 FLSTF with a carb. I reset my trip odometer when I fill up and refuel based on that. My fuel gauge shows empty long before I have to refuel based on the trip odometer.
Same thing with my 2003 FXDWG. However, I find this "inaccuracy" to be really informative as I noticed that when it shows empty I have approximately 2 gallons left. So when I have to switch to reserve (which is 1.1 gallon) - I can easily calculate the MPG and decide how desperately I need to search for a gas station
@@andreychernoivanov4945 Just hit this issue with my 2002 Softail Standard.I fuel at 100 miles and it only takes about 2.8 gallons yet the tank is 5 gallons.Oh well.
Question. I adjusted the float but the gauge never goes over 3/8 - 5/8 tank. Took sending unit out and tested and it’s not disconnecting from variable resistor and reads correct top to bottom. Is there a way to adjust needle on the gauge? The gauge is new and the sending unit is new and good. I have 44 years experience so I knoe how to read manual and test and grew up as a mechanic originally. Just want you to know so you know I’m not an amateur. Love your vids and thanks more than you know.
Mike
I’m thinking we need to think outside the box. Float comes really close to the inside of tank. Play with adjusting the rod attached to the float…..Doc
@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson yes sir. I looked at it several times in & out trying to adjust it. It moves freely all the time. The gauge used to read full but it would take a long long time to start going down and I wanted someone to adjust it for me because I was tired of working on stuff. They said they put a new gauge in and now it only reads just over a quarter of a tank when it is full. I checked it about 15 times this weekend trying different things but even when I had the float going up a little higher it would only go up about 1/8 tank more. That's why I think something is wrong with the gauge. Is there a way to adjust the needle on the gauge?
I found an interesting problem on Fatboy 2005. The fuel sensor starts to "eat" gasoline very quickly (in reality, the consumption is normal). When the motorcycle ate only 9 liters (checked it on a gas station), the arrow was already at the red mark.
The Softail tank is 18.49 liters, and when the sensor goes into the red zone, almost 10 liters remain in the tank. What could be the problem?
The adjustment of the float mechanism in the tank. HD does lean on the side of giving you plenty of fuel on “empty” to get to a fuel station
Very interested video that explains exactly the problem on my FLHT 1996. Do you know which fuel gauge part number has already the dampener inside ? Now I have the 75111-96.
Or would be very helpful to know which dampener I have to use. Thanks from Italy 🇮🇹
Hello my friend can you tell me what other seats will be okay for a 2016 heritage softail as I need a cheap temporary seat for now I found out after purchasing the seat was damaged I didn't buy from my harley dealer as the other motorcycle shop was closer and I am retired and was not in good shape at the time I love harleys this is my fifth that I have owned very best regards from Alan from the UK. God bless America .
At times dealerships have take off seats available at lower costs. These are seats that when a customer replaces their stock seat and doesn’t want to keep it; the dealership has available if asked.
@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson thank you my friend regards Alan
Thanks Doc , you're awesome.
The best advice that any Harley owner can take from this is get fuel at about a 130 miles. Some people might want to stretch it to a hundred fifty miles but that's pushing it
One question Doc. When we do a fuel tank lift , does it change the the readings of the fuel guage to less fuel because the angle of the flot changes ?
Great question. We do not lift tanks, but in theory I would agree the fuel gauge would show less sooner…Doc
As I ride my 2018 RK, I do miss the concept of a reserve tank.
Just reset your trip meter at every fuel up, then see how many miles you went before the fuel light comes on.
After the fuel light comes on, fuel up again, then notice how many gallons it took to fiil your tank, then subtract that amount by the total capacity of your tank. (For example;
my sportster holds 3.3 gallons total. So when my fuel light goes on, and I refilled it with 2.3 gallons, and trip meter read 70 miles, I still have a gallon left, to run approximately 25 to 30 miles more, with fuel light on. But it is safer to fuel up, when you see the fuel light go on.)
Doc, I have a 98 road king. When I have the dash turned on, and it turned to run, but not started, my fuel gauge works properly.
As soon as I start the motorcycle, my fuel gauge drops all the way down to empty, and no longer works properly.
Having a hard time figuring out why the fuel gauge would work until the motorcycle is started and then stop working?
As always thanks for your help.
If you bike is jiving than a connection is jiving right along. Lift your guage up and see all the rust. Clean the ground. Also clean your fuel tank mounting bolts. The guage gets it ground through the tank to the frame…..Doc
Doc... if you get this? How to stop the a fuel gauge from doing a disco dance as you ride down the road? Is there something in the tank that has come lose and moving around causing the needle to bounce around?
Nope it is in the guage….. Doc
I’d like to know why pumps and sending units have been on back order so much the last two years almost. For mid 2000s bikes that is. Any idea Doc?
Thanks for all you videos, I found it most valuable. Please any comment about fuel filters kits.
I always reset the trip at fill up. Fuel gauge on my street glide is great, resetting the trip is just habit.
Me too Andy. Started doing that when my sending unit was out. Still doing it two years later and never go by the actual gauge.
Help please I have a 2006 Fatboy a flush mount fuel gauge has been fitted but for some reason the fuel warning light will not go out any help would be much appreciated. Thank you
So your gauge works as the needle moves from empty to full but the “almost Empty” light stays on? The resistor in the unit that tells the light to come in and off has failed
Doc, i put diesel in my motorcycle 2014 electraglide. Now my fuel gauge is inaccurate. How do I fix this problem? There is fresh gas in it now. Still doesnt read properly.
Fuel gauge is the least of your problems. I’m sure you will have to remove the float assembly and clean it with auto brake cleaner. Just might bring it back ( unless it didn’t work in the first place 🤷♂️)…..Doc
Doc! You know your info! Question...New speedo with fuel gauge on older bike not working. Is that because there's no power going to fuel sending unit as opposed to a newer model with a fuel pump?
I connected '04 deuce yellow sending wire to speedo harness bank 9. Ohms read good but speedo isn't showing any readings...... can you help me understand why?
Contact us through Email. Too many questions. Like part number of new speedo. Not sure new speedo may not recognize the older ohms….Doc
@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson Hi Doc! Thanks for responding! I can't find an email address for you......can you provide the email or point me in the right direction to find it? Thanks!
Really like your videos, great information and well done! Keep up the good work!
My gas gauge goes to full when you start the bike but does not read my fuel level it stays on full no matter how much fuel is in it I have a 2005 Electra Glide
could you do a video on replacing a fuel gauge on a 04 nightrain and what causes a leak in the hole where the wire comes out
Follow your Harley-Davidson Factory Service Manual....If you do not own this, bring the bike to your local dealer. Leaking fuel is dangerous..Doc
On a Vrod and still reset the tripometer. Thanks Doc!
Nice explanation, but I was hoping you were going to address how the fuel gauge could be fixed, mine on 2007 RoadKing goes to full and stays at full no matter what.
Your wiring could have a short, but there are really too many factors for me to diagnose without working on it.
I have a 2008 Road King Classic. The low fuel light comes on with 2 gallons left in the tank. I have checked it several times and when the light comes on I top up the tank and it only takes 4 Gallons give or take a couple tenths.
This is true. You could pay a tech to re adjust your float with an Ohm meter for less fuel in the tank...Doc
What if my fuel gauge doesn't drop below 3/4? Is that a stuck float?
That’s a good possibility….Doc
Doc Harley, great video as always! Can you do a video about waiting to start the bike for the yellow engine light to go out what happens or can go wrong if you don’t? This is a interesting topic for guys I know.
On softail, dyna, and rk fuel gauges (left side tank mount) what is the change in the wiring? Aftermarket fuel gauge are up to 2007 and 2008+? What's the change?
My Sportster gets 150 Doc! Though it's a 2005 XL1200c with the bigger tank
2010 cvo streetgluide washed it moisture got in gas gauge and a few days later gas light lit 0 miles to empty range and gauge at 0
This does not sound good. best to let dry in the sun. If it continues to malfunction a dealer can test with ohm meter...Doc
On my sportster I go 90 to 100 miles and start looking for gas. I can go 120 miles before needing to switch to reserve. With 110 racing gas I get 60 mpg, premium gas gets me 50ish mpg and mid grade in the low 40's. I like the smell of racing fuel so I run it occasionally. Nope no catalytic converter, pre emissions lol.
"I love the smell of Race Fuel in the morning...Smells like Victory"...Doc
I wonder why my bike’s fuel gauge always bounces around as if the fuel was slushing around a lot in the tank, but it isn’t… or at least not as much as the gauge would want you to believe. LoL😊 2010 FLHXSE
The resistor in the gauge that handles the fluctuating voltage has gone bad, replace….Doc
hey sir i have a question, does the fuel pump from m8 or softail works with sportster 16-22 cuz i think the sizes of it looks exactly match but i don’t know does its works together, i want to change my speedometer from Low Rider S and my bike is 48, the gauge from Low Rider S has 8 level of fuel and i think its match with my 48 cuz 48 has 7.9 liters, so if it does works together do i need to tune my bike after?
What you are purposing is out of my league. That is full on custom with trial and error. Maybe someone else on the Net has tried that combo…..Doc
Got a 2000 duece. 5 gal fuel tank. Never used fuel gauge. Just go around 170 to 180 miles and fill up. For 20 years when filling up it takes around 4 1/2 gallons. For some reason I can only go 125 to 130 miles on a tank now. Reserve is gone also. Been to a dealership twice. Still happening. No leaks. Bike seems to run fine. Could use some suggestion. Thanks
Trusting the fuel gauge is like trusting the weather man 😅🤣
Hi Doc,love your site. I find your history and explanations great. Perhaps you can throw some tips my way .im a new owner of a twin cam ,2014 cvo roadking.. ever since i removed the tank to wire up a aftermarket faring. My gas gage wont work .i did reconnect the 3 wire conn. No luck trouble vode keeps poping up speedometer. Ivs cleared all but speedometer, it wont clear! Btw the speedometer works fine. Gas gage not so.
This guy is the best !
Thanks for the killer videos…
Thank you for your kind words...Doc
Buddy the issue that I'm having is that my tank is full in gas and my gas gauge is reading empty why can be the problem
Hey question, I don't know if I will get a response on this but it's worth a shot. That first gauge you spoke about is what I have on my 2002 Electra Glide, at what point do I know it is empty? I know obviously there is E, but that only consumes 4gallons. I know i have a 6gallon tank. There are more hash marks below the E, does that represent my reserve? any info would be great, thanks guys
I am trying to remember. I believe your gauge has a LED. This will indicate you have at the most 30 miles till dead empty. This of coarse depends on condition and modifications to your bike
@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson okay thanks. Other than the needle it has a gas pump logo on the gauge. Is that what lights up when almost empty?
Another thing. Air Pocket inside the tank. I fill my 2018 XL1200C up to just over the nozzle holder in the opening. On Jiffy Stand. Ride 4 miles to get home. Put in some Lucas Ethanol Treatment. And notice the fuel is below the opening. A previous Yamaha Majesty had to shake the bike to get the air out.
Doc i fill my tank. Its a 2000 fatboy. The gauge never goes past 3/4. Im lost. Thanks doc in advance. Ur vids r great. Thanks again
Cool the fuel
⛽. 🎵⛽
🇺🇸🇺🇸
Great video Doc very informative thanks
More good stuff, thanks Doc!
Loved this one Doc, Question for you, I own an 07 Softail Standard, I've fitted the Harley speedo upgrade to the Swiss made one that incorperates the speedo and rev counter, plus gear position and fuel gauge, I then fitted an Arleen Ness gas cap kit, this replaced the stock gauge with a digital light display which also showed voltage, all was fine for a time, then the A N fuel gauge packed a sad and I lost the speedo digital display as well, I assume the 2 gauges piggy back off each other as I refitted the stock gauge and all was well again, the question is can I wire out the stock Harley gas cap gauge so I just have the speedo one working, Regards Steve "down under"
Looking at the wiring diagram, your Arleen Ness shorted out the signal line. That would effect the speedo. Just unplug it (the stock fuel gauge) and see what happens.
yes agree, I way prefer the old school reserve petcock. wise man once said "keep it simple".
+P. S I do too. I drive a 2001 Sportster 883 and my 4 wheels is a 1961 Chevrolet Apache, originally owned by one of my Grandfathers.
Doc, I have an ‘03 Fatboy EFI. The fuel gauge is mounted on the tank but doesn’t work. I believe it’s stuck showing a full tank. Is there a fix for this? It isn’t a major concern as I use the odometer to track where I’m at fuel wise.
Thanks for the info Doc.
Now if I could just find a video on how to remove the fuel sending unit on my 2000 FXDWG.
I have it almost out but, I can't position the float where it will come out of the hole.
I had to take a break, and make a sammich. I'll try again after lunch.
It is a puzzle. I find spinning the unit around as pulling it up and out. The float will just fit...Doc
@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson - I finally got it. With the float at the top of the opening, and the float rod as straight and forward as possible, I used a pair of pliers to grab the float rod right next to the float. Then, I could slightly bend the rod, as little as possible to start the float out of the hole, and it came right out.
After cleaning off the wire connectors, the float resistance checks were good. I put it all back together, now my fuel gauge needle is working again!
Thanks for the videos Doc. 🔧
Great explanation 👍. Thanks Doc 🙏
Hi , I gonna get a sportster 1200cc 2000
And I have a cuestión ,. This motorcycles have a file gauge ? , I don't find any video about it , I know that in the speedmeter can appreciate the milles . It's my first Harley 😎 so I'm start to learn.
Thanks for you time.
Awesome you are coming into the Harley family. I do not understand your question, about file gauge? Please continue this conversation on my Email. Doc@Lowcountryharley.com
awesome explanation! I will keep in touch with my lady :)
03 lowrider carb. with petcock. swapped tank and the gauge is not hooked up (connectors are different and the gauge was never accurate anyway). reset trip meter on fuel up hit reserve at 165-180 miles still only takes 3.5-3.75 gals with a 4.9 gal tank I've been tempted to carry a 2.5 gal gas tank and ride till it dies just to find out what my actual empty is
Great information! Thank you!
On my 2017 Breakout, the gauge always reads LO Range. Changed the sending unit and it did not correct the problem. What else can be causing the problem?
Connections or possibly wiring issues...Doc
Hey Doc. I changed my gas tank on my sportster to a 4.5 gallon and my low fuel light comes on when i still have a half tank of fuel. Can it be calibrated to read correctly?
The fuel gauge on my ‘03 Fat Boy FLSTFI has never worked properly. It reads full pretty much all the time. I just know that at about 120-130 miles, I need to find a gas station.
The odometer has always been more accurate....Doc
Yup good informational video, thanks Doc...
You know Doc you are a terrific ambassador for HD, and a persuasive personality for owning a HD, but here's my question: If I don't want to be too handy with my motorcycle, and don't want to be squeezed a lot financially with repairs and/or upgrades is a HD motorcycle really for a person like me?
Nope
It really depends if you like to ride your motorcycle stock. I have many customers with over 100k miles stock and trouble free. They just make sure to have the routine maintenance done the same as you would on any vehicle to help it have a long life.
Great video, been wondering about the mechanism on my 2000 Deuce versus the 2018 Heritage.😁
Thanks Doc!! Great information!! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻⛽️🏍
Hello Mr. DOC Harley, I would like to install a digital fuel gauge to my 2020 Lowrider S .can youplease help me find the fuel sensor wire to attach to the new gauge. Thank you
If you are adding a Harley-Davidson digital fuel guage, follow the instructions. If this is an Aftermarkest digital fuel guage, contact the seller or manufacture. A group of wires come from the fuel pump. the Yellow with White tracer goes to the Body Control Module. This BCM send the correct information to the ICM.
As you can see, this is not a simple question if not a Harley part....Doc
Another great info session!
Hey Doc, The piviot point on the sending unit.
Is that on all models? I have a 2004 Custom Road King
Your Road King has a pivot point….Doc
@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson Thank you for the time Doc!