Stuck dash board gas guage

[bikemaniac]

Hi,
I just bought myself a Toyota Hiace from 1984. It has the 2188ccm L Diesel engine. The dash board fuel guage is stuck. The needle or indicator is positioned at approx 1/4 tank no matter what even if the tank is full. It also remains at 1/4 when the engine is shut off and the key removed. Can anyone guide in the correct direction o how to solve the problem? What is ghe most likely problem? Thanks in advance,
Lucas

 

[Mudder]

Sender unit from the tank, bad connection somewhere

 

[bikemaniac]

I disassembled the dash board guage and found that the needle/indicator only turns with excessive drag. The water temp guage next to the fuel guage rotates silky smooth with zero drag. But the fuel guage has a rotational drag. I fully disassmbled the unit into the core where I see all the windings. I tried oiling the tiny axle letting oil creep into the interior, but without lock. It is a closed unit which cannot be disassembled further. On the internet I found that

83243-95J04 is the spare part for the entire unit consisting of both the temp and fuel guage with all fittings. Does anyone if you can buy separate sub parts of that guage assembly?

Lucas

 

[Toast]

That part number isn't a good number. Don't think there is to be any letters in it.

 

[bikemaniac]

I completely disassembled the gauge now by unwinding the entire coil - I think it was at least 2000 turns. Inside there was a small rotor which was stuck due to too much of the Rocol stickiness grease - the type also used in inside car handles. Now the guage is assembled again and it is moving, however I have one question: Should the indicator/needle rest at the correct tank setting even though the car is switched off, or should it fall all the way down to the "Empty" and only raise to the true tank setting when the car is on? I think the guage is the same type used in all Toyotas at that age - beginning of the 80s.

Lucas

 

[Jonathan_Ferguson]

If it is the same as a June, 1985 then when switched off the fuel level is still shown.

 

[bikemaniac]

Thanks, now I am happy ... because mine is like yours
Lucas