Fuel gauge problem

[CBX1000]

Hi all- new to the forum & also just acquired a '79 1100E down here in New Zealand.

Bike had been standing for around 4 years unused- basically a non runner. I have got it up & running & the first thing that jumped out at me was the fuel gauge which doesn't work. I checked out the tank sender unit with a multimeter & that is all good. Then checked the wiring up to the gauge itself which is also all good. Next obvious check was the gauge itself; stripped down the tacho unit & found that a part of the fuel gauge has become dislocated- there is also a broken strand which attaches to the coiled part. Is anyone able to guide me as to how the loose part fits onto the gauge- I'm struggling to work this out. To me it looks like there could be something missing as well- I suspect that the tacho unit has been opened prior to my ownership of the bike. Photos attached.

Any help much appreciated

Dave H

[jkorn]

Sorry, I can’t. But I’m extremely impressed with your trouble shooting expertise . Jeff

[CBX1000]

Sorry, I can’t. But I’m extremely impressed with your trouble shooting expertise . Jeff

Thanks Jeff- I've been repairing & restoring CBX1000's for quite a few years & doing that sure has paved the way for this adventure of XS1100 ownership

[DiverRay]

Give me a day or two and I should have some pictures for you. I have guages here, just need the time to get one apart to take a photo or two.

[bikerphil]

Here's some pics of one I repaired a while back...

[CBX1000]

Here's some pics of one I repaired a while back...

Now that is really helpful- many, many thanks. Clearly my unit has also snapped the tempered piece of metal like yours did- I will attempt to rejoin with solder like you've done. I just hope that I can solder the very fine strand of wire back to the wound section again. What happens to the other end of the tempered piece- does it rest against something or just stand free?

[CBX1000]

Give me a day or two and I should have some pictures for you. I have guages here, just need the time to get one apart to take a photo or two.

Thanks Ray- if I am unable to repair mine I may well have to ask you if you're willing to sell me either a working fuel gauge or perhaps an entire tacho

Dave H

[bikerphil]

Couple more pics...




The other closed end of the bi-metal just floats. One leg has been soldered to repair and the other has a solid round piece spot welded to it that operates the needle itself.

[DiverRay]

Dave, If you do need it, send me a PM. I was trying to put together a '78 I've had for a while, but may go for a different look. It will not be the first time I've send XS1100 parts to NZ!

[Ccitis]

Welcome to the forum. I totally understand wanting a working fuel gauge, I got mine going... BUT they are notoriously off on their readings... Mine goes down very fast, even when I have plenty of fuel left. Trip Odometer is definitely the best way to track your fuel prior to hitting res. Good luck, enjoy the bike.

[CBX1000]

[QUOTE=bikerphil;n881474]Couple more pics...


The other closed end of the bi-metal just floats. One leg has been soldered to repair and the other has a solid round piece spot welded to it that operates the needle itself.

Thanks a million Phil- just what I needed to see

Dave

[CBX1000]

Welcome to the forum. I totally understand wanting a working fuel gauge, I got mine going... BUT they are notoriously off on their readings... Mine goes down very fast, even when I have plenty of fuel left. Trip Odometer is definitely the best way to track your fuel prior to hitting res. Good luck, enjoy the bike.

Thanks bud- glad to be here. Agreed- the trip meter is the best way to keep tabs of the fuel situation however me being me I like everything to be operational...I'm just an old fart now

[CBX1000]

Dave, If you do need it, send me a PM. I was trying to put together a '78 I've had for a while, but may go for a different look. It will not be the first time I've send XS1100 parts to NZ!

Good to know Ray; I've scheduled fuel gauge surgery for this weekend & will report back once the patient is in the recovery ward

[bikerphil]

You can test the gauge on the bench after repairing by simply touching a 9V battery to the posts, and you will see the needle slowly rise if it is working correctly. The voltage regulator in the wiring harness on the back of the tach is 7VDC. They are also known to go bad.

[Ccitis]

Thanks bud- glad to be here. Agreed- the trip meter is the best way to keep tabs of the fuel situation however me being me I like everything to be operational...I'm just an old fart now

I totally get it. I am the same way... I got mine back up and running. But just don't be surprised when it is pessimistic. Enjoy the project!