Ohm readings for stock fuel sender- 53 champion

[smalltownspeed]

What are the empty and full Ohm readings for a stock fuel gauge sender in a 1953 Champion?

Thanks,
Cory

[Jeff_H]

Hello and welcome to the SDC forum!

This question seems to come up every few months and there was a recent discussion about it. Some years back I bench tested
some '53 gauges and came up with these results:

On 6.5V power the needle position vs sender R is
<E >90 ohm
E 90 ohm
1/4 55 ohm
1/2 29 ohm
3/4 15 ohm
F GND

So, bascially to answer your question, a full tank should measure about 0 ohms (or maybe 1-2) and a empty should be 90 or greater (but not open circuit).

These gauges are not real precise and neither are the senders. Also, if you use any voltage to power it other than from about 6-7v, the gauge may not work quite right. Too low
and they may not go to F all the way. Too high and risk burning out the coils inside.

Hope this helps.