Fuel Gauge Issues - 98 model C5

[XLR8]

After years of very rare glitches with the fuel gauge in my 98, I've arrived at a point where it's acting up more often. Can't blame it on the gas since I use either Chevron (primary) or Texaco (secondary) supreme only - both with TECHRON.

Some days the gauge is slow to respond after fill-up; sometimes it reads zero on start-up and I get a check gauges message; that is, it goes to full when I turn on the key then settles back to empty. Usually it reads normally after the next start-up. At nearly 130,000 miles I realize there will be issues, at least with those parts I haven't already replaced :L. But I hate to see a fuel sensor replacement on the horizon given the cost and labor involved.

I did a search and found this thread in the C5 Tech forum: http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com...her-fuel-guage-issue-01-z06-38-500-miles.html
So my question is this: do you guys still recommend the SeaFoam or Gumout Fuel Injection Cleaner addition first to attempt a "fix" or are there other suggestions?

Thanks!
Jane Ann

 

[Hib Halverson]

After years of very rare glitches with the fuel gauge in my 98, I've arrived at a point where it's acting up more often. Can't blame it on the gas since I use either Chevron (primary) or Texaco (secondary) supreme only - both with TECHRON.

Some days the gauge is slow to respond after fill-up; sometimes it reads zero on start-up and I get a check gauges message; that is, it goes to full when I turn on the key then settles back to empty. Usually it reads normally after the next start-up. At nearly 130,000 miles I realize there will be issues, at least with those parts I haven't already replaced :L. But I hate to see a fuel sensor replacement on the horizon given the cost and labor involved.

I did a search and found this thread in the C5 Tech forum: http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com...her-fuel-guage-issue-01-z06-38-500-miles.html
So my question is this: do you guys still recommend the SeaFoam or Gumout Fuel Injection Cleaner addition first to attempt a "fix" or are there other suggestions?

Thanks!
Jane Ann

I would use neither SeaFoam or Gumout.

With 130,000 miles in the vehicle, I'm going to bet only a sensor replacement will solve the problem.

That said, I'd try Red Line Complete Fuel System Cleaner. Unlike the highly-overrated SeaFoam and Gumout, both of which are solvent-based, this Red Line product is detergent-based and, along with Chevron Techron, is the strongest pour-in-additive solution which will not damage the rubber or plastic parts in the system. Run three bottles of RL CFSC through the system, one bottle per tank of fuel for three fillups. If the situation doesn't change, I'd lean toward pulling the left tank and replacing the sender.

 

[Hib Halverson]

After years of very rare glitches with the fuel gauge in my 98, I've arrived at a point where it's acting up more often. Can't blame it on the gas since I use either Chevron (primary) or Texaco (secondary) supreme only - both with TECHRON.

Some days the gauge is slow to respond after fill-up; sometimes it reads zero on start-up and I get a check gauges message; that is, it goes to full when I turn on the key then settles back to empty. Usually it reads normally after the next start-up. At nearly 130,000 miles I realize there will be issues, at least with those parts I haven't already replaced :L. But I hate to see a fuel sensor replacement on the horizon given the cost and labor involved.

I did a search and found this thread in the C5 Tech forum: http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com...her-fuel-guage-issue-01-z06-38-500-miles.html
So my question is this: do you guys still recommend the SeaFoam or Gumout Fuel Injection Cleaner addition first to attempt a "fix" or are there other suggestions?

Thanks!
Jane Ann

I would use neither SeaFoam or Gumout.

With 130,000 miles in the vehicle, I'm going to bet only a sensor replacement will solve the problem.

That said, I'd try Red Line Complete Fuel System Cleaner. Unlike the overrated SeaFoam and Gumout, both of which are solvent-based, this Red Line product is detergent-based and, along with Chevron Techron, is the strongest pour-in-additive solution which will not damage the rubber or plastic parts in the system. Run three bottles of RL CFSC through the system, one bottle per tank of fuel for three fillups. If the situation doesn't change, I'd lean toward pulling the left tank and replacing the sender.

 

[XLR8]

Thanks for the advice Hib. . . 3 bottles of Red Line Complete Fuel System Cleaner it is. Just two more questions: any particular size bottle; and where can I pick those up?

Jane Ann

 

[Hib Halverson]

Thanks for the advice Hib. . . 3 bottles of Red Line Complete Fuel System Cleaner it is. Just two more questions: any particular size bottle; and where can I pick those up?

Jane Ann

It's only sold retail in one size. As for where to get it, I know places locally, but since you're somewhere in the south, I don't know what to tell you other than to say that some of the big parts chains (Pep Boys, and etc) carry it here in Calif. and maybe they do that down your way, too. Also, I believe, you can buy from Red Line's web site.

 

[DHoskins]

Fuel gauge issues

I have used Techron since my favorite mechanic, Bob, the Vette Doctor recommended it. Also when traveling long distances I never let the fuell get below 1/4 tank. Seems if it gets too low the different mixtures from the areas I travel thru cause the same problem you have.
Best solution, I have found is to use Chevron fuel and the gas additive.
Good luck. Dennis

 

[XLR8]

I've restricted fuel to Chevron (techron) gasoline since Paul - C4C5Specialist explained the issue to me years ago - and I'm fortunate enough it's readily available here in Mississippi. As for Hib's advice, I intend to follow his instructions shortly. The only reason I haven't done it yet is this week has been all about Hurricane preparations and riding out the storm. :L
Jane Ann

 

[Tuna]

I've had real good results with "BG 44K" - BG Company

I find it mostly at dealerships and some repair shops and a few parts stores.

 

[Junkman2008]

My problem started at 88,000 miles. Started using TechronPLUS and the problem became a once in a while issue. One day when I couldn't find TechronPLUS, I used Gumout instead. The problem has never returned and I'm at 134,000 miles now. I drop a bottle in ever 3-4 tank fulls. It's cheaper than all the other products mentioned in this thread.

 

[VETTEX2]

I've had real good results with "BG 44K" - BG Company

I find it mostly at dealerships and some repair shops and a few parts stores.

 

[tankman]

My '98 started acting up around 50,ooo miles. The Chevron used to work, but one winter I took it apart and sanded down the contacts. Worked well, but the next Summer I thought better and just changed out the whole pump.

 

[Junkman2008]

My '98 started acting up around 50,ooo miles. The Chevron used to work, but one winter I took it apart and sanded down the contacts. Worked well, but the next Summer I thought better and just changed out the whole pump.

How much work was involved in the job?