LP guages not working

[Larry C]

Need some advice, my '96 34' Excella has 2 - 30# LP tanks. the guages on both tanks always seem to indicate "Full", and of course, the monitor panel on the range hood, always indicates "Full".
It doesn't seem to matter how much LP is in the tanks, they always indicate "Full" both places.
Is there a simple fix for this?

Thanks in advance

Larry

[cwf]

Larry,
My system appears to show 'full' when the ohms are 'high'. Like when I have the cable disconnected at the LP Cylinder.

There is a 'ground' from the LP cylinder connectors to the frame.. check to see if it is there...

[Larry C]

Originally Posted by cwf

Larry,
My system appears to show 'full' when the ohms are 'high'. Like when I have the cable disconnected at the LP Cylinder.

There is a 'ground' from the LP cylinder connectors to the frame.. check to see if it is there...

I'll check it today......my question is, wouldn't one think that the guage on the tank show an accurate reading? I'm not sure, but I thing that guage is operated by some sort of a magnet, that turns according to where ever the float level is in the tank.
That little guage on the tank is removeable and can be replaced. I've never done it, so I'mnot speaking from experience.
Thanks.
Larry

[dznf0g]

One of mine had a float hanging up. Next time they're empty, take to a full service lp supplier. They can remove the float assembly and repair. As I recall, it was less than $20.

[crispyboy]

I have the same problem with the electronic tank gauge on my 94 trailer. Never have been able to figure them out. Luckily the tanks also have mechanical gauges.
Someone told me one time that when the valves are switched over to the newer OPD valves it messes something up inside the tank. I don't know if there is any truth to this but I would like to fix the electronic gauge.

[cwf]

My OPD valve replacement caused no issue with the gauges... Guess I lucked out.. That's rare...

[Larry C]

Originally Posted by cwf

My OPD valve replacement caused no issue with the gauges... Guess I lucked out.. That's rare...

I had new OPD valves installed when the tanks were recertified. the guages didn't work before that either....the ground wire is in place, but I'll put a new terminal on it, and reattach it to the frame...
These little challenges are what makes life interesting...

Larry

[kdickinson]

My tanks had a prism type view that came with the trailer originally and it seemed to work pretty well. Unfortunately the gas supply lines had to be replaced for safety. Now I am down to checking how full my tanks are by picking them up a few inches and testing by weight. I can tell pretty quickly when they are getting empty with that approach.

[shadedsilver]

Originally Posted by kdickinson

My tanks had a prism type view that came with the trailer originally and it seemed to work pretty well. Unfortunately the gas supply lines had to be replaced for safety. Now I am down to checking how full my tanks are by picking them up a few inches and testing by weight. I can tell pretty quickly when they are getting empty with that approach.

Kdickson is correct. Despite the gauges loosening the wing nut and testing the weight is the most reliable method.

[damonbeals]

The problem with my gauges on my 97, was due to bad grounds. If you remove the wires from the gauge the panel will read full, if you don't complete the circuit they will always read full. If you have a meter, check the wiring and the connectors and clean everything up, and I bet your gauges will start working. With your meter you can also test the resistance of the gauge, but those usually don't fail.

Damon
#4827

[dznf0g]

If this is the type that has a dial on the face of the tank gauge, electrical connections have nothing to do with the tank reading....only the panel reading. The tank dial gauge is a mechanical float with a spiral that turns a magnet, which in turn moves the needle. OP says BOTH the tank gauge and panel read full all the time. This indicates a mechanical gauge problem. That said, always check the wiring connections in order for accuracy between the two