Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 04-23-2004, 06:48 AM   #1
2 Rivet Member
 
JanP's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 48
Angry Gas tank sloshing

The gas tank on my 84 MH 310 sloshes so much when the tank is below 1/2 that it wears out the level sensing unit. I replaced the pick-up tube sending unit 5 years ago because the gas gauge was unstable. Last summer the gas gauge became unstable again to the point that I ran out of gas with an indicator showing 1/2 full. Is there a way to install baffles or a stilling well to prevent or reduce the float bounce that causes the sensor to wear out?

Ernie
JanP is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-23-2004, 06:55 AM   #2
Still Working
 
smily's Avatar
 
1994 36' Classic 36
North Charleston , South Carolina
Join Date: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,686
Images: 19
Hmmm

I am wondering how this happens. The gas pickup method has been used for years and years. It seems to be a tried and true method for fuel indication.

Are you certain this is what is causing your problems? Sloshing of gas is inherent to all gas tanks.

I am looking forward to the feedback on this one.

Smily
smily is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-23-2004, 11:06 AM   #3
Rivet Master
 
LOST , Hawaii
Join Date: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,193
I saw a float years ago with a shock on it, a small piece of tube with a hole in it attached to the float, the piston attached to the pickup tube. I don't think it was GM but it was quite a while ago.

I would check connections the the gauge, float and ground before changing the float again, as Smily said they don't go bad that often. How are the rest of your gauges, they use a common voltage.

John
74Argosy24MH is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-23-2004, 02:17 PM   #4
2 Rivet Member
 
JanP's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 48
Talking Sloshing gas tank

Thanks John and Smillie, I have considered somekind of shock, but dont know it could be installed through the small pick-up tubing hole. I am again looking at the original fuel level sensor, through the small slot where the float arm pivots, not too clear but there appears to be a larger wear area on the resistance wire that corresponds with the float angle of 3/8 full tank. I am convinced that this the problem since the new sensor cured the problem for about 5 years. Maybe I need more oil in the gas tank to reduce the wear factor. Years ago fuel tank builders were adding baffles and stilling-wells to cure this problem of sloshing fuel. Right now my cure is to fill my tank when the level is half full. At least, I will save money since the gas price would be higher if I waited until the tank was closer to empty, Ha! Ha!.

Ernie
JanP is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-27-2004, 09:37 PM   #5
2 Rivet Member
 
Jim Tyrney's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 61
Question 1986 345 AS MH Fuel Tank

I am assuming that the fuel tank in my 1986 345 has no internal baffles that would prevent fuel gage from swinging so much. Is this correct? Has anyone found a damping component to help minimize the swing short of replacing the tank with baffles? Has anyone ever had to replace fuel tank and if so, were you able to find one with baffles? Thanks for any input. Jim
__________________
"Property doesn't have rights, people have rights to property"
Jim Tyrney is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-27-2004, 09:50 PM   #6
2 Rivet Member
 
Jim Tyrney's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 61
I did not see your post as I have just posted one similiar. I wonder if the new P30 chassis fuel tanks have baffles or something similiar to prevent so much movement? It surely is aggravating to me and I have same problem with a 1989 Grand Waggoner. Does the new AS MH's have this problem (I am assuming that they are on a P30 chassis)? Jim
__________________
"Property doesn't have rights, people have rights to property"
Jim Tyrney is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-28-2004, 05:47 AM   #7
RivetAddict
 
swebster's Avatar
 
1986 34.5' Airstream 345
Louisville , Kentucky
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,861
Images: 4
Jim,
For what it is worth...My 345 has big swings on the fuel gauge as well...increasing as the fuel level gets lower. I've gotton pretty good at saying things like "We have 1/2...on average". I've also driven later model MH's on P30's which did not have these wild swings in the fuel gauge. They have all been from other brands so I can't speak for each specific setup. I've also been a passenger in a modern MH on the Workhorse chassis and the fuel gauge was rock solid.

Aside from tank modifications, is there something that could be done at the gauge. Perhaps a delay circuit?
__________________
Steven Webster
1986 Airstream 345 Classic Motorhome
AIR 1760
swebster is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-28-2004, 06:10 AM   #8
Rivet Master
 
LOST , Hawaii
Join Date: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,193
How about some of the foam blocks used in fuel cells. It would cost a fortune to fill a tank that size, but if you could build a baffle or 2 it would slow down the fuel movement.

John
74Argosy24MH is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
1986 345 AS MH Pull-Out Pantry Jim Tyrney General Motorhome Topics 4 03-30-2004 07:15 PM
1986 345 AS MH Pedestal Table Jim Tyrney General Motorhome Topics 0 03-29-2004 08:45 PM
1986 AS 345 MH H2O Check Valve Location Jim Tyrney Airstream Motorhome Forums 10 10-21-2003 07:47 PM


Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Airstream, Inc. or any of its affiliates. Airstream is a registered trademark of Airstream Inc. All rights reserved. Airstream trademark used under license to Social Knowledge LLC.



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 07:55 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.