Gas Problem.

[prdquik]

Here's the problem. I have been filling my car up every 170~200 miles because the gas gauge is showing it at empty. Yesterday I was looking through the back of the 92 240sx manual thing and I noticed it said the gas tank size is 15 7/8 gallons. Now while my gas gauge shows empty it only takes about 11 1/2 gallons. So this whole time I've been thinking my gas tank was only 12 gallons. So I'm guessing my gas gauge is messed up. Has anyone had any similar issues? And is there any way to fix it?

[wrightme43]

I believe the fuel sender (level) is attached to the fuel pump as a unit. Only real way to fix it is to remove and replace the fuel pump and sender as a unit.

[OutToWinPAHC]

Senders go bad over time. Junk build up on the resistive coil. Order a sender or a whole pump / sender combo.

[prdquik]

So thats what it is? Is there any way to take it out and clean it or something?

[Feadz]

I have the same problem. My gauge yesterday was showing just a hair above E and it only took in 11 gallons.

Also, one night it just went crazy and dropped way below E at idle then climbed when accelerating, even though I had a more than half a tank.

It never really bothered me though because it only happened that one night.

[edmontontom22]

i have the exact same problem but about 10 times worse, i never have a clue where my fuel level is at i can be full one minute and bone dry the next haha. i guess i will try ordering a new sender then

[prdquik]

I believe the fuel sender (level) is attached to the fuel pump as a unit. Only real way to fix it is to remove and replace the fuel pump and sender as a unit.

Senders go bad over time. Junk build up on the resistive coil. Order a sender or a whole pump / sender combo.

So can I replace just the sender? It seems like both of you are saying 2 different things. And does anyone know where I can order a pump/sender?

[spolitte]

So can I replace just the sender? It seems like both of you are saying 2 different things. And does anyone know where I can order a pump/sender?

Not sure if the sender is attached to the pump on the 240; however, I'd guess you can order a new unit from a major autoparts store like checkers/kragen, advanced auto, or one of those guys. Always carried them in stock when I needed a new pump for my GM vehicles and run about $60-$100 for the whole unit. Also, there is always the over priced replacement piece from your local dealership. And finally, you can look into aftermarket fuel pumps such as the a Walbro unit if neither of the above options suit your needs. Happy hunting

[OutToWinPAHC]

I looked last night to see if the sender was available separate, and I could not find it. All I found was a while pump / sender unit. They were in the range of 120-180 bucks. It was gasket, strainer, pump, sending unit and float. So a whole drop in.

[wrightme43]

Where I work I have the whole online catalog, of autozone, oriellys, advance, napa, federated, and carquest. Nowhere did I see that the sender was available seperate. Does that mean its not? Nope, just not very likely. You can find almost anything if you have unlimited time and money. The most cost effective, quickest way to repair your problem is to use your odometer as your fuel gauge. Next if that wont work for you, is to buy a sender/pump unit.

[Hoffman5982]

Ive seen online that it says its over a 15 gallon tank. I think its wrong because In both s14s ive owned I can only put 11-12 gallons when on empty

[prdquik]

Ive seen online that it says its over a 15 gallon tank. I think its wrong because In both s14s ive owned I can only put 11-12 gallons when on empty

wow that's weird. Same problem I'm having but I'm pretty sure its just my gas gauge.

[prdquik]

Is there a way to clean the sender unit?

[RustspecS13]

You wont ever be able to put in 15 7/8 gallons. The sending unit/fuel pump assembly doesn't sit on the bottom of the tank, the filter on the fuel pump has to be off the bottom so it has fuel all around it to pull in.

Also Nissan, actually all car manufactures, build in a reserve that even after you hit E you'll probably have 1-3 gallons left. In our cars its probably 1-2, plus the gas you'll never be able to get to for your total of ~15 gal.

But 200 miles on 11 gal is pathetic.That works out to 14-17mpg! I beat the CRAP out of my sohc, and I get 24-28mpg, and I even have a 255lph* walboro and my car is untuned. So it should be running rich, but I don't think it is.

Sounds like you need a tune up or something more serious like a o2 sensor or maf.

*the walboro is for my rb20 that's being rebuilt

~Alex