Dual tanks work, but maybe not switching the gauge?

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

JM in KY

Full Access Member
Joined
Oct 27, 2022
Posts
55
Reaction score
88
Location
Lexington, KY
First Name
John
Truck Year
1987
Truck Model
Sierra Classic
Engine Size
350
I’ve recently replaced the fuel selector valve on my 87 GMC R1500. Also replaced the switch inside the cab. I’m pretty sure the tanks switch, because I can hear a change in tone under the truck when I select the right tank (like the right pump makes a slightly different noise).

However, there’s no change in the fuel gauge when I flip the switch. Both tanks were full a week ago, but I’ve driven about 50 miles only on the right tank since then. Maybe I just need to give it some time and more miles to run more gas out of one tank, but it behaved similarly before replacing the valve and switch. The main difference was the truck would instantly die when switched to the right tank before I replaced those parts. Fuel gauge didn’t seem to change then either.

Ideas? Is it possible to switch the tanks but somehow only get fuel level readings from one tank? All the wiring I’ve encountered so far appears to be original. I’ve not found any splicing or re-wiring anywhere in the truck.
 

Tank6x2

Supporting Member
Supporting Member
Joined
Mar 27, 2017
Posts
837
Reaction score
705
Location
Edmonton Alberta Canada
First Name
Kurt
Truck Year
79/86
Truck Model
C30
Engine Size
350, TH400.4:10 gears 2WD
I’ve recently replaced the fuel selector valve on my 87 GMC R1500. Also replaced the switch inside the cab. I’m pretty sure the tanks switch, because I can hear a change in tone under the truck when I select the right tank (like the right pump makes a slightly different noise).

However, there’s no change in the fuel gauge when I flip the switch. Both tanks were full a week ago, but I’ve driven about 50 miles only on the right tank since then. Maybe I just need to give it some time and more miles to run more gas out of one tank, but it behaved similarly before replacing the valve and switch. The main difference was the truck would instantly die when switched to the right tank before I replaced those parts. Fuel gauge didn’t seem to change then either.

Ideas? Is it possible to switch the tanks but somehow only get fuel level readings from one tank? All the wiring I’ve encountered so far appears to be original. I’ve not found any splicing or re-wiring anywhere in the truck.
Check the tank level wire top of the tank
 

Ron Sebastian

Full Access Member
Joined
Nov 8, 2018
Posts
259
Reaction score
246
Location
Vero Beach
First Name
Ron
Truck Year
1987
Truck Model
Custom Deluxe V10
Engine Size
350
Long shot, but after a lot of parts changing, a bad ground on the switch cured a big problem of gauge not reading right. Check your ground wire and ground to the switch.
 

Latest posts

Forum statistics

Threads
42,102
Posts
909,122
Members
33,586
Latest member
ssgmike
Top