Author Topic: what side is the primary gas tank  (Read 6691 times)

Offline Swamp82

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what side is the primary gas tank
« on: May 14, 2013, 05:57:52 pm »
hey guys i just picked up an 85 silverado, the passenger side tank is not there, im not sure if it matters what tank is removed but my gas gauge is not working..i checked the tech tips but im terrible at reading wiring schematics. i pulled the cluster its all plugged in.i have a pic here of the wires 2 pink 2 green the pink are hot and i get nothing from the greens, are theses my problem?..or do i need drop the tank and check the ground on the driver side sending unit? any help would be appreciated..

Offline zieg85

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Re: what side is the primary gas tank
« Reply #1 on: May 14, 2013, 06:03:53 pm »
In 1985 the primary tank is the drivers side. 
Carl 
1985 C20 Scottsdale 7.4L 4 speed 3.21
1986 C10 under construction
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Offline Swamp82

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Re: what side is the primary gas tank
« Reply #2 on: May 14, 2013, 06:07:24 pm »
ok so will the gauge stop reading if the other tank is removed?

Online bd

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Re: what side is the primary gas tank
« Reply #3 on: May 14, 2013, 07:59:27 pm »
Referring to your image, the pink wire runs to the fuel gauge, the pink/white to the left fuel tank, and the pink/black to the right tank. 

While the ignition is switched ON:  temporarily connect the pink wire to a clean ground - the dash gauge should register empty.  With the connector unplugged as you've pictured it, the gauge should read well past full at about the 3 o'clock position.  Jumper the pink to pink/white and the gauge should indicate the fuel level of the left (driver side) tank.

The green wires in your image are power and ground to the selector valve.  Which green is power and which green is ground depends on the position of the dash switch.

If the selector valve is still installed and plumbed, as long as the valve is fully set to the left tank, whether the right tank is physically there or not is immaterial.  But, since the right tank is "gone," if you're not planning on replacing it, remove the selector valve too and plumb the lines directly to the left tank.  Then jumper pink to pink/white and (assuming your dash gauge and tank unit are okay) your gauge should function correctly.
Rich
It's difficult to know just how much you don't know until you know it.
In other words... if people learn by making mistakes, by now I should know just about everything!!!
87 R10 Silverado Fleetside 355 MPFI 700R4 3.42 Locker (aka Rusty, aka Mater)

Offline Swamp82

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Re: what side is the primary gas tank
« Reply #4 on: May 14, 2013, 08:14:24 pm »
that is great news. it is currently way past the full mark.. i will do that first thing in the morning. thank you, i greatly appreciate the help.

Offline Swamp82

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Re: what side is the primary gas tank
« Reply #5 on: May 14, 2013, 08:28:11 pm »
UPDATE....i couldnt wait till the morning..i jumped them and it worked 1/4 tank of gas ohh yeah lol...again thank you very much bd

Online bd

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Re: what side is the primary gas tank
« Reply #6 on: May 14, 2013, 10:02:37 pm »
You're welcome!  When you get the opportunity, stop by the Welcome Section of the site for a Meet-N-Greet, so everyone can say hello!
Rich
It's difficult to know just how much you don't know until you know it.
In other words... if people learn by making mistakes, by now I should know just about everything!!!
87 R10 Silverado Fleetside 355 MPFI 700R4 3.42 Locker (aka Rusty, aka Mater)