Dead fuel gauge...

[greenmonster]

Put the bike back on the road today. Slipped in the battery, fired up no problem. Before heading out, I know I looked at the fuel gauge and it indicated full. This is before I started the bike and rode off. So, I go out for a ride, just happened to look down and the arrow is all the way down. Dead. Fuses are fine. Don't see any disconnected wires. I have zilch experience with electrical systems. To me, schematics look like a maze. Anyone have experience with this sort of problem and how to hunt down the cause? I live in Waltham, and can ride to whomever can work a fix with this. 97 kawi zx900r ninja, if that helps any. We'll settle up for your time, etc., plus I'll learn something in the process.

[richw]

Set trip meter

get gas at about 125 miles

[greenmonster]

Set trip meter

get gas at about 125 miles

lol...was hoping to fix what the underlying problem is.

[Rambunctous]

The gauge is simply a volt meter. Instead of 1 volt it says E. Instead of 6V it says 1/2. Firsrt put a VOM at the wire and see what it says. Then to bench test the sending unit you need a outside power source and a VOM and manually move the float up and down and check its output. The sending unit is simply a variable resistor.

[greenmonster]

The gauge is simply a volt meter. Instead of 1 volt it says E. Instead of 6V it says 1/2. Firsrt put a VOM at the wire and see what it says. Then to bench test the sending unit you need a outside power source and a VOM and manually move the float up and down and check its output. The sending unit is simply a variable resistor.

Mike, you just reaffirmed my lack of wiring and testing knowledge, lol. I know that what you're telling me makes sense to someone like yourself who can do it with eyes closed, and that's why I'd like someone to take a look at this. It's better if I see it and do it hands on...so if anyone has an hour or so, it'd be appreciated!

[Rambunctous]

I work weekends and bust balls on this forum weekdays. A hour isn't much. I got nuttin to do weekdays if you wish me to take a look.

[Rambunctous]

In case the sender unit has to come out you should get a new gasket beforehand. Or else you will be referring to the other post about leaks.

[greenmonster]

Looked around bikebandit today...didn't see anything about sender units, sender gaskets, etc. Just a few listings for Polaris and Yamaha. Even checked with sales/customer service. Told em I needed a fuel sender unit gasket. Instead, got a listing for the fuel gauge itself, lol. I've gotten a bunch of stuff from them, but no dice this time. I'll keep looking...I just hope the gaskets can be bought w/o having to get the unit along with it. Otherwise, I'll have to takes me chances with the original.

[butcher bergs]

What are the chances that the in-tank float is stuck?

[Rambunctous]

Looked around bikebandit today...didn't see anything about sender units, sender gaskets, etc. Just a few listings for Polaris and Yamaha. Even checked with sales/customer service. Told em I needed a fuel sender unit gasket. Instead, got a listing for the fuel gauge itself, lol. I've gotten a bunch of stuff from them, but no dice this time. I'll keep looking...I just hope the gaskets can be bought w/o having to get the unit along with it. Otherwise, I'll have to takes me chances with the original.

It is possible to have a reuseable O ring too.

[greenmonster]

What are the chances that the in-tank float is stuck?

A good chance, I'd say. Worth a look-see. Thanks for the heads up!

[greenmonster]

It is possible to have a reuseable O ring too.

hmmm...do you mean there might be an o-ring in place with my sensor instead of a gasket? That would be great if it did. Now, to find out which it is...and the size should it need replacing. I'll call around to a bike dealer or two...see if they have parts lists/manuals that go back that far, lol

Anyone know of a good dealer that carries kawi's? I'll check w/GBM, where I bought the bike.

[stoinkythepig]

Assuming the sender is bad, you'll need a gasket 11060-1337 and a sender 52005-1108

[greenmonster]

Assuming the sender is bad, you'll need a gasket 11060-1337 and a sender 52005-1108

Thanks, Dave! Where did you get these part #'s? They sure as hell aren't in online sites (that I've visited)...they all have the same schematics, and none list either the sender or the gasket/o-ring.

[stoinkythepig]

www.buykawasaki.com has full parts diagrams under owner info\parts diagrams. It's a bit hard to find, but they are comprehensive and handy. The part I listed has the float attached.

[greenmonster]

www.buykawasaki.com has full parts diagrams under owner info\parts diagrams. It's a bit hard to find, but they are comprehensive and handy. The part I listed has the float attached.

...now why didn't I think...

[TLRMan]

You got a PM my friend....

[csmutty]

Any Kawi parts fiche has it. I found it on http://www.midtownkawasaki.com/fiche...s&mfg=Kawasaki

[greenmonster]

Thanks, guys, for the links and the parts #'s...Mucho appreciated!