Is it worth replacing the Fuel Level Indicator?

[LeonKing]

I have a curvy SV and have today replaced the tank with a second hand one. The tank that was on when i bought the SV a month or so back was tatty and had a very dodgy repair job that i didn't trust to last. Had run the old tank down so that the petrol light was flashing before i swapped tanks.

After swapping tanks and checking there were no leaks i filled the new tank up with the filtered contents of the old tank, guessing 1-2 liters. New tank came fitted with a fuel level indicator. When i turn on the ignition the fuel light is on solid for a few seconds before going out.

1, I am thinking that the indicator should then start flashing? I remember the old one was flashing (in use admittedly, don't recall if it flashed while stationary but i assume it should have?) so surely it should now be flashing while stationary?

2, I'm guessing that it is a float type system, is there any chance it could have bcome stuck in a set position and filling the tank would reset the gauge balance so that it works correctly?

2, I know the fuel level indicator light is a really useful thing to have but is it worth the hassle of changing and ensuring a good seal around the "float"...is it much hassle at all? I know i have a working float in the old tank.

3, What compound should be used to ensure a good seal if changing the float?

Fairly new to bikes and very new to SV's so any help greatly appreciated.
Thanks

[Sally]

Depends what year the tank if off! *I think*

My old K3 only had a solid fuel light.

My K5 has a flashing light and then a solid light.

Tried filling it up? Then running it down? You might have lost some fuel transferring it over?

Someone more knowledgeable will be along soon.. :)

[beabert]

When the fuel level dops below approx 3.5 litres, the light flickers. When drops below approx 1.5 litres it remains lit.

Thats what my user manual says for a sv650x 1999 curvy.

[LeonKing]

Thanks for the quick reply, should have stated that it is a 2000 so the light flashed for about 20 miles then went on solid so needed fuel asap. Having said that all i know about the new tank is that its from a curvy, were they all the same or did the later ones perhaps just operate the solid light? As i remember it the wiring clip had all wires the same though.

Haven't tried filling it up yet as i don't want the aggro of decanting the fuel into small jerry cans...although thinking about it 5 litres would be enough to prove if the float mechanism is working so would then empty into one can.

[sunshine]

on a 2000 curvy its the same as a 99.

fill her up then test ride her 90-120miles (depending on riding) and see if the fuel light starts to flash it works.

[yorkie_chris]

It's not a float mechanism, it's solid state, works by the fuel being an efficient conductor of heat compared to air.

It is common for them to come adrift from the mounting.

[LeonKing]

Thanks all for the replies, so i think the general thinking is that i just need to put fuel in, use it up and see if the light comes on?

If the sensor is not working, is it much trouble to change and how do i seal the join where the sender unit meets the tank?

yorkie chris: thanks for the steer on the sensor type, if it has come adrift will it be loose in the tank or just adrift as in not conducting but still in situ?

Thanks for all the advice so far, i'll keep you updated on how investigations go.

[appollo1]

when fuel get low my curvey light flashes at first then flashes faster and eventually the light stays on. even when stationary.

[DarrenSV650S]

When I run out of fuel I just get appollo to get me some ;)

[davepreston]

my fuel light doesnt engage for about 5 mins . eg i park bike with light flashing, turn off engine, wait 5 mins ,restart engine no flashing light, runn for 5 mins flashing ligh re appears. hth

[phi-dan]

tf = ps+1

where tf is the time taken for the fuel light to start flashing, and ps is the distance to the nearest petrol station. This equation only holds true when you forgot to fill up the night before!
(or is it just me?)

[yorkie_chris]

Thanks all for the replies, so i think the general thinking is that i just need to put fuel in, use it up and see if the light comes on?

If the sensor is not working, is it much trouble to change and how do i seal the join where the sender unit meets the tank?

yorkie chris: thanks for the steer on the sensor type, if it has come adrift will it be loose in the tank or just adrift as in not conducting but still in situ?

Thanks for all the advice so far, i'll keep you updated on how investigations go.

there is a metal "rail" pointing up into the tank, the 2 sensors are like small cans soldered (IIRC) to this. They come off the rail and hang on their wires. On my the top one failed. I believe this needs to show "no fuel" before the "really low" one will light its lamp as they depend on the rail for an earth connection.

Take the sensor out, I reckon the problem will be obvious. Maybe it will solder easily back on. (or maybe heat of soldering will do further damage, but if it does, it was broke anyway!)


I would show you a picture, but I couldn't find the broken sensor.

[LeonKing]

When i started the bike up today to take it to the garage and put fuel in, guess what...the fuel light is flashing.

Not sure if this is because the sensor would have been wet from pouring the original litre or so in or from sloshing it around when i propped the tank up. Either way it appears to be working fine now, didn't actually put fuel in as want to do about 10 miles with a petrol can strapped to the sport rack and check that the light stays on when its really low.

Anyway, big thanks again for all the help and good advice.