My 98 4.0/autodisco's fuel gage took a dump recently. After filling up with 10%ethanol fuel for the first time, about 50 miles later my gage started to sink slowly until it was pinned at the bottom w/reserve light on. I am unsure if the ethanol could have anything to do with it, but I assume it is the sending unit. Can anyone tell me if I can get a new sending unit or do I have to replace the whole pump. I found a used unit/pump for $100us (have not purchased yet), andI have to order a replacement gasket. Anything else it could be or anything else I need. Any additional information would be much appreciated.
Thanks ..... Bill

 

Same exact thing happended to me - 10% ethenol. I also own a 98 disco 1. After about 2 tanks later the problem has disapearred. I don't know if it's the ethanol or what but I have since switched gas stations and am doing great. Wait it out for a few tanks and see what happens. Don't use the ethanol anymore.

 

Happened to me too. Driving to Chicago, I just thought my gauge was going out. Hasn't done it since....

 

It's no t the gas, hell I have been running it for years with no side effects except for the stink of the fuel as you are filling the tank.
If it doesn't correct it self, you will be looking at a new fuel pump to correct the problem.
Mike

 

I had a pin hole in my float, thus making the float the same weight as the gas. Guage would move sometimes and sometimes not. Replaced the float for $5 off of a used sender unit.

 

Thanks for the responses, since the problem started I have not used ethanol again and the gage gradually got better and better, and now isworking properlyagain. ( two tanks of gas, andyes this makes no sense to me) If it happens again I'll assume it's on it's way out and just replace the whole unit and/or check the float. Thanks all for the input and advice ............ Bill

 

wow kinda funny this happened to me also after filling up at a sunoco station, dropped below empty and then filled up slowly at a red light i thought my car was Christine for a moment :P

 

The type of gas has no effect on the fuel sending unit, there were some other factors playing with this truck.
Mike

 

Gauge holds at half a tank even after a fill up. It read full once since a fill up but did not stay there. Started this about a week ago. Any ideas?

 

Float assembly/ fuel level switch is failing.