Forum Discussion

chuckm50's avatar
chuckm50
Explorer
Sep 04, 2015

Diesel Fuel Tank Sending unit

2002 Winnebago Journey 36 dl Fuel Tank


Fuel tank float gauge 2002 Winnebago Journey
I have a 2002 Winnebago Journey 36 dl. The fuel tank is full and the gauge reads empty. It has been fluctuating for the past 1500 miles or so. It would do ok between 3/4 and 1/2 tank but when it got to 1/2 tank it would go close to empty.
I would pull over to fuel and it would only take 22 to 25 gallons. then would only show 3/4 full.
Finally the other day on a short trip it went to empty and will not move.
I filled it so I know its full.
My question is how to get the float out of the diesel tank? looks like it is on the top of the tank, do you have to drop the tank for access?
On a side note when I turn the ignition on I see a slight movement in the dash gauge so I'm thinking that is working.
Class A
  • w4phj's avatar
    w4phj
    Explorer
    Sep 05, 2015
    Years ago when my sender failed, I got a verbal proposal of 500-600
    bucks to drop the tank and replace the sender from Freightliner.

    After trouble shooting the sender, I installed a 330 ohm resistor
    in the signal line connector to shut up the warning systems.

    Now my fuel gauge always reads 1/8 tank.

    I travel about 400-500 miles using the trip odometer and then fill up.
  • smlranger's avatar
    smlranger
    Explorer
    Sep 05, 2015
    Had same coach for 8 years. I fixed a bunch of things but never had to mess with fuel tank. I seem to remember you could see top of tank from inside left front wheel area but not sure there is room to work.

    I would call the Freightliner help number and ask them if there is any way you can do that without dropping the tank. It is the XC chassis and they should be able to tell you. If not, Winnebago could certainly tell you.
  • JackMS's avatar
    JackMS
    Explorer
    Sep 05, 2015
    I had to replace the generator suction hose on mine. Not sure how yours is setup but I was able to go into a storage compartment and cut an access hole to get to top of tank. Put some brackets on the piece I cut out to make it a removable access panel for the future.
  • jtfcons's avatar
    jtfcons
    Explorer
    Sep 04, 2015
    Personally, I would first look at all the electrical connections involved before messing with stuff inside the tank. Over time corrosion is a problem. On my bus I was having very unreliable readings for the fuel gage. I found that the connectors very close to the tank were loose and corroded looking. I took them apart, cleaned them up, put anti-corrosion grease on them and put them back together. Has worked ever since.
  • chuckm50's avatar
    chuckm50
    Explorer
    Sep 04, 2015
    Thanks its full so I will have to run it down. Not able to do it for a while I will post when complete. By the way why are you glad you did it?
  • rhochnadel's avatar
    rhochnadel
    Explorer
    Sep 04, 2015
    No way around it, you will have to drop the tank to replace the sending unit. I finally broke down and did mine this summer. Glad I
    did it.
    P.S. Those of you with a pickup truck can lift the bed of the truck to get to the sending unit, still not an easy task.
    • bunlacken's avatar
      bunlacken
      Explorer
      May 28, 2024

      A little late for this idea
      To drop the tank enough to work on top.
      Lower the coach completely, place 8x8x16 wooden blocks & 2x4s as necessary under the tank hangers. Loosen the bolts & allow the tank to sit on the blocks.
      Now raise the coach with the front jacks to make enough room to work overhead.
      Horses or more blocks under the frame for safety. No emptying the tank necessary. Don't forget disconnect fill & vent pipes
      Should make life a little easier. I'm doing mine tomorrow

  • chuckm50's avatar
    chuckm50
    Explorer
    Sep 04, 2015
    Thanks Ivylog and Busskipper, I just don't like gauges that don't work. I understand it will probably be a pain but I feel it needs to be fixed. My real question is can the unit be accessed between the tank and the floor of the motorhome?
  • Busskipper's avatar
    Busskipper
    Explorer
    Sep 04, 2015
    Ivylog wrote:
    I've had much the same problem although after 30 minutes it will work for a little while some of the time. I reset my trip odometer when I fill up and I know how many miles I can go before getting low on fuel so I've stopped worrying about it not working since I'm the only driver. I also have a display that tells me how many gallons used and it's always within a few of what it takes to fill up. No way would I drop the tank to fix it.


    If you have ever dropped a tank you will not ever like doing it again!

    Just either write down the info on a sheet so as to always know what you have in the tank, or fill the tank every time you stop or go, or as Ivy says reset the trip tic, that tank is a PIA.

    IVY, has summed it up well.
  • Ivylog's avatar
    Ivylog
    Explorer III
    Sep 04, 2015
    I've had much the same problem although after 30 minutes it will work for a little while some of the time. I reset my trip odometer when I fill up and I know how many miles I can go before getting low on fuel so I've stopped worrying about it not working since I'm the only driver. I also have a display that tells me how many gallons used and it's always within a few of what it takes to fill up. No way would I drop the tank to fix it.

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