Fuel Gauge on NH TB110 not working properly

[pharmvet]

The fuel gauge on my tractor has never worked properly since I bought it used. I had it in the shop for some other little issue and mentioned it. They cleaned the "prongs" on some connection and it began to work somewhat but would only register 3/4 tank even when it was brimming to the rim with diesel. I took it back in to have a quick connect installed for using a grapple and mentioned it to them again. They then replaced the sending unit. Since they did not fill up the tank to check it, they could not be sure if it was fixed or not. I took it home and filled it up and it still only registered 3/4 tank. I realize this is not a super huge deal, but I would like for it to work properly.

Is there any way to fill up the tank, and then manually move the fuel gauge needle to register full? Will this solve my problem? thanks

 

[Jerry/MT]

The fuel gauge on my tractor has never worked properly since I bought it used. I had it in the shop for some other little issue and mentioned it. They cleaned the "prongs" on some connection and it began to work somewhat but would only register 3/4 tank even when it was brimming to the rim with diesel. I took it back in to have a quick connect installed for using a grapple and mentioned it to them again. They then replaced the sending unit. Since they did not fill up the tank to check it, they could not be sure if it was fixed or not. I took it home and filled it up and it still only registered 3/4 tank. I realize this is not a super huge deal, but I would like for it to work properly.

Is there any way to fill up the tank, and then manually move the fuel gauge needle to register full? Will this solve my problem? thanks

The gauge is normally not adjustable.
I don't know the details of your tractor so what I am about to say is a general statement about fuel gauging systems.
Most of these sending units work by having a voltage limiter in the circuit to provide about 5V maximum to the gauge circuit. The sending unit is a variable resistor that controls the current to the gauge unit. The gauge unit works by the current heating a bimetal strip that expands and moves the needle. I'd suspect the voltage limiter is faulty or you may have a bad ground somewhere in the circuit that does not allow full current to gauge.
The only way to make it work is to check the ground and make sure it good and then check the voltage limiter.

 

[jimg]

Ive not owned a newer NH tractor w/ a reliable fuel gauge. My TC came w/ a non working unit which was (constantly) fixable by fishing around in the tank w/ a coat hanger to free the float. On my TN I go by seat of the pants according to what Im doing. That is, I know certain jobs require a certain amt of fuel.

 

[pacerron]

I second jimg's method. The hour meter and experience with how much fuel
is used for various implements is a safer way of avoiding having to prime the injectors as a result of running too low.
My old 3910 has the tank in front of the steering wheel which would appear to be about midway so that grades shouldn't have much effect on the gauge
reading but it can change drastically on hills or slopes.
My 4020 ( which would be considered to have a newer more accurrate gauge by jimg's statement) has a tank under the floor with a guage that is also drastically effected by grades plus a vertical tank behind the seat running into it that has a sight tube. That took some getting used to since the gauge indicates full for a few hours until all the fuel is used from the vertical tank and then it changes by 1/2 tank going up and down a field with a 20% grade. The simple sight tube is great and well protected from being snagged.
I have a clipboard at the barn that I write down the hours on each tractor at every fill-up and what I have been using the tractor to do. That is a big help and alerts me of when it is time to stick my bulk tank and call for more fuel to be delivered.