Fuel Gauge Problem

TimP · Oct 22, 2025

Hi All. I have a B3000 and have recently developed a problem with the fuel gauge.

It has been indicating a completely full tank, in spite of it actually being close to empty.

I don't know if it's a problem with the sensor/float inside the tank, or the gauge itself.

Any tips or suggestions on how to diagnose, and repair, the problem?

Thanks !

Chewwy · Oct 22, 2025

The workshop manual for your machine should tell you how to check the fuel level sensor resistance vs a reference value. If you machine is like my L3240, your fuel guage is part of the electronic instrument and not individually replacable (i.e., mucho $$$s).

number two · Oct 22, 2025

I think you still have the analog gauges?
There is a resistance measurement that can be made for the sending unit.
Min to max as the float moves up and down.
Perhaps one of the wires has broken,or become disconnected?
There was a thread several years ago with member srs with a B3030HSDC which went thru the testing.
More than likely the same as your tractor.
Good Luck &keep us posted!

TimP · Oct 28, 2025

Chewwy, Thanks. I do have a "Shop Manual" somewhere. I"ll have to find it and dig deeper.

Number two2, Yes, my B3000 is VERY similar to the B3030HSDC. I"ll search for the thread.

I think I"ll pull the dash to see if, perhaps, there is a loose wire or dirty/corroded connection.

IF the gauge is the problem, I hope I can replace "just" the gauge and not have to do the entire gauge panel.

Then figure out where the "sender" comes out of the tank so I can check resistance.

Chewwy · Oct 28, 2025

I had an old David Brown 990 where none of the guages worked (oil pressure, engine temp, fuel tank level, battery charging). I used it for years bush hogging.

It was very frugal and predictable on fuel consumption. Ran it hot one time due to a leaking radiator hose. Was able to smell the radiator leakage before the engine was damaged.

TimP · Oct 28, 2025

OMG.... you're lucky it didn't cause damage.

numbertwo..... found that post from srs. WOW, 6 pages just to discover the float was stuck!

I guess that's how diagnosing a problem goes sometimes.

I hope fixing my problem is not so involved.

mjw357 · Oct 29, 2025

The fuel gauge sending unit sits on the left top of the tank behind the instrument panel. I am not having issues with my fuel gauge but the connections are green and I am going to clean them while I have it apart for an unrelated issue. Had to remove some ‘mouse house’ remnants from on top of the fuel tank, no chewing damage luckily.