Replace fuel gauge or Instrument cluster?

Thanks to the diagnostics found in

http://www.monsterslayer.com/jeep/Gauges.

I know my fuel gauge needs to be replaced in the instrument cluster. But the cost of the guage (you have to buy temp and gas gauge at same time) is around $60 while the cost of the complete instrument cluster (with Speedo) is around $100.

However I'm real proud of the low mileage on my 66 CJ5 (now only 18.600) and I'm tempted to just replace the guages and keep the original cluster.

Any one who's tried to replace the fuel gauge have any advice to offer? Is worth it or should I just replace the whole cluster? If I replace the cluster, is it easy to adjust the odometer to the actual miles?
Eddy

 

I've replaced many gauges. It is a straightforward thing to bend out the crimp in the back and remove the odo from the rest. You can get to the gauge from there.

Two words of advice
1) You'll be tempted to 'try it out' before reinstalling the cluster. That is usually not a good idea. Problem is that the grounding is such that if the gauge is not properly grounded it is easy to burn out the sender in the tank.

2) I replaced a fuel gauge last month and I did not check to see if the needle on the gauge was free to move back and forth. After reassembly I find that it sticks because it rubs and sticks against the speedo housing.

So it'll stay that way 'till I get motivated to remove it, form the needle, and reassemble.

You might try buying a speedo off of ebay, or in the WANTED on this forum. You could get the whole speedo, remove the gauge you want and it could be cheaper.

 

I took my speedo apart last year because the pointer was jumping around. I was amazed at how easy it is to service everthing inside, includeing the gas gauge. By the way my speedo now works like new and I got to keep my mileage on the odo not to mention it only cost me a mornings time. Mike

 

Mike, what did you do to stop the jumping, mine does that between 0-20mph.
Eddy

 

Cleaned al the old nasty grease off with spray brake cleaner and lubed everything with white grease. Mike

 

etu - I've got a cluster from a dash panel I bought last year. It's either a 55 or a 56...don't know if the F/T gauges work but your welcome to it for the cost of shipping. Where are you located?

 

Grumpy...I've got a '56...if etu doesn't want it can I have it?

 

Sure Rondog...etu???

 

Thanks Grumpy
It's hard to turn down your offer but I ordered a fuel gauge last week. Rondog, it must be your day!!

Eddy

 

Suh-weet!!!
Grumpy...details? Send me a PM.

Ron