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[TB]

While riding Tuesday night, the gas gauge on my '03 SERK instantly went from reading 1/2 a tank to dead empty and the low fuel light came on.  Checked my mirrors for a gas slick behind me but found nothing.  No loss of fuel. [smiley=shocked2.gif]

After a couple of miles, it came back to the 1/2 tank reading again.   Did this several times and then stopped.  Seems OK now but I'm afraid the gauge has mad cow syndrome.  Anyone else have this issue? [smiley=dizzy2.gif]

[don]

All is OK here TB. My first guess wood be a fuel sending unit in side the tank. Let me know  what it turns out to be. Good luck   don

[TB]

I pulled the gauge out last night to check the connections.  All the wire connections on the back of the gauge looked fine and were tight to the screw terminals.  I was, however, amazed at how rusted the gas tank was.  The cavity that the gauge sits into was completely covered with rust.  I cleaned it up and gave it a coating of wheel bearing grease to prevent further rusting.  [smiley=confused5.gif]

I don't think the rust has anything to do with the gauge malfunction.  You are probable correct that it is the sending unit.  If it keeps acting up, I'll have to check that out next.  Considering the accuracy of the gauge, it is mostly useless anyway.  [smiley=shifty.gif] I use the mileage method instead. [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

[Twolanerider]

I pulled the gauge out last night to check the connections.  All the wire connections on the back of the gauge looked fine and were tight to the screw terminals.  I was, however, amazed at how rusted the gas tank was.  The cavity that the gauge sits into was completely covered with rust.  I cleaned it up and gave it a coating of wheel bearing grease to prevent further rusting.  [smiley=confused5.gif]

I don't think the rust has anything to do with the gauge malfunction.  You are probable correct that it is the sending unit.  If it keeps acting up, I'll have to check that out next.  Considering the accuracy of the gauge, it is mostly useless anyway.  [smiley=shifty.gif] I use the mileage method instead. [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

That hole getting nasty and rusty isn't uncommon on the Road Kings.  Moisture can migrate up the same opening that the wire harness comes through.  Then the moisture just hangs around in there.  You can even pull that cap on a hot day a bit after having filled the thank full of nice cool fuel and find condensation in the hole from the temperature difference.  Good catch.

[TB]

Gee, if it wasn't so wet and nasty in there, it'd make a great stash tube.  Only problem is that I've killed so many brain cells over the years that I've fogotten what I needed to stash!!!!! [smiley=mad.gif]

[ccr]

Gee, if it wasn't so wet and nasty in there, it'd make a great stash tube.  Only problem is that I've killed so many brain cells over the years that I've fogotten what I needed to stash!!!!! [smiley=mad.gif]

That is hilarious!  My memory is bad too.   [smiley=huepfenjump3.gif]  My gas gauge read 1/4 full when I was completely out of gas.  Dropped to empty and gas light came on at the pump.  Then I added 5.47 gallons of gas.  Great tool if you just like to be confused.  

[Twolanerider]

That is hilarious!  My memory is bad too.   [smiley=huepfenjump3.gif]  My gas gauge read 1/4 full when I was completely out of gas.  Dropped to empty and gas light came on at the pump.  Then I added 5.47 gallons of gas.  Great tool if you just like to be confused.  

Mrs We, just read the above.  Did this mean that your speedometer got replaced to fix the low fuel warning light or that it ended up being that it just comes on way way late ?

[ccr]

My gas gauge does all kinds of weird things, none of which tells what is going on inside the gas tank, except that it does seem to be very good at indicating absolutely full, when it is absolutely full.  I have not had my gas sensor replaced, I am still struggling to find a HD shop to look after my warranty issues.  I have found a real good chop shop to do engine work and work I am willing to pay for. Unfortuneately I have just found out that only a HD shop can do HD warranty work.  Since I have learned my lesson to pay attention to my mileage, this issue about my loopy gas gauge is certainly not bad enough for me to loose a lot of sleep over.  

One time, when I was riding with Lugnut57 from this site, I was standing on the edge of I-95 with not a drop of gas left in the tank and my gas gauge read 1/4 full - no low fuel light on.  Lugnut went and got me a little gas to get me to the gas pumps. When I sputtered into the gas pump and hit the kill switch, then, and only then, did my gas gauge move to the empty position and the low gas light came on.  Pretty cool, don't you think?  Now it shows all kinds of levels of gas, most that don't make any sense relative to the number of miles driven.  I just love the quality of the parts that make up my very wonderful bike. It is still wonderful, even though seemly put together with flawed parts.  [smiley=huepfenlol2.gif]

[TB]

Hmmmm, another interesting question.  Why can only HD dealers perform warranty?

In fact, I believe that is the case for only the normal warranty period.  Warranty claims beyond the normal HD warranty (covered by the extended warranty contract) can be performed by non-HD dealers as long as they are a licensed repair facility and the provisions on the back of the extended warranty card are followed.

We (I am one of three partnes for North Coast Cycle, LLC   - - - check us on the web at:  www.nccycle.com  -  sorry for the plug!!!) are currently in the process of testing these waters and have a bike in our shop for (guess what) a sending unit claim.  Haven't collect any HD $$$$$ yet, but will know for sure soon.

[ccr]

...Why can only HD dealers perform warranty?  In fact, I believe that is the case for only the normal warranty period.  Warranty claims beyond the normal HD warranty (covered by the extended warranty contract) can be performed by non-HD dealers as long as they are a licensed repair facility and the provisions on the back of the extended warranty card are followed.

Hi TB.  I have seen pictures of your shop with the SERK in front, and I have always been jealous at the size of your garage. Silly me, never thought it was a business.  I don't think anyone minds the pug.  I am very interested in this topic.  I was told that an HD shop had to do HD service under warranty.  Who told me?  A HD service shop, of course.  [smiley=nixweiss.gif]

If this is not the case, then I can go to a service shop, only 14 miles from my house. They are great from what I can see. I have had quite a few reccomendations.  A very good friend and one who is very particular about his engine, drives more than 100 miles to have John Meade, Performance Tech at http://ProStreetCycles.net  do his tuning.  I feel real good about going here. I would have them do everything.  I have the normal warranty and purchased the extended warranty as well.  If ProStreetCycles is allowed to do HD service on warranty items, I am all for going to them.  I can work warranty work in at the same time I am getting regular maintenance done, and that is less time my bike is not in my own garage. I am not able to do my own services, I have no clue.

Modified;  I called Harley Davidson Customer Service and they say that to get any HD service done covered by warranty, you must go to a HD Service location.  
    Let us know TB about how this works. I am sure I am not the only one who has a motorcycle shop more convenient to them than an HD shop.  ;-)

[TB]

The key is whether or not you are under the normal HD warranty.  If you are still within your HD warranty period (for us '03 owners it was only 12 months) you must have the work done by an authorized HD Dealer.  

The extended warranty is a different matter completely.  It is in effect an insurance policy not held by HD.  From what we can see, they are willing to allow other shops the ability to file claims.  I would venture a guess that they are trying to save money vs having only HD Dealers perform the work.  I will keep you posted on how we make out with our first claim and the necessary paperwork.

[shovelhead71]

TB - unusual extended warranty personel would allow an outside vendor to cover a claim - as all claims must be called in for verification and authorized - times unusual circumstances have allowed outside vendors to make a repair - this is strange

[Coolbreeze]

I can back this up to a degree...   I got an extended warrantee at a great rate on my older bike...  I can get work done under the extended warrantee anywhere, although they prefer HD [bgcolor=Red]auth'd [/bgcolor] maintenance,  they will pay anybody that does the work and turns in the claim form. (Great for smoked clutches on hot motors that the dealership wouldn't get close to!)  

For work under the HD warrantee, it has to be an HD stealership...

[don]

Hey TB just wondering how the fuel gage problem is comming along. Latter don

[TB]

Don,

Sorry it took me so long to reply.  I've been out to the Tail of the Dragon, Blue Ridge Parkway and Virginia State HOG rally.  It was a great trip of 2500 miles in 6 days.  

I've had no further issues with the gas gauge.  Guess I'll just keep an eye on it for now and wait until it completely takes a dump.

TB