Fuel guage

[donkey]

Question: What fluid is used in a 1928 Pontiac fuel guage, & how to install, & how much to put in guage tank.

Thanks

Don Keys

[Larry]

You really are getting into a system were there is little available information floating around. You would think with all the (circa.) pre-1935 cars around, that this would be a more generally discussed topic. Here's what I know about your fuel gauge.
This is a King-Seeley gauge made in Ann Arbor, MI by a company that was operated by General Motors. It is refered to as a hydrastatic or hydraulic gauge. A tube is located in the tank nearly touching the bottom of the tank. On the gauge head is a glass tube (on some cars straight, on some a U-shape). Either way, a "red fluid" is put into the sight portion of the tube where it "rides" on a column of air which is formed by an air tube which runs from the gauge head to the tube going into the tank. It is critical that air is never blown into the fuel tank or lines as it will blow this fluid out too. It is also important that only air is in this line and not fuel vapor. There are procedures for bleeding this air line.
Now about the mystery "red fluid". It seems to be some carefully garded secret as everywhere it is mysteriously refered to as only "red fluid". It is imprtant though that it be the right "red fluid" as the specific gravity of the fluid affects how accurately it shows fuel level. It also is mentioned to be corrosive.... what the heck could it be?
Well, if you have to know, check with a restoration company in Troy, MI called Classic & Exotic 1-248-269-9414/www.restoration@classicand exotic.com. They sell parts for and do service of King-Seeley gauges. And yes, they sell the liquid.... cleverly called "red fluid" at $12.00 a vile. Check it out at www.restoration@classicandexotic.com/catalog/kingseeley/componemts.htm
Perhaps they will be also be able to help with other needs of your fuel gauge system. It sounds a bit complcated. But, if everything is working fine and you just need some "red fluid", that's not hard. My dad said he remembers crawling under the dash on his old Fords and adding fluid with an eye dropper.
Be sure to let us all know how this project comes out.