missing fuel tank power wire..

I have a 1986 chevy that I have bought recently. I am missing the power wire that runs from the top of the tank to the cluster. My question is does anyone know where on the cluster this wire goes so I can run a new one? The owners before me have cut and removed alot of the wiring so this leaves me lost on what wire it is. Thanks to all that can help me.  

Not sure on a 86, but this is usually a ground circuit. The gauge is hot when the switch is on and ground is through the sending unit.  
Jim
70 El Camino
461 solid, m20,
pics in readers rides

the fuel level wire is usually pink...      it goes all the way to the back of the instrument cluster..   without changing color..  but through several connectors...


the tank is usually grounded...   the float lever swings with fuel level..  there is a resistor on the fuel pickup... the float arm moves a contact along the wound resistor... changing its value..    

the back of the fuel gauge has 3 wires on it...   switched ignition...     ground ...  and the pink wire from the tank..

if they cut the wire off the sending unit.. it is probably best to start with a new sending unit.. some are now available after market..   but you did not post what model car you have....

there is not really any power that runs along that wire...   you really would not like the results.. unless you name is rocket car bob...



if you car wiring harness has been removed...  there are several pieces... that unplug...

the under dash harness is the big piece..   the harness that runs to the back of the car is  usually a flat ribbon cable in a casing under the carpet...  there are connectors at both ends.. one near the parking brake pedal.. the other near the trunk hinges...   the tail lights have their own harness... that plugs into the middle flat harness...  so it is usually a simple job to redo the rear half of the car...  

Have you looked into a haynes or chiltons manual?  You would be amazed the info you can get from the guys in the bays at a dealership, they are truly class acts for the most part!  

thanks. I have found someone who will part with the whoe dash so I can make a direct replacement, eliminating me searching fot wires and wondering where they go. I didnt metion that this is a 1986 chevy pickup. I believe you are right it is a pink wire that runs from the cluster to the fule tank I will be sure when I pull the other wiring in the nest few days.  

autozone.com has the wiring diagrams for that year of chevy truck...  join.. log in.. select your truck... above where your truck shows up.. there will be a repair info link...    look at the bottom of the chassis electrical frame..   wiring diagrams..