[Mhilly]

I stored my 2000 Mariah 250S for the winter and when I launched it yesterday the gas gauge was not working. The fuel level indicator is well below the E sign on the gauge. Any suggestions on how to fix it?

[ShabahZ280]

There's two things it could be. The fuel sender could be bad. If you lift the rear seat, and open the white plastic cap in the floor, you'll have access directly to the fuel sender. There's two connections that go into it, if I remember correctly. First thing I'd do is unplug one wire at a time, get some sandpaper and clean the contacts up a bit. Our boats are notorious for corrosion on wiring. Mariah used a sealing compound on their wiring that didn't hold up very long and allowed corrosion to start in certain areas. Once you do this, try again. If you've still got issues, check around online for ways to check the fuel sender, just make sure there's no spark potential.

Secondly, it could be a wiring issue the gauge. Could be corrosion, could be a loose wire. In the cabin, remove the black dash access panel, and CAREFULLY remove the fuel gauge wires, one at a time, making sure to clean the contacts and re-attach. Take your time and don't be in a hurry. The woodgrain dash gauge cluster is made of ABS molded plastic and is very brittle and can crack, and that's a whole other world of pain if that happens.... take my word for it.

[Mhilly]

Hi Chris,

I lifted the bench seat looking for the fuel sender as you suggested and there is not a white plastic cap on the floor to access the fuel sender wiring. Any other suggestions on where access to the sender might be? The boat is a 2000 Mariah 250 Shabbah.

[ShabahZ280]

Well that's strange... Mine was a 2000 and had the round white plastic access port in the floor. You had to tilt the backseat forward to gain access, but that's where it was. Attached is a photo that I have that shows where it was.

If you don't have this, you may have to remove the center floor piece, as this is what covers the actual tank.