fuel gauge lies!

[hemispheres]

Out for a run today when all of a sudden i lost all power and the engine cut out. After a good look around and a power of head scratching it became apparent that i had run out of fuel! My gauge was reading just under half a tank! Just as well i had a spare gallon with me.
Is this a common problem? 1.9 water cooled petrol, 1989.

[ropeman23]

Mine does a similar thing I guess it's the sender unit, but I haven't got round to changing it. I've got used to watching the miles now between refuels.

[purplecrocs]

my gauge is completely random too... goes up and down so i never quite know what i've got in the tank... i'm just assuming there is some in there if the gauge shows something... not that that helps you but I could do with getting mine sorted so will watch this thread for any pointers!

[rainman]

I've not run out yet but it will be in the red one minute and half full the next, going up and down hills seems to affect it most, so I just always make sure it's topped up.