adding a fuel Sender to an above deck tank

[chrisg]

I have acquired a new ( to me) '87 24-footer with a 115 merc. It came with 4 - 6 gal. original tanks. But it?s a pain, when you run out of gas, opening the back seats up, swapping the fuel line, re-prime, and hope it starts again. Also, running out when in a narrow channel is not fun. There is no fuel gauge, which I want to add.

I noticed others with older 'toons had placed larger above deck tanks on the back over a pontoon. So I went and ordered the Moeller 20 gal above deck tank and straps. But when I called the place I ordered it from, they told me I can't put a fuel sender unit in it, and have to use the gauge on the fuel cap. I wanted to add a gauge on the console, so I don?t run out of fuel.

For those with older ?toons, has anyone added a sender unit, how difficult would cutting into the tank be?, or do most people with older 'toons just look over the back at the gauge on the tank? and hope you don?t run out of fuel?

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Warning: I will be having more questions as I use this thing more ;-)

thanks,

Chris

 

[jeeperman]

Re: adding a fuel Sender to an above deck tank

I have a square Moeller style 26 gallon poly tank on my deck. It has the fuel sender for dash gauge in it. Don't know if it was installed by P.O. or came that way.
Anyways, no big deal to hole saw a hole for one and install it yourself.
VDO makes some swinging float types and also some totally vertical types like your cap guage.
The vertical type needs to be ordered for the right tank depth. But can be placed just about anywhere on the top of the tank.
The swinging float type needs to be positioned so that the float can swing thru it's arc without touching anything. So it's postion must be thoughtout a bit before sawing the hole in the tank.
Make sure you get the proper ohm sender to match the guage requirement.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: adding a fuel Sender to an above deck tank

dealing with a poly tank is very hard, they do not hold screws well. you best bet is to learn how long you can run on a tank of fuel. that is what most of us do, with above deck tanks. and built in tank guages aren't that accurate, as the angle the boats is sitting effects the readings.

 

[chrisg]

Re: adding a fuel Sender to an above deck tank

Thanks for the replys. Guess I will just position the tank so I can look over the back to see what the guage says. I figured attaching the screws would not work to well.