Fuel gage vs. fuel level/flow sensors

[Richard T]

My fuel gage quit working and I'm deciding whether it's worth fixing it or just using an electronic sensor. I understand problems with fuel gages are common, plus the accuracy of the gages seems to be questionable, so I'm reluctant to spend time and money on the gage. I'm thinking about buying a Lowrance chartplotter which can be connected with fuel level and fuel flow sensors. I'd like to know if it would be better to give up on the fuel gage and just rely on the sensors or stick with the fuel gage. If I do install the sensors should I still repair the fuel gage in order to have a back up means to check the fuel level?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Fuel gage vs. fuel level/flow sensors

fuel flow is not going to tell you how much gas is left in the boat.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Fuel gage vs. fuel level/flow sensors

Most guys I know have gone to the fuel flow sensors.

Who cares if the tank is half empty or half full. All you need to know is how much further can I travel on the fuel remaining in the tank.

Just reset the computer when you fill up and you?ll know exactly how much fuel you?ve used and how much you have left. Pretty simple

 

[tommays]

Re: Fuel gage vs. fuel level/flow sensors

The lowrance fuel flow works well THE fuel level sensor requires that the tank sender works


For the Lowrance fuel level to work RIGHT it requires a 5 POINT calbration

1.Empty
2.1/4 tank
3.1/2 tank
4.3/4 tank
5.full tank

So you need to be willing to empty the tank to make it usefull

Tommays

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Fuel gage vs. fuel level/flow sensors

A fuel flow meter absolutely tells you how much fuel you have left in the boat. It also tells you gallons/hour burn rate, total for the trip and total fuel burned over time until reset. Fuel flow montors are exactly like the one in your car. Instead of setting things to zero after a fill up, you tell the computer how much fuel you added. If you fill it up you know you have 22 gallons if you have a 22 gallon tank. If you want reserve, tell it 21 gallons. If you are only going to put in five gallons for example, you turn the key on, the meter says you have 12 gallons left, you reset for 17 and go. You really don't need a fuel gauge. I run a Navman 2100 (now known as Northstar. They are relatively inexpensive ($125.00 -$150.00 depending on where you shop) and they take the guesswork out of what your fuel gauge is actually telling you. if your boat has a long, narrow, shallow tank you know all about how the need dances around depending on where people are, what speed you are going, etc. Readings are updated at 10 - 15 second intervals but can be adjusted to whatever interval you want.