Fuel gauge

[haley]

The fuel gauge works, and appears to be accurate but I am not sure how much to trust it. Some of the difference in readings can be due to trim. My fuel tank is below the floor - can'visually check it. What are some ideas on how to know how much is in there?

Currently I just add more when the gauge reads below half.

Related, when fueling up at the pump (on land) it overflows easily. No back flow preventer. If I knew how much is in there I could just add a few more gallons but it is tough to know. So I have a 3.5 gallon spare tank and just add it every other day ( tank is 12 gallons).

Side note: I bought the 3.5 red plastic gas tank here in Canada while on vacation. No new fangled safety devices that seem to cause spills more than prevent them. I saw another thread where people were asking about these.

John

 

[j_k_bisson]

Re: Fuel gauge

I have the same problems with mine. The fuel guage reads all over the map when in the water. The fluxuation range is over 1/2 a tank. I have resorted to calulating how much fuel I burnt but run time and miles traveled. I am looking into actually replacing the fuel guage with a Lowrance LMS-200 digital guage. This will need the addition two sensors to be installed. One fore the fuel level and one for the fuel flow. But the guage will be able to me or you how much you bunt in the trip, how much is in the tank (average reading). How much is left and total used a year. Also shows what your MPG rate is when in use. Very convient information. But a bit pricey. Around 350 for all components.

As to overflows, mine does the same. This is due to trying to figure out how much I have in the damn tank. My solution is above. After filling up the first time and knowing how much the sucker takes to fill, I should be able to know how much to put in it.

Just my opinion.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Fuel gauge

Fuel tank sending units have a float on a swing arm. The attitude of the boat and sloshiing of the fuel will cause the float to vary hence the gauge movement. Before you leave the dock take a fuel reading. If you get below 1/2 tank stop and take a reading. Simple as that. If the gauge reads 1/2 at rest, fill the tank. You will then have at least a rough idea how large the tank is.

Even if you install a fuel flow monitor, you still need to tell the instrument how large the tank is or it cannot accurately tell you fuel remaining.

 

[hostage]

Re: Fuel gauge

It only seems that the Marina fuel pumps stops when the boat is full. I think one of the best ways is to keep your boat around half fun of fuel and if you trailer it just bring a gerry can to add more. Keep in mind the more fuel your boat has the more weight you are carrying around. If you don't really burn a lot of fuel, it might be a good idea to keep it half full so your not carrying that extra weight. You won't also have to worry about the fuel pouring out.

 

[aayjay]

Re: Fuel gauge

I have heard that thare are digital models that are available for around $70 US that are not supposted to be as succeptible to slosh, Have you any experience with these, as I believe my sender is on the fritz as the gauge seems to read all over the map, and dont really want to use the same bouncy sender that came stock.

 

[RodneyReed]

Re: Fuel gauge

I made a good old fashioned dip stick for mine. Very accurate.