Fuel sending unit

JoshOnt

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Aug 12, 2013
Messages
487
I am confused about what kind of fuel sending unit I need to buy. I have 1-2 6 gallon tanks and plan to just use a 240-33 ohm fuel gauge. Could someone explain what sending unit I would need or link to one?
 

gm280

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jun 26, 2011
Messages
14,605
Okay JoshOnt, if you are wanting one sender unit to swap out between the three gas tanks, I think you will not find anything on the market for that option. However, if you install a fuel level sensor in each tank then that would work with some type easy swapped between connector to the fuel gauge. And if you want a very good sensor/sender, you can buy the quality reed design ones. But they are pricey. Or you could buy the lesser quality type with the swing arms designs and install one in each tank for a lot less. Problem I see is the swing arm types can get stuck with swapping out tanks. If you can make certain the swing arms are free to move when you swap the tanks out, then go for it... JMHO!
 

smokeonthewater

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Dec 3, 2009
Messages
9,838
It sounds to me like you are trying to put an electric sending unit in a portable gas tank...

I don't believe there is anything like that on the market... You CAN however get portable tanks with gauges built in... The gauge will be on the tank itself tho instead of the dash...

If you want it on the dash you will need to convert to an installed tank.
 

Silvertip

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Sep 22, 2003
Messages
28,771
What are "1-2 6 gallon tanks?" One or two six gallon tanks? If that determination is correct, then forget trying to install a fuel sender in those plastic tanks. There is no way to securely mount the sender. Sheet metal screws will strip out of the thin plastic resulting in fuel leaks and the possibility of fire. Most six gallon tanks already have fuel level gauges in the cap and if they don't they are available from many different sources.
 

JoshOnt

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Aug 12, 2013
Messages
487
What are "1-2 6 gallon tanks?" One or two six gallon tanks? If that determination is correct, then forget trying to install a fuel sender in those plastic tanks. There is no way to securely mount the sender. Sheet metal screws will strip out of the thin plastic resulting in fuel leaks and the possibility of fire. Most six gallon tanks already have fuel level gauges in the cap and if they don't they are available from many different sources.
One or two, six gallon tanks. Also can be written 1-2 6 gallon tanks.
 

JoshOnt

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Aug 12, 2013
Messages
487
It sounds to me like you are trying to put an electric sending unit in a portable gas tank...

I don't believe there is anything like that on the market... You CAN however get portable tanks with gauges built in... The gauge will be on the tank itself tho instead of the dash...

If you want it on the dash you will need to convert to an installed tank.
Thanks, guess for the time being I will deal with opening the tanks up to check.
 

smokeonthewater

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Dec 3, 2009
Messages
9,838
You can get screw in caps that have gauges built into them... You wouldn't have to open the tanks but rather just glance at the cap...
 

JoshOnt

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Aug 12, 2013
Messages
487
You can get screw in caps that have gauges built into them... You wouldn't have to open the tanks but rather just glance at the cap...
Where the tanks sit in the boat you are not able to see the cap well so have to pull it out to check anyways so might as well save some money and just open it. Will see about getting an installed tank though.
 

cptrick3

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Apr 11, 2015
Messages
157
I have a steel 4 gallon tank on my dingy that has a gauge that is sunbaked and unreadable. When in doubt I just pick up the tank.
 
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