Gauge not reading fuel level

[s2gots]

I purchased my boat last september-88 four winns horizon- Im going to be taking it out of storage to get it ready for the spring. Im undecided if I want to change the fluids myself, or take it in somewhere to do a full inspection? Its only been out twice since ive owned it, and all went flawlessly. The prior owner took excellent care of the boat, he did his own maintenence, used Lucas oils, and changed the spark plugs just before I purchased it. What would you guys do??? Take it in, or do it yourself?


Also, there are two small issues I would like to resolve before I go out to the water...one is the tilt/trim gauge does not opperate at all...Im not sure if its the gauge, or something else. Is this usually an easy fix, or is it quite involved to change out components?

second, the previous owner completely re upholstered the interior, and changed the seating to be 'U' shaped, more like modern boats. At the time of purchase, I think he told me he changed the fuel tank, and its bigger than the original. What he told me is that when the gauge reads empty, theres at least a 1/4 tank left. How do I go about fixing this to read accuratelly?

Again the question of should I tackle all this myself, or take it in somewere?
TIA

 

[Bondo]

Re: Gauge not reading fuel level

one is the tilt/trim gauge does not opperate at all...Im not sure if its the gauge, or something else. Is this usually an easy fix, or is it quite involved to change out components?

Ayuh,.... It's Usually the sender mounted on the outdrive,....
No,... It's Not Easy,+ Yes,.. It's a B!t*h......
I suggest you learn to drive it by the "Seat of your Pants",......
A few hours of run time is usually plenty of time to get the "Feel".....

What he told me is that when the gauge reads empty, theres at least a 1/4 tank left. How do I go about fixing this to read accuratelly?

Fuel Gages in general,+ Especially in Boats are Not Accurate......

If you fill it when the gauge says Empty,....... You'll Never, Ever run out of fuel.......
'cause running out of Fuel is Never, Ever any Fun,+ is sometimes very Dangerous......

Again the question of should I tackle all this myself, or take it in somewere?

Ayuh,.... None of Us know you from Adam,...... Only You can answer that Question....
Just How Handy are you,..??
And,....
How Heavy is your Toolbox,..??
Better Yet,...... Do you Have a Toolbox,..??

 

[Coors]

Re: Gauge not reading fuel level

Like Bondo said, that trim sensor is a $%*^^! You have to pull the outdrive, and even then, 2 people are better. I replaced mine by myself, in 5 hours of p-o'd aggravation.
Per the fuel sender- a universal one has extra length, and can be modified, but like Bondo said; don't put it at the bottom. Showing empty beats being empty, especially in large waves...

 

[Stuff4Toys]

Re: Gauge not reading fuel level

Fuel Gauges in boats are not like the gauges in cars & trucks.

Fuel level gauges in boat at best are inaccurate. Never rely 100% on the gauge in your boat, because the boat is rocking, loaded different every time, and never sit level. The gauge will always be off level and will not be accurate.

You can change the sender, and you might get a better indication of the fuel level, but please DON'T STAKE YOUR LIFE on a boat's fuel gauge.

Save yourself some money and leave it alone.
JOhn ><>

 

[s2gots]

Re: Gauge not reading fuel level

Thanx for all the quick replies...

Id say my tool box/skills are better than average.....

I think now im going to leave the fuel gauge alone, I just wont let it reach to empty....

also, I think Ill take the boat in this one time for fluid changes, and to get an over all inspection by a professional. Ill get a quote on the trim gauge, but it sounds like its going to stay inoperative for a while....


TIA

 

[Don S]

Re: Gauge not reading fuel level

I guess I would have to ask if you have a Mercruiser, OMC, or Volvo drive before saying how hard it is to fix the trim gauge.

 

[Coors]

Re: Gauge not reading fuel level

Oh, oops, I saw 88 four winns and assumed OMC.

 

[Coors]

Re: Gauge not reading fuel level

Never assume, I didn't qualify the statement.
Am in doghouse, like Bondo?

 

[s2gots]

Re: Gauge not reading fuel level

yes it is OMC

 

[Coors]

Re: Gauge not reading fuel level

Like I said- no fun, and they seem to last only a year.
I put a new one on because my stepson has bad boating habits.
After the first time I went out with him-he started the engine on the trailer.
Doesn't use the blower.
Over trims.
Now, the only way he can borrow it is if my wife goes, and watches him.
34 years old, and still a know-it-all kid. sigh.

 

[amynbill]

Re: Gauge not reading fuel level

I would suggest bringing it in to get the proper care done at least this time, and if you can hang around and watch you will learn. When they winterized my boat after our sea trial, I hung and watched them do it all. This way, if I decide to do it myself (not likely anyway) I have a good understanding of whatis involved.

All in all, I am a do it myselfer for anything, except cars and boats. Money usually well spent imo.