Need a fuel level sensor for my Key West

[beniop]

So I figured out why my bilge reeked of gas - turns out the fuel is was putting in at the gunwhale port was coming out of the top of the fuel tank due to the sensor being totally rusted through! Now, where can I get a new one? I've searched for parts online, and am getting nowhere with my searches for key west parts.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Need a fuel level sensor for my Key West

How about his one

http://www.iboats.com/Universal_Ele...2877989--**********.409472800--view_id.392304

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Need a fuel level sensor for my Key West

It is a common misconception that boat manufacturers make the parts that go into them. Fuel tanks, gauges, lights, rails, cleats, and a most of the other accessory stuff is provided by other vendors so searching for Key West parts is a waste of time. Remove the sender, measure its length and buy a generic sender right here on iBoats.

 

[beniop]

Re: Need a fuel level sensor for my Key West

Ah, my iboat noobishnesss bows to those who have come before mme

The reason I ask about this particular sender is because it looks like this:

Which is different than the ones found here and at West Marine.

 

[NYBo]

Re: Need a fuel level sensor for my Key West

How deep is the tank? The ones in Bob's link come in different lengths for different tanks. Call 1-800-914-1123 for help in figuring out which one you need.

 

[beniop]

Re: Need a fuel level sensor for my Key West

Thanks for the reply NYBo... I saw the range at West Marine. The tank depth is 6-8".

 

[bigbad 4cyl x2]

Re: Need a fuel level sensor for my Key West

you should probobly look at a new tank,or is that one fiberglass

 

[beniop]

Re: Need a fuel level sensor for my Key West

The tank seems to be in good shape. It is made of some non-metal material, I'm assuming fiberglass. I stuck a tool in there and didn't feel any tackiness or softness. Hoses seem to be ok as well based on visual and physical inspection.

 

[bigbad 4cyl x2]

Re: Need a fuel level sensor for my Key West

i read an interesting article about the accuracy of the different senders .

 

[beniop]

Re: Need a fuel level sensor for my Key West

i read an interesting article about the accuracy of the different senders .

Do tell??

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Need a fuel level sensor for my Key West

That's a lot of rust on the sender, and if it rusted all the way through you may have otehr issues with the tank. Or maybe that's from water leaking in the same hole.
I have a 1988 17' Key West--first year for that model--and when we had to replace the alum. tank due to a leak, couldn't get it out; the boat was built around it. Had to bust it up. Replacement tank had a a different shape so it dropped in OK.
B/c the tank is so shallow (mine is more like 4") the sending unit has never been accurate; it's more of a warning for low fuel. Stays on full until there's a 1/4 of a tank and then starts dropping. As long as you know the system, fine.
But here's another issue: do you have the vent/overflow port outside the hull? Mine got a little corroded and chipped, and let water in to the tank and killed my motor. If yours is like mine, with the low freeboard, you will note that there is a lot of spray up the side as well as bow dips when you slow down with people in the front. Bypass that port and put a vented cap on the top.

 

[beniop]

Re: Need a fuel level sensor for my Key West

Home cookin -

well, it's been a little while since I started this thread. I ended up using the replacement from west marine. I used some RTV sealant along with the gasket, but to my surprise the gas leaks out when I'm filling the boat up (I verified this by unscrewing the deck plate above the fuel tank and watching it as I filled. I'm pretty good with gaskets and torque, so I'm surprised at the leak (though thankfully this solves the question of recurring gas in the bilge).

Any pointers would be great; I'm about to go remove & inspect the fuel level sending unit and see if I can seal it up for good.

About that vent - I thought the position of the vent was pretty bad; how did you accomplish moving it to a vented cap up top.

Thanks!