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Fuel level gauges

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captal

Contributing Member
Going to replace my fuel level

Going to replace my fuel level gauges. Any good info on the better types? Currently have the standard float lever type. I've seen the straight type that the float travels up and down a shaft. They're a few dollars more but I don't mind the cost if it's a better unit. Tanks are about 15" deep. Thanks!
 
"The kind where the float runs

"The kind where the float runs up and down are MUCH easier to calibrate. Just finished calibrating mine last summer and had to pull and adjust the fool things over and over. Use a wooden stick to get the tank levels the same (assuming you have two), then make the gages agree. Lots of work!

Jeff

PS: I had to syphon some gas from one tank and put it in the other to get the levels the same. Also, I determined how much fuel was left at a low reading--I like to be able to get home on "E"."
 
"I have two tanks (120 gal

"I have two tanks (120 gallons each). They each hold exactly 5 gallons per inch. I have a nice dip stick that I measure the depth of gasoline in each tank each time I go out. I keep a record of engine hours and gasoline inventory in my log book. I wouldn't rely on an instrument to tell me how much fuel I have remaining in my boat. I measure each time because someone could steal my gasoline and I would literally be up a creek without a paddle if the instrument malfunctioned. I might say that in 21 years of boating no one has ever stolen my gasoline. I did run out of gasoline one time on the Mississippi River. I got a tow to the local marina. I was stumped, how could I run out. When we started to fill the tanks, I found I had one full tank. I had set both engines to pull from the same tank.

Chuck Hanson"
 
"BigAl:

My preference if fo

"BigAl:

My preference if for a calibrated floscan. I've found it to have much more precision & accuracy than the fuel gauge.

I like Jeff's calibrating baseline; when mine hit "E", when on plane and heading back in, and we we inside the 20 fathom line, we could make it in light seas - 24nm to the inlet. If it was rough, well let's just say we got in late."
 
"I just purchased one from my

"I just purchased one from my boat builder Crusader, that was the straight type made for my particular fuel tank. I tried the replacement types with very unsatisfactory results."
 
"Jeff: What brand sending unit

"Jeff: What brand sending units did you use? Only ones I found were the Moeller Reed type with the float that slides up and down the shaft. Problem is they only make one for a 15" and 13" tank. Mine are 14 1/2" tanks. Just my luck. I sent them an email to see of they can give me any info on calibration. Their site says they are not adjustable. Flowscan idea is good but that too is a machine subject to failure. Heck and a boat overall isn't, lol. I agree with Chucks dipstick idea as the only true measure. But every option has variables. I have a 23' Mako with the pick up in the middle of the tank. Low fuel, bow up, out of gas. My Luhrs has the pick ups in the rear of the tank. Low fuel, bow down, out of gas. Go figure. I just like the gauge on the dash for a general idea. Might just go with a shorter sending unit and hope I don't have to test the go home on E scenario. Does the flowscan have a tank sending unit or does it just measure fuel used and hope you started with the right number of gallons? Thanks!!

ps: Mark-If you still need my old qjet let me know. I've got your e-mail and can send it to you if you like."
 
"..."What brand sending un

"..."What brand sending units did you use?"

Teleflex, with the swinging float arm. The up and down kind are easier to work with.

I'd go with the shorter unit. So what if you end up with a 1/4 tank when it's reading empty!

Jeff"
 
"Thanks Dave. Checked on the I

"Thanks Dave. Checked on the Isspro. Looks like a great unit and no moving parts. Thats the problem I have now with the swing arm types, resistor all crudded up. They even have the size I need. Didn't get too much info from their site though. Do you still order the size an 1" shorter than the tank or since it is the exact size will it fit right to the bottom? I still like Jeffs idea though. MUCH rather have the gauge read low and have fuel left than the otherway around. Been there, done that (not on my boat though.)I know this was on the "Carb problem still" thread but do I NEED antisiphon valves on a 1989 carb engine? Not real sure if mine has them, thinking not, but since I have to change sending units I'll check. Thanks!!!"
 
"al:

i'll send you ema

"al:

i'll send you email regarding the q-jet.

The flowscan unit is like an computerized gauge; at least the 5500. they have paddlewheels in the fuel lines so there is a mechanical part but mine are going on 20 years and haven't missed a beat. They provide an LCD showing the accumulated total gallons since last reset.

In use, we hit the reset after filling up and making the entry in the log. the fuel gauge verifies the 'fill' was complete. my sending unit is up front; it won't show full unless the tank is real close to full. having chartered the first 12 years with the boat, running out of fuel is one of the last things you want to do."
 
"I've got the Isspro order

"I've got the Isspro order info. For a 14 1/2" INSIDE depth tank, use the 14" tube length sensor. They call for a 1/2" min space to the bottom of the tank.
I also use the Flowscan; only issue is that I'm not usually topping off the tank, so the totalizer function is not so handy."
 
"Diver Dave, I looked at the i

"Diver Dave, I looked at the isspro. As much as I am reluctant to trust instruments, I like it. I have two tanks that are 24 inches deep. I only have about one foot clearance between the top of the tank and the deck above. The unit looks rigid. Is it possible to insert the unit in the hole or will I have to cut a hole in the deck for it to go through?

Chuck Hanson"
 
"Chuck; I'm not positive

"Chuck; I'm not positive of the diameter of the internal tube, and it's definately not flexible. It's not much smaller in dia than the tank opening, maybe you can get a 30deg tilt to it during the install. Also, there are some 7 magnetic reed switches internal, so the gauge shows 0, 1/8, 1/4, 3/8 etc. It's got a trickle hole input, so sloshing doesn't have rapid needle movements."
 
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