Gas Gage

[sbeamer]

Hello all, again...

On the boat that we recently bought 10 year old Doral BR, the gas gage seems to be all over the place and not even close to reading correctly. Is this common? Is there really anything you can do? There is an access panel over the gas tank but really it does not show you anything. I know the one on my Seadoo, under reads by a wide margin, shows about 2/3 tank when it is almost full.

Thanks

Steve

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Gas Gage

Fuel gauges are not the most accurate on most boats -- especially those with long, wide, and shallow tanks. It is simply because the fuel covers a wide area and is not very deep so the actual level of fuel in the tank varies widely depending on how the boat is loaded, running (bow high vs level) and whether its shut off at the dock. I solved the fuel issue by installing a Navman 2100 fuel flow monitor so it updates every 15 seconds via sensor in the fuel line. It is very accurate.

 

[sbeamer]

Re: Gas Gage

Thanks, the fuel flow monitor was this expensive? Hard to install?

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Gas Gage

They are available from various sources ranging from $150 down to $99.00. You cut the fuel line between the tank and primer bulb and insert the transducer. Run the cable from there to the display on the dash. Hook up +12V and ground (+12V with the key on) and you are ready to go. You fill the tank, program the computer with the fuel tank capacity and the unit will then tell you fuel flow rate in gallons/hour, total fuel burned, total fuel remaining, and total for the trip -- just like the fuel computer in your car (if it has one). The fuel burn rate (gallons/hour) allows you to quickly find the sweet spot (best economy) which typically occurs in 3500 - 4000 rpm range. The Northstar 210 (current owners) and Navman 2100 (previous owner) are the same unit. Northstar bought the Navman co.

 

[sbeamer]

Re: Gas Gage

Great thanks, I may just go ahead and install one this weekend. Again thanks.

 

[Major Woods]

Re: Gas Gage

I'll second the answer given to your problem.
I had the same issue and installed the Navma, very accurate at +-1% of total tank volume.

 

[HighTrim]

Re: Gas Gage

Silvertip does the gauge come with the package or do you purchase that seperately? ty

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Gas Gage

The gauge, transducer, cables, instructions and user manual are all included. It's a fully functioning unit. The instructions tell you to install a fuel filter between the tank outlet and transducer. The turbine inside the transducer can be damaged by debris. I installed a metal, Fram automotive filter in my system. You should also mount the transducer so it is vertical for most accurate readings. The transducer should be secured at the top and bottom to reduce vibration. That hardware is not provided.

 

[HighTrim]

Re: Gas Gage

Ty for the help, my fuel gauge does not work, and i believe that it is either the sending unit or the float, both of which are concealed underneath the floor, so im hoping this will solve my problem without having to rip apart my boat. I guess i just need to find out the size of my tank correct so i can program the gauge?