www.iFourWinns.com

I'll be installing fuel flow sensors (EP-60's) this spring and was wondering if there is a way to drain the fuel line so it doesn't spill (when I cut into it)? When I read the Vista manual it says I have 2 shut off valves and a transfer valve, but for whatever reason I have none. Straight from the tank, to the water separator to the filter on the engine. I also thought the generator should have been off the starboard tank - mine is direct off the port tank, and not through any filters external to the generator; maybe there is a filter where it enters the generator, I've not looked.
I'll be installing the sensors just after the water separator, at a highish point in the line so maybe I won't spill much, but advice here is welcome.

Thanks,

_________________
1969 Chris Craft Commander 47
1999 Four Winns 328 Vista - SOLD

I have done this to 2 Mercs and my current V258. I had no problems at all!! With the Mercs, I did do it after the filter. With the V258 (a Volvo) I did it before the filter. In all cases, the line was cut in higher then the tank & very little came out. I would have rages handy to stop the fuel if it tries to pour out!

Are you using NMEA 2000 sensors? I did & it displays on my GPS & fish finder. The sensor was about $75, a lot cheaper & better than buying the whole set up, guage & sensor package. I don't know who makes the EP-60 sensors. But I am using Lowrancece fuel flow sensor & my Garmins to display the data. I installed it last year & works just fine. My Lowrance guage, can only read fuel flow from it, and not show KPG/MPG. Called Lowrance up, & they were at a loss! If that helps, the more I think of of it, the EP-60 is from Lowrance, but I am too lazy to look it up.

That's what I was hoping for!
Yes, these are NMEA 2k and will be fed into a Simrad NSS7 (that still needs to be installed).

_________________
1969 Chris Craft Commander 47
1999 Four Winns 328 Vista - SOLD

I did this, and put it in before the fuel filter. Remove the fuel line, put in the sensor, and then add in a small section of fuel line. If you ever have to remove the sensor or it breaks, you can reattach the fuel line like the sensor was never there.

FWIW, I don't recall having much, if any fuel pour out when I removed the line.

_________________
2007 358 T-5.7GXi IB
Previous Boats
'08 H240, '08 V318, '04 268, '04 225

That's a good idea and will allow me to get it vertical as it want's. I was going to carry around a double ended barb in case the sensor failed, but your idea doesn't require any extra parts, I like that.

_________________
1969 Chris Craft Commander 47
1999 Four Winns 328 Vista - SOLD

So you need to build a network than, not hard to do! As to the sensor failing, they are pretty robust.

My boat is small compared to yours, I bought one of these to save space if it helps: http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?pat ... id=1243250 It save on 4 TEES and a end of line terminator. The add up quickly (I have 7 nodes), plus you need a tee for power.

Fuel flow IS fuel flow and it don't matter where you put them. My advice is put them out of the way so your tech wont get mad at you but still easily accessable for maintenance. Buy a couple of fuel line pinch clamps from Princess Auto for about 5 bux and pinch the line off about 4 inches apart where you want to install the sensors. With cutting pliers hold the line where you want the cut and wrap an absorbant towel aroung the pliers and cut. You will get very little fuel escaping and the towel will get that. Install sensor and double clamp the lines. Remove fuel line pinch clamps, start engines and check for leaks.

_________________
07 Azure AZ200,
Previous boat,
95 278 Vista,
And a lot of others.

Ontario, Canada

It does mater how it is installed.

From the EP-10 Installation Instructions
"The sensor should be installed vertically and as close as possible to the
fuel tank in an area where vibration is minimized."

AND good luck on keeping the vib down!!

Excellent idea, I think I'll get a set. I suppose I could use vise grips, providing I put something on the hose to protect it so it's not damaged.

_________________
1969 Chris Craft Commander 47
1999 Four Winns 328 Vista - SOLD

A couple of these with a short piece of fuel line hose over each jaw would also work. I keep one around set up like that to pinch off brake lines during brake jobs.

_________________


Mike
2005 Four Winns 230/240
VP 5.7GXi/DP
1998 F-150 XLT
Boat Pic

I just ordered the sensor and network yesterday so I can install it this spring. Looking forward to seeing what my real fuel burn is. First one to do the project, please take lots of pictures! (I will too, if its' me)

_________________
2001 Horizon 260 - 7.4 Volvo GSI DP

It's interesting but your not going to like what you see.( fuel usage ) If you can, install after the filter. The directions will tell you to install one. I installed them on mine. You can get them for your jenny also. There should be a filter for your jenny.

I it should not be that hard to take apart. A small screw driver to lift the hose up with a pull & twist. I would just add a barb to barb coupler to bypass the flow sensor if needed. You can wire tie it to the sensor wire at a hold down piont for safe keeping.

You need to add a NMEA 2K power switch too. So you may want to think about were you are going to put it?

Hoping to put it under the dash. Lot's of room. Only worry is the long run from the fuel line to the network.

_________________
2001 Horizon 260 - 7.4 Volvo GSI DP