www.iFourWinns.com

I did a search and found lots of useful info but nothing quite fits what's happening.

I just bought the boat (1999 Horizon 180 BR with 130 Johnson)

The fuel gauge appeared to be working just fine the first few times out (partial tank). Then I totally filled the tank. Having been out a couple of time since, I noticed the gauge has not dropped. Now I started to pay attention and see that when the ignition is "on" (engine running) the gauge shows full, with the key in the "off" position, the gauge drops to just over half, which I suspect is about right. This doesn't make any sense to me.

I have managed to get the gauge out from the dash but I cannot find the sender unit. I have a deck pate in the bulkhead right in front of the gas tank/filler (starboard side) which I have removed but I can't see the sender.

Any ideas guys?

Cheers

The gas tank is in the center of the floor, and the sending unit is normally at the back end of the tank. Look for a deck plate under your rear seats, or possibly under your engine well.

Usually, the first thing to check is the wiring connections (including the grounds). Also, the sending unit is usually less reliable then the gage, however:
When your ignition switch is off, the gage should drop to "E", so that makes it sound like you have an issue with the gage itself.


Also, you can test the sending unit without accessing the tank in the floor. You just need a digital electrical meter for ohm readings:
. Disconnect the "S" lead from the back of the gage.
. Check the resistance ("Ohm" reading) of the sending unit...check between the "S" wire and ground.
. According to Faria, the Ohms should be:
--- 240ohm at Empty
--- 203ohm at Half Tank
--- 33.5ohm at Full
When you rock the boat, you should also see a fluctuation in the ohms because of the sloshing.

If the sending unit seems to check OK, and the gage reads wrong even with cleaned up wires, then replace the gage.

http://faria-instruments.com/site_manuals/IS0085E.pdf

Ray

_________________

"Knot Easy" 2000 Horizon 240 Volvo 5.7GS /SX
tow: 2017 Honda PILOT EXL-AWD
prev. boats:
'87 Chaparral 198CXL 4.3 OMC Cobra
'69 Jetstar 16ft Ski Boat, 115hp Yamaha
'68 Aluminum Jon Boat, 3hp Sears
'64 Water Wings

Thanks for the tips. Looks like I should be able to trouble from the gauge end. I'll check that out tomorrow.

Not sure if this makes a different as far as the tank/sender is concerned but I have an outboard (not I/O)


Thanks

Does this boat have an automotive-type gauge cluster made by VDO? If so, my money is on the cluster and not the sender...

Do a search for VDO cluster; you'll find lots of postings.

I have the same problem, but on my 1995 190 horizon O/B but unsure if VDO made that gauge cluster. in seraching I do know that you can get the VDO cluster diagram online from CDI electronics. or even send it in for repair/refurbish for $350+

As best I can tell it's a Faria gauge and the good news (I think) is I narrowed it down to being the gauge. I testing the resistance from the sender and not only does it seem right but it goes up and down as I tilt the boat on the trailer. Not only that but the gauge is stuck at the half way mark even when totally disconnected. I hope my findings are correct.

Thanks for all the help guys

That seems to be the gage for sure. With no power applied, it should have dropped to "E"

Ray

_________________

"Knot Easy" 2000 Horizon 240 Volvo 5.7GS /SX
tow: 2017 Honda PILOT EXL-AWD
prev. boats:
'87 Chaparral 198CXL 4.3 OMC Cobra
'69 Jetstar 16ft Ski Boat, 115hp Yamaha
'68 Aluminum Jon Boat, 3hp Sears
'64 Water Wings

Fwiw, the fuel tank/sending unit will be under the floor plate that is screwed down in front of the rear bench seat (in this pic it is the area in front of the big center seat).



But it sounds like it is more than likely your gauge.

_________________
1999 180 Horizon OB Fisherman Pkg
2013 Grand Cherokee 4x4 w/ 5.7 Hemi
San Antonio, TX

New gauge ordered so fingers crossed.

Thanks again for the help

Thanks for all the replies they were a big help. Installed new Faria gauge and it seems to have solved the problem. It was far from an easy task, I'm 6'4" tall and working behind the dash was a chore. Why they insist on making wires so short is beyond me. The new gauge did not allow for pre-wiring them mounting. It had to be fully mounted first and then have the wires connected. There were a few choice words but it ended up OK.

Cheers

Glad to hear it. Thanks for the follow up.

_________________

"Knot Easy" 2000 Horizon 240 Volvo 5.7GS /SX
tow: 2017 Honda PILOT EXL-AWD
prev. boats:
'87 Chaparral 198CXL 4.3 OMC Cobra
'69 Jetstar 16ft Ski Boat, 115hp Yamaha
'68 Aluminum Jon Boat, 3hp Sears
'64 Water Wings