www.iFourWinns.com

In the last 3 months I have used:
Left engine/tank: 399L
Right engine/tank:368L

Started with same gauge reading at start of period (75%) and today have matching readings (45%).
Generator draws from the right side.

Is increasing fuel use a symptom of something?

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GI Auz
2004 288 Vista
Twin 4.3 Merc


Previously:
Beneteau 411 Non-Stink

In your other post on tachs and sync gauges you say that your left tach is reading faster than the right. Even with syncing by ear, could this be contributing to more fuel use on the left?

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Surface Interval: A scuba diving term for that time between dives to relax and prepare for life's next great adventure.

Current boat: '02 FW 268 Vista
Previous boat: '95 FW 190 Horizon

Yes, it seems possible - by my tally 3700 rpm vs 3600 rpm would be worth 24 litres over the period in question. I have a 31 litre discrepancy to account for.
I'm not sure that the left engine is actually doing 3700 though - I'm pretty good with getting them in sync and I can't see how 3700 on one and 3600 on the other can be in tune.

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GI Auz
2004 288 Vista
Twin 4.3 Merc


Previously:
Beneteau 411 Non-Stink

Make sure you have the center fuel value in the off position to where each engine pulls from their respective tank. If you have have it open, both engines could pull from the same tank creating the imbalance.

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Current Boat: 2000 Four Winns 298 Vista
Previous Boat: 2000 Carver 406MY

I wish I had fuel shut offs - something tells me the previous owner removed them - cuz they aren't there! But they did add back in two additional inline fuel filters...maybe someday I'll add them back.

Check the temperature of your engines, I've had one running cold and it uses between 1/2 - 1 Gph additional fuel at cruise.

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

Yep, that will do it too and I noticed it when my thermostat was stuck open.

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Current Boat: 2000 Four Winns 298 Vista
Previous Boat: 2000 Carver 406MY

Making sure your fuel valves are set so that each engine only draws from its respective tank, making sure engine temps are close to the same and making sure your tachs and sync gauge are accurate would be what I'd want to do first. I'd then want to fill both tanks so you know both tanks are filled with the same amount of fuel and then boat as you normally would and take the tanks down to around 1/4 or so and then fill both tanks to full and note the difference when filling tanks back up. You would need to account for generator usage.

I only fill our tanks full a couple times a year (as I don't need to run around with 220 gallons all the time) and when I do I like to see that the tanks fill with approximately the same amount of fuel per side.

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Current Boat
- 2001 Four Winns 328 Vista "Hour Decision"
- 2010 310 Mercury Inflatable

Previous Boats
- 30' Doral Prestancia
- 25' Doral Citation