www.iFourWinns.com

Hi all
My sender is hooked up to the analog dash gauge and also my Garmin gfs10 fuel flow meter ,then to the Garmin display
Both agree on the readings , but they seem to have no logic.
For example..filled up the other day while showing 38%. both read 100% after filling. ..all good
Did just over 60 miles...STILL read 100% (both measured when at a stop)
Came back to boat, now reading 58% ..more like it !
When moving it jumps wildly up (I guess due simply to gravity) but not having accurate measurements at rest worries me..
Is there a more modern/better sender that I can install that will give accurate readings both at rest and potentially while moving?

Thanks

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Bill P
Marbella, Spain
Vista 248 Year 2000
25th Anniversary edition
Volvo Penta Engine and Outdrive

My understanding is the reed switch senders (Wema is supposed to make good ones) are more accurate that regular float senders. That said, yours may just be getting stuck and need replacing. No matter what you do, you still have a floating mechanism that is measuring the level of liquid fuel in a tank on a boat that is floating in more liquid. You're going to have some movement in your gauge.
Replacing the sender itself is a fairly easy affair. I had to replace mine early this season due to a leaky gasket / screws. If you decide to replace and tackle the job yourself, the biggest thing to remember is the risk from fuel and fuel vapor! Personally I disconnected my batteries. Used absolutely no power tools. Made sure there was nothing that could spark, etc.
If you want a more accurate means of measuring fuel burn and being able to calculate what is left, FloScan makes a fuel monitor that accurately tracks consumption. That option is a bit too pricey for me, but may be something for you to look at.

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-Andrew

1984 Four Winns 225 Sundowner
5.0L Mercruiser, Alpha 1

Thanks Andrew..all good advice, particularly the electrical disconnects when replacing!
Will have a look at what you suggested..I get great fuel flow measurements from the Garmin GFS10 but it uses the fuel,sender for its tank level measurement

Will have a look at mine as soon as possible..I realise I won't get an accurate level when running, but would be nice to have it when not !

Thanks

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Bill P
Marbella, Spain
Vista 248 Year 2000
25th Anniversary edition
Volvo Penta Engine and Outdrive

I think it is questionable to connect two gauges to one sending unit...unless the garmin unit is made specifically for this purpose.

The mechanical gauge provides a small source of voltage and current to the sending unit to measure it's resistance. If the garmin is doing the same thing, you now have two sources of voltage and current, which would not be desirable in parallel or in series. To make it more complicated, the gauge is analog, while the garmin is likely to be digital.

I would try the Garmin by itself to see what readings you get. More importantly, I would check the documentation on the Garmin to see if it can be hooked up to the same sending unit as an analog gage, and if it hooks in parallel or series.

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"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

It does indeed ask to be connected to the sensor or gauge
"Unlike other fuel flow sensors, the GFS 10 will include fuel level sensing capability when connected to an existing analog fuel gauge or resistive fuel tank sensor. Maximum fuel flow rate for the GFS 10 is 50 gal/hr (189.27 L/hr), and the minimum flow rate is 2 gal/hr (7.57 L/hr)."

So I think I'm connected correctly.....

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Bill P
Marbella, Spain
Vista 248 Year 2000
25th Anniversary edition
Volvo Penta Engine and Outdrive

Andrew when you replaced yours, is it the standard 5 hole SAE pattern I am looking for? The wema senders look interesting. Though I have no idea about what size to order

http://www.wemausa.com/sensors/level-Fu ... 5nAsJBHmh8

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Bill P
Marbella, Spain
Vista 248 Year 2000
25th Anniversary edition
Volvo Penta Engine and Outdrive

I did need the 5 hole SAE pattern (Which by the way only fits one way). If you are replacing, you should find your existing sender to verify. In order to know the correct depth, you may need to measure your tank. When I ordered I checked my tank depth ahead of time.

_________________
-Andrew

1984 Four Winns 225 Sundowner
5.0L Mercruiser, Alpha 1

Thanks Andrew ..much appreciated !

_________________
Bill P
Marbella, Spain
Vista 248 Year 2000
25th Anniversary edition
Volvo Penta Engine and Outdrive