After 21 years, pulled the small 5 Gal diesel tank for the 1GM10 to clean out any sediment. Surprisingly relatively clean.
The engine sees frequent short and variable runs as a lake sailer & estimating fuel level was semi accurate. The deck filler hose has an S-bend and can’t easily be probed. Risk of overfilling and the Davis spill guard was nominal in catching overflow dribbles.
A conventional 5-hole top mount resistor sensor w/gasket would eventually leak and would require significant welding for a cylindrical tank. The tank is difficult to access for any service. I used an aircraft fuel level "pressure" sensor from Radiant Instruments thru Aircraft Spruce; it comes with a calibrator box for 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, 4/4 full. So it accommodates round or wedge shaped tanks, unlike a pure level sensor. The 1/8” NPT bung for the sensor is TIG welded a bit above the bottom of the stainless tank (leaving some fudge for unplanned reserve). Yes, tank was washed, full of water and remainder backpurged with argon. The sensor outputs a 0 - 5 volt output (J1939). A VDO SingleViu Fuel-Level or DEF-Level gauge works fine. VDO makes a sealed marine fuel gauge too for outside use.
I also added a cheap,fluid detection sensor on the vent hose, ~6” above the tank. Lots of choices on Amazon. When it detects liquid, it actives a small red buzzer; so, no more putting my ear to the deck fill listening for whistles and pitch changes when filling up.
The engine sees frequent short and variable runs as a lake sailer & estimating fuel level was semi accurate. The deck filler hose has an S-bend and can’t easily be probed. Risk of overfilling and the Davis spill guard was nominal in catching overflow dribbles.
A conventional 5-hole top mount resistor sensor w/gasket would eventually leak and would require significant welding for a cylindrical tank. The tank is difficult to access for any service. I used an aircraft fuel level "pressure" sensor from Radiant Instruments thru Aircraft Spruce; it comes with a calibrator box for 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, 4/4 full. So it accommodates round or wedge shaped tanks, unlike a pure level sensor. The 1/8” NPT bung for the sensor is TIG welded a bit above the bottom of the stainless tank (leaving some fudge for unplanned reserve). Yes, tank was washed, full of water and remainder backpurged with argon. The sensor outputs a 0 - 5 volt output (J1939). A VDO SingleViu Fuel-Level or DEF-Level gauge works fine. VDO makes a sealed marine fuel gauge too for outside use.
I also added a cheap,fluid detection sensor on the vent hose, ~6” above the tank. Lots of choices on Amazon. When it detects liquid, it actives a small red buzzer; so, no more putting my ear to the deck fill listening for whistles and pitch changes when filling up.
Fuel Sender | Belite Aircraft
Belite Fuel Probe is innovative and sits inside the fuel tank for accurate measurement
radiantinstruments.com
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