Fuel Gauge and Sending unit

[Jacksonboat]

Confused about this. I want to replace my fuel gauge and sending unit from the original which is simply a non-electric insert right on the tank. I want to put an electric one in and mount the gauge where I can actually see it.

I have found several online and in stores (teleflex and moeller primarily). but I cant seem to get a straight answer on a couple of questions.

1. is there a difference between a set for a diesel tank (mine) and a gas tank?
2. is it as straightforward as it seems?
3. Certain ones have different ohms (?) ratings, why does this matter and how will I know what to get?

(its rainy here so forgive the multiple posts on different subjects - appreciate all the help I've been given so far and going forward.)

Thanks

 

[Dan Johnson]

Jackson...

I added a Teleflex unit to my tank years ago when I did an access port and clean-out. Wiring is simple and meter ohmage is pretty much standard among fuel gages. The Telex kit I used had an adjustable float that I was able to set to the proper height for full and empty reading. I added a switch to the circuit to cut off power when not needed to view gage so as to not run the battery down when sailing. I put the gage in a cockpit cubby at the helm for ready access.

See pix...

 

[Jacksonboat]

Perfect thanks . But you turn it off when sailing as not to draw too much from the battery - does it draw that much?

 

[Dan Johnson]

Teleflex gages

Forgot to add these PDF's from Teleflex. Should help you figure it out...

 

[Dan Johnson]

Don't know exact current draw when in use but assume there to be one. Minimizing current use is important when VHF and stereo alone come close to using 5 amps when both are turned on. Add autopilot, GPS, and instruments (and nav lights at night) and any unnecessary use goes toward longer house battery use when under way.

 

[Steve Dion]

WEMA USA has the insert for the tank and the display units. They are direct replacements for the manual unit.

I wired mine to the ignition circuit so it is only on when the key is on.

http://wemausa.com/

 

[Jacksonboat]

Interesting attaching to the ignition circuit - that would make sense

 

[Jacksonboat]

Super thanks

 

[Jacksonboat]

Looks like in a short time line up here in Canada I can only get teleflex or Moeller

 

[Steve Dion]

Check out these guys in Canada they carry WEMA products

http://www.marineoutfitters.ca/index.cfm?page=home

 

[Jacksonboat]

Hah that's great, can drive there literally in 3 minutes from boat have been in a dozen times and have never seen wema products but that doesn't mean they aren't there! Thanks

 

[Stu Jackson]

It might take one or two refills, but you need to determine your hourly fuel consumption. Take notes when you refill based on engine hours.

http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,3841.0.html

 

[Bill Roosa]

Your tank is going to be the critical design component. the float needs to cover the full range of tankage, that may or may not be difficult to locate a float that can do that.
I'd recommend a unit that sits on the existing gauge and records the needle position then converts it to a standard resistance signal for the remote gauge

 

[H30Gary]

Bill, do you have a lead on such an analog to digital converter? The analog fuel gage on my boat is located where it is impossible to read. I'd love to convert to a digital readout located somewhere I could see it!

 

[Jacksonboat]

Don't think the one on it works right now so replacing the whole thing - found the tank schematics here on the site somewhere before - it's a strange design hunter legend 35.6 1987