Fuel gauge Beneteau 423

[NYSail]

Hello all
In conversations with the PO, he said that the electric fuel gauge was very unreliable and that he based his fuel level on his use..... He said he has had the sender replaced and still not reliable. He is not too sure if he filled the tank completely at the end of season, however the gauge reads full. I guess I have to open the tank to visually see where the fuel is or is there another way?? I have not exposed the fuel tank yet so not sure if there is a sight glass on the tank..... Is this a common problem or just a couple bad senders?

Thanks!

 

[LeslieTroyer]

I've worked on a bunch is old autos. Fuel gauge issues are often bad grounds. Especially if the sensor was replaced

 

[Stu Jackson]

this a common problem

Don't guess. Fill the tank and start making notes. Like these: http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,3841.msg21571.html#msg21571

Consumption is so much more accurate than those fuel gauges.

If you tell us your engine, we can tell you what our experience with it is, too! For your boat size, I'd guess 1.25 gph, 40 hp engine?

 

[Gunni]

The sender units are cheap crap. MaineSail has a nice write-up on several improved fuel sender units at his website including one with a sight-glass backup. I replaced my sender last year but did not cut and calibrate it, so it is grossly inaccurate. The old one was very accurate while it worked. With the new sender when I am at empty I still have 10 gallons of fuel so I have one known data point.

 

[NYSail]

Thanks for the great responses. Engine is a yanmar 4jh4e..... figure burn rates close to gallon / hr depending on rpm's. Will check mainesails site and will open up and see what's up with the take. Will check the ground.