Our newly purchased Catalina 30's fuel gauge doesn't work. (just like me on weekends) Is it an easy fix? Sending unit? or the gauge in the cockpit. Thanks, John
Fuel Gauge
- Thread starter jfp737
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Troubleshoothing fuel gauge
Most factory installed fuel gauges are made by Teleflex Marine. Try this link for a simple troubleshooting guide.
Most factory installed fuel gauges are made by Teleflex Marine. Try this link for a simple troubleshooting guide.
According to the Seaward techies...
The most frequent problem is a short or break located in the wires between the tank and the gauge.
The most frequent problem is a short or break located in the wires between the tank and the gauge.
They put 'em in because people are
used to them in their cars. There was a time (well before mine, I must not only admit, but demand *5) when all sailors had was a dipstick to measure fuel level. The difficulty with fuel gages, besides their recurring in-operation, is that many tanks are thinner at the bottom than the top, which gives a false sense of security because the level between half full and empty goes down much faster. Given the problems with senders, wiring, gages and the like, I've just calculated my fuel use over eight years and know we use less than 1/2 gallon per hour of engine run time. I fill up with 10 gallons every twenty hours. We have a 23 gallon tank. It's not that hard. It depends on the engine hour meter, but, heck, that still works and is much easier to replace than a fuel tank sender.
used to them in their cars. There was a time (well before mine, I must not only admit, but demand *5) when all sailors had was a dipstick to measure fuel level. The difficulty with fuel gages, besides their recurring in-operation, is that many tanks are thinner at the bottom than the top, which gives a false sense of security because the level between half full and empty goes down much faster. Given the problems with senders, wiring, gages and the like, I've just calculated my fuel use over eight years and know we use less than 1/2 gallon per hour of engine run time. I fill up with 10 gallons every twenty hours. We have a 23 gallon tank. It's not that hard. It depends on the engine hour meter, but, heck, that still works and is much easier to replace than a fuel tank sender.
I recommend a new sending unit
My Catalina 30 fuel sending unit didn't work either. I bought a Telex (?) replacement at WM for less than $30. It wasn't at all hard to replace (good instructions) and, for me, well worth it. It worked without a problem and was accurate, and I highly recommend one.
My Catalina 30 fuel sending unit didn't work either. I bought a Telex (?) replacement at WM for less than $30. It wasn't at all hard to replace (good instructions) and, for me, well worth it. It worked without a problem and was accurate, and I highly recommend one.
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