fuel guage problem

Jul 27, 2015
53
catalina 30 SF bay
85 Catalina 30. My fuel gage always reads full. It has worked in the past. when the key is off the gage needle does go to 0.
 
Aug 3, 2012
2,542
Performance Cruising Telstar 28 302 Watkins Glen
First thing I check is the ground wire. Make a test lead with a couple of alligator clips and a length of wire.
 
Jan 11, 2014
13,113
Sabre 362 113 Fair Haven, NY
The fuel gauge sender has a float that pivots. Over time the pivot point fills with gunk and it no longer pivots. Fill the tank and the float sticks in the full position. Here's an example of one type of gauge https://shop.sailboatowners.com/prod.php?8234 not sure if this is precisely the one you have. It can be replaced by a Wema Gauge which are highly rated and not subject to the same problem.

This article should be helpful: https://marinehowto.com/testing-a-marine-fuel-sender/

Turn the key off and there is no power to the guage, so the gauge reads Zero.
 
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Dec 1, 1999
2,391
Hunter 28.5 Chesapeake Bay
The “best” fuel gauge I’ve ever had is a No. 2 pencil and a spiral notebook. Fill up your tank, take note of how long you run the engine, and make sure you know your engine’s fuel consumption rate. Simple math that never fails.
 
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Aug 3, 2012
2,542
Performance Cruising Telstar 28 302 Watkins Glen
The “best” fuel gauge I’ve ever had is a No. 2 pencil and a spiral notebook. Fill up your tank, take note of how long you run the engine, and make sure you know your engine’s fuel consumption rate. Simple math that never fails.
That is what ASA teaches. Always keep a log.

I like what Dlochner said too: gunk. Heck, I have a gauge that sticks, and it is brand new. I gotta give it a tap when it doesn’t match the level.
 
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May 20, 2016
3,015
Catalina 36 MK1 94 Everett, WA
Simple math works until you use the fuel for heating the boat also, then math sucks cause it’s a variable rate depending on how much heat the heater puts out and how long.

Les
 
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