Anybody try to install a fuel gauge in the H34 tank? I am looking at a mechanical gauge and was wondering what might be involved in cutting a hole in the top of the tank and installing a gauge. Its nice not to have to use much fuel, but I never know exactly how much I have. Was thinking of installing the gauge within an inspection port so I can check fuel condition occassionally.
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Gene
there is one on mine
There is one on mine. A mechanical I believe, Works good. Just open the hatch and look in. It was already there when I got the 1985 H-34. Good luck.
There is one on mine. A mechanical I believe, Works good. Just open the hatch and look in. It was already there when I got the 1985 H-34. Good luck.
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Al Nash
STUD FINDER FUEL GAUGE
I have read countless horror articles on this forum about putting extra holes in fuel tanks. I use a electronic stud finder; it shows the fuel level within an inch if you don't mind climbing in the bilge; guess you could mount it on a stick with a small mirror to see the led's.
I have read countless horror articles on this forum about putting extra holes in fuel tanks. I use a electronic stud finder; it shows the fuel level within an inch if you don't mind climbing in the bilge; guess you could mount it on a stick with a small mirror to see the led's.
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Bob Cree
Careful cutting the tank
I purchased an 86- 34. The previous owner had cut a hole in the top of the tank in order to clean the tank. It still had the hole when I purchased the boat. I made a metal plate (flange) which I screwed down on the tank using screws every 1". While doing this, I installed a fuel gauge sending unit on the plate. It works great. However, getting a good seal on the plate is difficult so be careful if you decide to cut into your tank.
I purchased an 86- 34. The previous owner had cut a hole in the top of the tank in order to clean the tank. It still had the hole when I purchased the boat. I made a metal plate (flange) which I screwed down on the tank using screws every 1". While doing this, I installed a fuel gauge sending unit on the plate. It works great. However, getting a good seal on the plate is difficult so be careful if you decide to cut into your tank.
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Don
Hey Al
Are you saying that a regular stud finder will show me the level of fuel in the tank? Do you run it up and down the tank to find the level, like running it left and right to find a stud in the wall? That's gotta be the best idea I've heard in a while. Ever tried it on the holding tank? I'm going to my boat tonight just to try it!
Are you saying that a regular stud finder will show me the level of fuel in the tank? Do you run it up and down the tank to find the level, like running it left and right to find a stud in the wall? That's gotta be the best idea I've heard in a while. Ever tried it on the holding tank? I'm going to my boat tonight just to try it!
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Al Nash
GOTTA BE AN ELECTRONIC STUD FINDER
Yep, that's what I'm saying. I imagine it works on a holding tank too; I haven't tried it because my holding tank is new and still translucent. I first tested it on a half full plastic container of fuel that I use to fill the boat. It never takes as much as I expect, so I had a half full can handy, then verified it works on the fuel tank.
Yep, that's what I'm saying. I imagine it works on a holding tank too; I haven't tried it because my holding tank is new and still translucent. I first tested it on a half full plastic container of fuel that I use to fill the boat. It never takes as much as I expect, so I had a half full can handy, then verified it works on the fuel tank.
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Eric linklater
try Accuguage
just put one on mine. worked for all 4 tanks. no holes in tanks required and works on capacitance. It was only about $175US for the whole kit and it wasn't too hard to put in. try email to Dennis@snake-river.org He should give you a quote
just put one on mine. worked for all 4 tanks. no holes in tanks required and works on capacitance. It was only about $175US for the whole kit and it wasn't too hard to put in. try email to Dennis@snake-river.org He should give you a quote
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PJ
Installed a mechanical guage last year.
Have an 84 H34. Look in M & E Marine Catalog, (pg 198) price 37.95 for any size Tempo mechanical guage. Phone 800-541-6501. Measure the depth of your tank and go with a size guage that is the same depth or if not exact, a guage for a tank that is shallower than your tank. That way when the guage reads empty, the float will be hanging straight down, but you will still have some fuel left. Th amount of fuel left will be the difference between the guage you ordered and the real depth of your tank. I tapped the hole for the guage at the bow/leading edge of the tank and about in the middle between the port/starboard edge of the tank. This location made for easy reading and the hole serves as a pickup/clean out hole to suck out any gunk before installing the float device. Also you can easily reach the sump area where the pickup tube for your fuel system is as well as all the corners. To suck out the sludge, attach one of those rotary pumps to your drill with the discharge going into a bucket and a long pickup tube attached to a yard stick with plastic ties. This allows you to poke the tube in all corners and the sump area. Use clear plastic tubing to get a visual on where/how much sludge is coming out. The pick up tube needs to be a few feet long for the tank depth plus some footage to come outside into the cockpit where the drill is located. It helps to have someone operate the drill while you shift position of the pickup tube. The guage comes with all gaskets screws etc. and is not a problem to install. And I have not had any leakage. A real comfort to lift the lazerette and look at a guage. The hardest part after you empty the fenders, dock lines etc. is squeezing down into the hold to do the work. And it helps if you forgot something to have your helper go get the additional tool. My M&E catalog is a 1999, if they no longer carry it, Boat us has some Tempo guages but I don't see the selection, so give their special order dept a call or stop in to view their catalogs for sizes/part #s, or e-mail me with your specs and I'll look it ou in the 99 catalog for you. BOL PJ
Have an 84 H34. Look in M & E Marine Catalog, (pg 198) price 37.95 for any size Tempo mechanical guage. Phone 800-541-6501. Measure the depth of your tank and go with a size guage that is the same depth or if not exact, a guage for a tank that is shallower than your tank. That way when the guage reads empty, the float will be hanging straight down, but you will still have some fuel left. Th amount of fuel left will be the difference between the guage you ordered and the real depth of your tank. I tapped the hole for the guage at the bow/leading edge of the tank and about in the middle between the port/starboard edge of the tank. This location made for easy reading and the hole serves as a pickup/clean out hole to suck out any gunk before installing the float device. Also you can easily reach the sump area where the pickup tube for your fuel system is as well as all the corners. To suck out the sludge, attach one of those rotary pumps to your drill with the discharge going into a bucket and a long pickup tube attached to a yard stick with plastic ties. This allows you to poke the tube in all corners and the sump area. Use clear plastic tubing to get a visual on where/how much sludge is coming out. The pick up tube needs to be a few feet long for the tank depth plus some footage to come outside into the cockpit where the drill is located. It helps to have someone operate the drill while you shift position of the pickup tube. The guage comes with all gaskets screws etc. and is not a problem to install. And I have not had any leakage. A real comfort to lift the lazerette and look at a guage. The hardest part after you empty the fenders, dock lines etc. is squeezing down into the hold to do the work. And it helps if you forgot something to have your helper go get the additional tool. My M&E catalog is a 1999, if they no longer carry it, Boat us has some Tempo guages but I don't see the selection, so give their special order dept a call or stop in to view their catalogs for sizes/part #s, or e-mail me with your specs and I'll look it ou in the 99 catalog for you. BOL PJ
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Dennis Ferriello
Acugage for fuel
Check with Snake River Electronics in about 3 months. The acugage will be reading diesel fuel and transmiting the signal directly to your VDO gauge. Contact Dennis@snake-river.org with your e-mail address and you will be contacted when the units are ready.
Check with Snake River Electronics in about 3 months. The acugage will be reading diesel fuel and transmiting the signal directly to your VDO gauge. Contact Dennis@snake-river.org with your e-mail address and you will be contacted when the units are ready.
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Brent Stabbert
Sightglass is easy
Just go get yourself 2 threaded 90 degree fittings,a piece of clear tubing & a couple of hose clamps drill the appropriate size holes seal with any fuel resistant sealant &slap it together on the forward outboard corner where its easy to see when you open the laz.took me about 20 min & cost about 15 bucks.
Just go get yourself 2 threaded 90 degree fittings,a piece of clear tubing & a couple of hose clamps drill the appropriate size holes seal with any fuel resistant sealant &slap it together on the forward outboard corner where its easy to see when you open the laz.took me about 20 min & cost about 15 bucks.
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