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Old 18-02-2014, 11:20   #16
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Re: Diesel Fuel Tank & Sending Unit

if you install a new tank then you can also install a new sender and gauge that works
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Old 18-02-2014, 12:18   #17
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Re: Diesel Fuel Tank & Sending Unit

Quote:
Originally Posted by Cheechako View Post
IMHO... nothing better than a screw in dipstik for diesel!
As the tank/gauge/sender issue is far from being a crisis, this may be the very solution I eventually settle upon.
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Old 18-02-2014, 12:20   #18
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Re: Diesel Fuel Tank & Sending Unit

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if you install a new tank then you can also install a new sender and gauge that works
Exactly. And that useless space around the current tank gets smartened up.

And, I can run the sender wire to a new gauge mounted in the cockpit.
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Old 18-02-2014, 12:40   #19
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Re: Diesel Fuel Tank & Sending Unit

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Originally Posted by Fiveslide View Post
I think an updated system, with proper terminal crimping, corrosion protection and water proofing should give years, possibly decades, of proper functionality. Fuel guages on cars don't notoriously break and we are talking about the same technology.

Perhaps the lack of constant up and down of a sending unit, when boats sit idle and only sip fuel when in use, actually shortens the life of a sending unit?
I need to investigate with a multimeter (with which I'm less than fully confident) to see if there's actually a just a power supply issue before I go pulling the sender, I think.

But I was already warm to the idea of a fully updated system, with a tank that fills that space. So, I appreciate HappyMdR's vote for increased capacity. I think I could double the size of that tank, just by filling the horizontal void.

Anyone think 33 gallons is overkill on a 30-footer?
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Old 19-02-2014, 08:06   #20
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Re: Diesel Fuel Tank & Sending Unit

Quote:
Originally Posted by Flem.S.Coyle View Post
Exactly. And that useless space around the current tank gets smartened up.

And, I can run the sender wire to a new gauge mounted in the cockpit.
Where's your current gauge??? In the head???

Quote:
Originally Posted by Flem.S.Coyle View Post
I need to investigate with a multimeter (with which I'm less than fully confident) to see if there's actually a just a power supply issue before I go pulling the sender, I think.

But I was already warm to the idea of a fully updated system, with a tank that fills that space. So, I appreciate HappyMdR's vote for increased capacity. I think I could double the size of that tank, just by filling the horizontal void.

Anyone think 33 gallons is overkill on a 30-footer?
(33 Morgan data) No way man.... If I gotta head to the island (30 mi) and have to power there... I burn 8+ if I got the hammer down... Fuel dock unavailable cause of a ferry or after hours??? 16-20 round trip... Don't like to go lower than 1/4 tank because of pickup and heeling... That leaves me with a 25% extra margin in the worst possible scenario.... (plus my neurotic jerry supply)

I usually burn a gallon or less for that same 70 miles...
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Old 19-02-2014, 08:46   #21
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Re: Diesel Fuel Tank & Sending Unit

Well , I never had or felt the need for a gauge on a sailboat, but here's the easy solution I mentioned:
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Old 19-02-2014, 09:40   #22
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Re: Diesel Fuel Tank & Sending Unit

Check out “Basic Engine Gauge Theory and Testing”
http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...sting-645.html

Basic Troubleshooting of Gauges:

All Gauges:

1. Remove Sender Wire from “S” Terminal on Gauge, and Turn ON Instruments Circuit.

2. Test Voltage between “I” Terminal (External Power Supply) and Ground Terminal “G”.
Tested voltage must match nominal voltage of the Gauge (ie: 12V Gauge must test between 10 - 16VDC), and the Battery Voltage.
If no voltage - check Ignition or Instrument Switch(s) and/or Fuses.
If tests less than battery voltage, repair or replace (Violet) wire from Ignition or Instrument Switch.

If a Sender fails “Open” (Infinite Resistance), one or both (if Dual Station) Gauges will read Zero Scale.
If a Sender Fails “Closed” (shorted - Zero Resistance), one or both Gauges will read Full Scale.

Other confusing Ohmmeter results, such as readings lower than expected, could indicate a poor Ground Connection at the Sender Body (Sender to Engine Block). Check for pipe dope or tape on Sender Threads.

Fuel Gauges:

1. Disconnect Pink Sender Wire from Gauge, and turn power ON.
The Fuel Gauge should read ZERO Scale (< Empty)

2. Short the Gauge Sender Terminal to Ground.
The Gauge should read FULL Scale (> Full).

3. Measure resistance of Pink Sender Wire to Ground.
American Floats: 240 Ohms (Empty), 103 Ohms (½ Full), & 33 Ohms (Full)
European Floats: 10 Ohms (Empty), 95 Ohms (Half), & 180 Ohms (Full)
Automotive & other Float Switches may use other resistances such as 0 - 90 Ohm, 73 - 10 Ohm, & etc.

4. Disconnect Pink Wire from Sender on Engine Block.

5. Test continuity of Pink Wire.
Zero Ohms from Block End to Gauge End - If not, repair or replace Wire.

6. Measure Resistance from Sender Terminal (on Block) to Ground on Block.
Should read as per (3) above - If not, replace Sender.
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Old 20-02-2014, 05:46   #23
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Re: Diesel Fuel Tank & Sending Unit

Quote:
Originally Posted by HappyMdRSailor View Post
Where's your current gauge??? In the head?...
No, funny guy...see gauge in photo on top of tank...post #7.
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Old 20-02-2014, 05:55   #24
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Re: Diesel Fuel Tank & Sending Unit

Quote:
Originally Posted by GordMay View Post
Check out “Basic Engine Gauge Theory and Testing”
http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...sting-645.html

Basic Troubleshooting of Gauges: ...
Now, there's some helpful info. I'll print that stuff out and take it with me to the boat. Thanks, Gord.
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Old 20-02-2014, 05:56   #25
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Re: Diesel Fuel Tank & Sending Unit

Quote:
Originally Posted by Flem.S.Coyle View Post
No, funny guy...see gauge in photo on top of tank...post #7.
You jinxed my photo properties.... (or I effed them up) ... Not only do my posted photos not show up in the threads... but all of them are links now... ratfartz is indeed the right explicative....
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Old 20-02-2014, 06:00   #26
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Re: Diesel Fuel Tank & Sending Unit

Quote:
Originally Posted by Flem.S.Coyle View Post
Now, there's some helpful info. I'll print that stuff out and take it with me to the boat. Thanks, Gord.
Gordo always seems to exhibit a slightly higher maturity level than the rest of us... Self entertainment is pretty much my entire motivation for being here... (thank god my smileys still work)
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Old 20-02-2014, 06:10   #27
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Re: Diesel Fuel Tank & Sending Unit

GordMay's solution is exactly what I did on my last boat after replacing 2 senders. As long as you can see the top of your tank without too much of a problem the mechanical gauge is an excellent way to deal with it, almost bullet proof.
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Old 20-02-2014, 06:56   #28
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Re: Diesel Fuel Tank & Sending Unit

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You jinxed my photo properties.... (or I effed them up) ... Not only do my posted photos not show up in the threads... but all of them are links now... ratfartz is indeed the right explicative....
Well, since you were threatening to swing by anyway, just do that. I'll print out a picture of the fuel tank and show it to you. I'll even print out a photo of something to drink while you're looking at the fuel tank pic.

I still haven't gotten the radar installed, but I also need someone who's narrow enough to fold up inside a lazarette. That's where the access to the steering cable adjustment bolts is, and I'm about twice the size of what would fit in there, and just...can't... quite... reach 'em from the cockpit.

How big a feller are you anyways?
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Old 20-02-2014, 07:00   #29
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Re: Diesel Fuel Tank & Sending Unit

See also:

Wiring Diagrams:
Engine Gauge Wiring Diagram - See also Gauge Testing Diagrams Cruisers & Sailing Photo Gallery

Testing Instructions:
Testing Engine Gauges - See also Wiring Diagram &amp; Sender Resistances Cruisers & Sailing Photo Gallery

Sender Resistance:
Testing Engine Gauges (2) - See also Wiring Diagram &amp; Testing Instructions Cruisers & Sailing Photo Gallery
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Old 20-02-2014, 07:15   #30
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Re: Diesel Fuel Tank & Sending Unit

Quote:
Originally Posted by Flem.S.Coyle View Post
Well, since you were threatening to swing by anyway, just do that. I'll print out a picture of the fuel tank and show it to you. I'll even print out a photo of something to drink while you're looking at the fuel tank pic.

I still haven't gotten the radar installed, but I also need someone who's narrow enough to fold up inside a lazarette. That's where the access to the steering cable adjustment bolts is, and I'm about twice the size of what would fit in there, and just...can't... quite... reach 'em from the cockpit.

How big a feller are you anyways?
HAAAAAA!

If you print it big enough and hold it up... I may be able to see it from here.... Either that, or stop by a local Wells Fargo office and see if you can get it on a stagecoach, or saddlebag....

The drink photo is definitely motivation...

Well... Nobody has mistaken me for a Bangcock girl/boy... But I rekon I could get in your laz.... Morgan has what I like to call the "workshop" down my port one... Once you're inside, it's pretty spacious... shelves, toolbox, light fixture, back side of the electrics... One mild panic attack solo made me remove the laz lid latch years ago...
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