Fuel senders

Discussion in 'Powerboats' started by fallguy, Feb 7, 2025.

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  1. fallguy
    Joined: Dec 2016
    Posts: 8,097
    Likes: 1,841, Points: 123, Legacy Rep: 10
    Location: usa

    fallguy Boat Builder

    I have 2 Moeller FT64 tanks with 13” arm senders.

    they are terrible and are ranging from 0-9 gallons error

    On a recent voyage, I departed a marina and the gauges reported zero on one tank and I returned to port about 8 miles on one engine and once in port harbor; the gauge reading went to 9 gallons and was reading 0-3 the entire return trip.

    I want advice about the best way to go for new senders. There are a few different kinds. My current senders are analog and I have Yacht Devices a/d converters which may also be contributing to errors.

    And do I need to empty my tanks for the new work or do I take a stick measurement for calibration?

    A bit nervous about fuel vapors/explosion, but I’ll be careful.
     
  2. kapnD
    Joined: Jan 2003
    Posts: 1,413
    Likes: 485, Points: 83, Legacy Rep: 40
    Location: hawaii, usa

    kapnD Senior Member

    I developed a well earned mistrust of fuel measurement gauges early on, and learned not to rely on them.
    Get to know your crafts fuel consumption habits, and you will always have a surprisingly close tally in your head of how much fuel is remaining in your tank.
    That stick is your best friend!
     
  3. Barry
    Joined: Mar 2002
    Posts: 1,959
    Likes: 575, Points: 113, Legacy Rep: 158

    Barry Senior Member

    Contact a Moeller dealer and buy direct replacements

    Not all guages work with all senders.

    There are polarity differences as well as postive and negative ohm ranges.
     
    Seasideinvermont likes this.
  4. Darkzillicon
    Joined: Jan 2023
    Posts: 167
    Likes: 59, Points: 28
    Location: Palm Beach

    Darkzillicon Senior Member

    You could also contact yacht device manufacturers and inquire about calibrating their digital readouts to the new gauges. I would recommend this approach as analog senders are likely the most cost-effective option Regarding simplicity, am aware that Blue Sea Systems used to offer ultrasonic fuel tank senders, should be fairly accurate and foolproof, albeit more expensive. Best of luck with your search!
     

  5. BlueBell
    Joined: May 2017
    Posts: 2,979
    Likes: 1,110, Points: 113
    Location: Victoria BC Canada

    BlueBell . . . _ _ _ . . . _ _ _

    Fuel senders are horrible, terrible things.
    A dipstick is the most accurate fuel measuring device I have ever seen.
    Almost foolproof.
     
    jehardiman and Darkzillicon like this.
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