outboard tank

Discussion in 'OnBoard Electronics & Controls' started by darone1871, Aug 24, 2011.

  1. darone1871
    Joined: Aug 2011
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    Location: goole

    darone1871 New Member

    i would like to fit a electric fuel sending unit to a honda outboard tank is it possible if so how can anyone help
     
  2. Tim B
    Joined: Jan 2003
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    Location: Southern England

    Tim B Senior Member

    I don't see why it wouldn't be possible. The hard bit is mounting a suitable sized sender in the tank. The sender is effectively a variable resistor, and so you can measure the fluid level by making the sender the lower part of a potential divider and displaying the result. This is what fuel gauges actually do behind the scenes.

    OpenPilot's ADC Widget can measure voltages (with a little hardware) for just this purpose.

    Cheers,

    Tim B.
     
  3. Ike
    Joined: Apr 2006
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    Location: Washington

    Ike Senior Member

    I am sure it could be done. But much better than a resistive unit (float on an arm type guage) I would use a capacitive or inductive unit. The electronics is solid state and completely sealed and much more accurate than the old resistive type. see WEMA USA http://www.wemausa.com/

    Now for the downside. How are you going to ground this? If you are running wires to a gauge on the dash then the sender is part of your electrical system and needs to be grounded.

    Also this means you will have to put a hole in the top of the tank so you will need to find a way to seal it with a gasket.

    Why not buy a plastic tank that is translucent that you can actually see how much fluid is in it?
     
  4. michael pierzga
    Joined: Dec 2008
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    Location: spain

    michael pierzga Senior Member

    That Norwegian WEMA gear that Ike pointed you towards is first class. Very reliable, but its not cheap
     

  5. Landlubber
    Joined: Jun 2007
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    Location: Brisbane

    Landlubber Senior Member

    Wema is cheap, depends where you buy it...it is made in China you know.....and yes, it is very good.
     
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