Pearson Boats - Common Systems > Engine and Drive Train

Fuel Gauge

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Chelsea:
How such a simple question can go on... it's fun.

On Chelsea I opened the port last summer and took out the gauge.  I cleaned the glass on it and reset it into the tank.  It's a simple magnetic unit with a cork on the end in the tank.  As the fuel lowers, so does the cork.  As it goes down, the magnetic force lessons and the gauge needle goes from full to empty.  When I opened the tank I had run the blower for a while. I disconnected shore power, set the 12v to off and said a prayer.  Once the gauge was out, I covered/stuffed the open hole with a plug and put up a no smoking sign on the dock head.... I'm still here.

Now I can read it well but the cover plate on mine as well was well marred from years of shoes and who knows what.  Using "Cleaner Wax" and some #7 rubbing compound I buffed out the surface of the cover plate to a wonderful shine.  Also washed off the bottom of it and the top of the gauge cover.  No sight problems reading the gauge.
Full is to port, 3/4 is forward. 1/2 is starboard and if it's toward the helm, get ready to swim with flippers for propulsion.  I carry 30 gallons of fuel (A4-gas) when full and burn 1.1 gal per hour at 7 knots no matter the wind... well with a 15 knot headwind it's 1.3 gal per hour.. hope this helps.
Lauri

selene:
An update for those who are interested...

The fuel gauge on my tank was made by Rochester Gauges.  The current replacement is model is 5323s01792, and seems to be a drop-in replacement. About $12.  Which is great news!

Moeller Marine (thanks Ed for the clue!) uses Rochester gauges in their units.

I removed and inspected the old gauge.  It is fluid--filled, but over time had accumulated an air bubble; and the plastic cover had yellowed over time (See? We may be sunny in California all year round, but it's not all good - there is a downside....:-)), and there was rust forming.  The new unit is all-plastic; we'll see how long it lasts.

If anybody has a similar problem the gauge can be ordered at www.e-components.net.

Sea Haven:
I ended up replacing mine with their Conversion Capsule.
Converts fuel level reading from standard direct site gauge to electric dash mounted gauge (33-240 Ohms's).
Moeller Marine Product # 035760-10

What's nice I can still make out the mechanical reading, but I also see it on my new home made Gauge Panel. That's a piece of .040" thk anodized aluminum, oversized to cover an old depth gauge hole. Thinking of sticking a Pearson or Universal logo in the empty area.

FWIW, I replaced ALL the gauges, completely rewired my A4 with new wiring, and converted from points to EI. New 55 Amp Alternator, new starter Added a Merlin Power Systems Smartgauge and Smartbank, as well as all cabin lighting to LED's. 200AH House Bank along with a separate starter battery. That was just electrical! New Garhaur Traveller and new Mack Sails to boot!!
It's been a hell of an off season.

"Sub" Ed

Here's my new panel:

Alma:
Nice! Volts And Amps- Belt and Suspenders...

Where did you buy that little tachymeter???? I want one!

Sea Haven:
Alma,

That, and the Fuel Gauge are VDO Gauges. The rest are ISSPRO, which I prefer. However....I like the finer graduations on the VDO Fuel gauge.

The following are ALL part Numbers.......

Gauges
Vendor: Partdeal.com
 ISSPRO - Ammeter Gauge, 60 Volt DC, 2-1/16 inches - R86661
 ISSPRO - Voltmeter Gauge, Color-coded, 12VDC, 2-1/16in - R8660
 ISSPRO - Electrical Oil Pressure Gauge, 80psi, 2-1/16in - R8620
 ISSPRO - Oil Pressure Sender, 80 PSI - R8916
 ISSPRO - GAUGE ELEC WATER TEMP 100-240 TA - R8650
 ISSPRO - SENDER WATER TEMP 100-240 TA 1/4" NPT - R8922
Vendor: Summit Racing Equipment
 VDO Vision Series Tachometers 333156
 VDO Vision Black Fuel Gauge - 301-105B - Use with 240-33 Ohm Sender
Vendor: Amazon.com
 Moeller Marine Conversion Capsule 035760-10

Alarms:
Vendor: Defender
 Cole Hersee - Engine Warning Kit - M-40177 BP (tossed the pitiful buzzer)
Vendor: floydbell.com
 Low Oil: TLHC-88R-930-Q Panel Mount 9-30 VDC  Red Indicator w/Continuous Alarm
 Engine Coolant:  TLHW-88B-930-QF Panel Mount 9-30 VDC  Blue Indicator w/Fast Warble Alarm
 Raw Water Inlet Flow: TLHB-88G-930-QF Panel Mount 9-30 VDC  Green Indicator w/Fast Beep Alarm
 High Bilge Alarm (Not shown, located below): TLHO-88Y-930-Q Panel Mount 9-30 VDC  Yellow Indicator w/WHOOP Alarm
Vendor: Moyer Marine
 Raw Water Flow Sensor - KTAS_01_563
 
The Floyd Turbolight alarms may not be for everyone because they are a bit pricey. However they are waterproof (IP68 Rating & NEMA 4X) LED's in the range of 93db. I will hear them while sleeping in the vberth when someone else is at the helm. The colors are selected because they make sense and since the LP Oil alarm always sounds when the engine starts, the red doesn't affect the night vision. Blue for water temp, green for sea water, these shouldn't affect night vision too much, but at that time your dealing with engine issues anyway. They all have separate, distinctive tones. The yellow high bilge alarm located in the galley above the chill box and will light the cabin at night to prevent running into anything while panicking lol. It's hooked up to the high capacity 2000 gph bilge pump located on the mast step level of the bilge. The 500 gph scavenger pump of course being located at the lowest point.

Works for me.

"Sub" Ed

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