Dodgy Fuel Gauge!!

[Thepipdoc]

I have a problem with my fuel gauge - it's definitely not accurate! As a result of this I'm either carrying 25ltrs in a can just in case I run out of fuel, or if I pass a fuel pontoon I'm filling up.
I've taken the fuel sender unit out of the tank twice and thought on both occasions I had calibrated the gauge correctly with what I knew the tank was holding, only to find that when I made my next trip the fuel gauge had increased instead of decreased. (wouldn't it be nice if it were true?)
I appreciate that some gauges aren't always accurate but I fear mine is going to land me in a whole load of trouble if I'm not careful.
What, in the opinion of the panel is the cause of the problem? Is it likely to be the gauge or the sender unit?
Is there a conversion kit of any sort on the market that I could fit in place of my current set up?
Thanks as always.

 

[lovezoo]

Have a look on the Faria website, there are troubleshooting guides on there which will help you diagnose your problem (same principles apply to other makes). You should be able to determine if it is the sender or the gauge with some simple testing. Have a look in the support section:

www.faria-instruments.com/index.php

 

[Dave_Seager]

I think that there are two standards for fuel gauges and their senders (Europe and USA?). Both use a variable resistor to signal the fuel level but one uses 0 ohms for full and the other for empty. If you boat has a sender that is incompatible with the gauge then the reading might go up as the fuel went down.

 

[Thepipdoc]

Thanks both - I'll check out your suggestions.

 

[omega2]

Fuel gauge

A broom handle calibrated at full, half, and oh s---t

 

[AntonW]

Fuel sender

If the fuel sender is a float and lever type has someone installed the float and lever the wrong way. At empty the float and lever down with europe style it should read around 0 to 3 ohms full around 180 ohms.

US gear 230 empty 30 full. (Just to be different)

Gauge and sender should be compatible. (Are they?)

Take the gauge sender out again and swing it empty to full does the gauge show correct position for full and empty does it swing the correct way.

If it does it could be bad wiring (varying the resistance) check that out. (faulty sender again varying resistance) or faulty gauge.

If its a Faria setup totally agree with other comments check out their website for correct setup procedure.

Where was that broomstick?

Anton

 

[AquapartPhil]

If you need spares

ASAP supplies are the UK Faria importers

We deal with them often and they are always helpful

Cheers,
Phil