Estimating Fuel left in tank

[djyacht]

I`m planning to drain down my inboard (fibreglass) tank. There is no fuel gauge, and the filler is angled so cannot dipstick it. I`d like to know how much fuel is in there so that I can have adequate containers ready.

I`ve tried knocking on the side, but not really helpful. Wondered about using electronic stud and cable finder.

Any suggestions please?

Cheers

 

[sailorman]

I`m planning to drain down my inboard (fibreglass) tank. There is no fuel gauge, and the filler is angled so cannot dipstick it. I`d like to know how much fuel is in there so that I can have adequate containers ready.

I`ve tried knocking on the side, but not really helpful. Wondered about using electronic stud and cable finder.

Any suggestions please?

Cheers

we have a sight gauge with a cock on the inlet to isolate it

 

[alahol2]

Mega bright light on one side, look from the other? Even if the lamp is outside the hull you may get enough light through to discern the level.

 

[MoodySabre]

Do you know how much it holds? If so can you work out how many hours you have motored since then, multiply by consumption rate and deduct that from the total. I always note the engine hours when I fill up and so I know when it would be wise to fill up.

 

[rosssavage]

Are you draining from the bottom of the tank? If so, stick on a bit of clear hose to the outlet and hold it vertically. Open the cock, and voila, a sight gauge.

 

[scotts_mist]

Depending on how angled the filler is, simply a fishing weight on a piece of string... slowly lower it down the filler till it goes slack, pull it back out, and note the amount of damp string?

 

[djyacht]

Thanks for the suggestions. I never thought of the sight gauge - I`ll attach a clear tube at the water separator outlet - that should do the trick.

Cheers!

 

[sailorman]

Thanks for the suggestions. I never thought of the sight gauge - I`ll attach a clear tube at the water separator outlet - that should do the trick.

Cheers!

my previous ( first ) owner had marked beside the tube every 10 lts