Fuel tank sender problem

[sealinef36]

The fuel gauge on our 1989 Nimbus 2600 has been playing up lately and I suspect the (VDO) sender to be at fault (probably the float sticking). Lifted the cockpit sole at the weekend to get at the tank and I'm not sure how to take the sender out to inspect it. Logic says remove the five screws and just pull it out, but I can't see how I'll be able to negotiate the float mechanism through what seems quite a small hole ! Also not sure if they are screws - or bolts with nuts on the inside of the tank. Failing that it looks as though I may have to remove the whole inspection panel surrounding it. VDO have given me details of the updated sender as mine is now obsolete. Any help or guidance would be greatly appreciated.

 

[David2452]

Standard 5 screw DIN fitting, just preserve the gasket, the float is on an arm and will come out with a bit of wiggling, if nothing is obviously stuck or stiff then check the empty, half and full resistance with a multimeter and come back with the readings.

 

[Kawasaki]

First off David 2452 has given proper advice
Second off you have a good boat there!
Third off, when I had a Nimbus 27 1984 I realised the fuel gauge was a nuisance. In the end I used to work out how many gallons an hour I used and calculated how much fuel I used/needed that way. Much as I tried (like you) to make the fuel gauge accurate, I never could however I tried. The 'Gauge' well all said and done is just that. 'A Gauge' unless you have a sophisticated method of measuring the amount of fuel in a Pleasure boat tank, it is a Risk to believe them, imho.
A 'Gauge' is a 'Guess' in boats I think. I used to work on 3 gallons an hour in my Nimbus, use that Formula and you won't go far wrong!

 

[sealinef36]

Thank you - most helpful !

 

[sealinef36]

Excellent. I'll try that at the weekend.