Question 1 on fuel tanks.

[madmat99]

I have two diesel tanks. Both a faded cream coloured plastic. I have put 25 litres of fuel in each and even shining a light through the tank can’t see a level. Pipe from the deck filler is bent round a few things so can’t dip them.
is there something out there I am missing to figure out how much fuel I have?

cheers

mat

 

[alahol2]

Similar situation, the only way I can do it is to monitor the engine hours and use a Conservative Litres per hour figure. As data is collected the L/h figure gets more accurate.

 

[TNLI]

You could consider fitting a dip stick, or if you don't like cutting holes in fuel tanks, a U tube, IF the bottom has a drain or fuel outlet.

 

[Stemar]

I have a similar situation. There's a ~2" cover on the plate where all the pipes go in. I'd like to fit fuel gauges, but earlier discussions about their reliability have discouraged me a little. Sight tubes sound like a great idea, but the prospect of draining the tanks (big, at least by rag & stick standards) is a bit daunting! I may well fit a dip stick, as that looks straightforward

 

[Plum]

I have two diesel tanks. Both a faded cream coloured plastic. I have put 25 litres of fuel in each and even shining a light through the tank can’t see a level. Pipe from the deck filler is bent round a few things so can’t dip them.
is there something out there I am missing to figure out how much fuel I have?

cheers

mat

I made a little handheld device for use with plastic tanks that you slide up and down the outside of the tank and a light comes on when it detects the level. Cost about £10 and got the details from this forum years ago. If I can find details I will post...

Edit. The sensor is one like this New Non-contact Tank Water Level Sensor Switch Container Liquid Height Detector | eBay

This is mine running off a 9v battery


www.solocoastalsailing.co.uk

 

[[70521]]

Can you hear a change in noise when you add fuel and the tank is full? Always carry a full 10 or 20 ltr jerry can,

 

[duncan99210]

I’ve got a gauge but don’t rely on it. Instead I monitor hours run, reckon on 2 litres per hour and refuel based on that figure. The 2 litres per hour is accurate enough that I’m rarely out by more than a few litres from my estimate when topping off the tank.

 

[Stemar]

I made a little handheld device for use with plastic tanks that you slide up and down the outside of the tank and a light comes on when it detects the level. Cost about £10 and got the details from this forum years ago. If I can find details I will post...

Edit. The sensor is one like this New Non-contact Tank Water Level Sensor Switch Container Liquid Height Detector | eBay

This is mine running off a 9v battery
View attachment 119544

www.solocoastalsailing.co.uk

I could see a couple of those on each tank, one at about 1/3 full and one at 1/6, with LEDs at the helm. The ideal would be a bit of electronickery to have both on = green, bottom only = amber and none= red. Maybe it's time for me to start learning Arduino ...

 

[jneale]

In all the boats i've had with access to the top of the tank, I managed to fit a 12v fuel sender from a car scrapyard connected to a cheepy 12v analogue display - or something like this Fuel Gauge & Tank Sender Unit Kit Diesel Or Petrol Float 12V Cargo 160701 788863061016 | eBay