Parallax wrote:

When i bought my boat, it was 10 yrs old and even then the fuel
sending unit didn't work. Over the years, I have replaced it 4 times
and it has NEVER worked right. Those damned sending units are such
crappy technology...electrical/resistive/ mechanical/floating going to
a meter, and they really expect this to work for any length of time on
a boat? So....
Useless idea #3741 (I am really going to try this one)

Take two pieces of flexible tubing maybe 1/2" diameter filled with
hydraulic fluid connedcted to a T. The base of the T has a 1/4" clear
hose going up to where it is visible in the cockpit. The two pieces
of 1/2" hose support the fuel tank whose weight compresses the fluid
causing it to rise. As the tank empties, the level in the clear
tubing falls. So, it is really measuring weight. But, no
electricity, no moving parts (except the fluid) and absolute
simplicity. Now, the problem, most fuel tanks are fastened down
firmly so when this thing is installed, it must be able to move a tiny
amount up and down (maybe should use 1/8" clear tubing).


As another said: "Rube"!

We replaced our sending unit with a Snake River metal tank probe. Worked
wonderfully the first year. Didn't the second, but I haven't gotten
around to contacting them about the possible problem from either leak or
our other actions that could affect sensitivity, so can't honestly
complain. The other probes (fresh and waste) have been very useful, so
we're happy.

Flexible tubing gets gunked up pretty easily, so I don't think it would
work very long, even if you substitute hydraulic fluid. The idea of
introducing extra leak points like that is abhorrent to me, though.

--
Jere Lull
Xan-a-Deux ('73 Tanzer 28 #4 out of Tolchester, MD)
Xan's Pages: http://members.dca.net/jerelull/X-Main.html
Our BVI FAQs (290+ pics) http://homepage.mac.com/jerelull/BVI/