Mechanical in tank fuel gauge

[vitamin sea II]

I am trying to replace my fuel sending unit on my 1992 Grady 24 Explorer with a mechanical, in tank gauge. I own a 1978 Mako 20 and it has this type of gauge. It is original equipment and works like the day it rolled off the showroom floor. Hence my desire to go the same route on the Grady. Granted, the access hatch cover will need to be removed to view fuel status, but I'd rather go to that trouble than fight bad sending unit issues as I'm doing now.

I have found a Rochester bronze/stainless in tank gauge that fits the bill nicely. The gauge has a 1 1/2" NPT threaded head that is meant to screw into the tank. Problem is, the existing sending unit is held in place with five screws and is not threaded. I will need a threaded flange with five holes to marry the fuel gauge to the tank.

Has anyone undertaken a similar procedure? Is this flange that I am in need of and pretty common piece? I've looked online and have had no luck thus far.

Many thanks

 

[Doc Stressor]

I don't think that screw in fuel gauges are "legal" from marine below deck installations. You need to use a gauge that comes with the standard vapor seal gasket and 5 bolt screw pattern. Moeller makes these for all kinds of tank depths. Some even have electrical connectors so that you can still use the fuel gauge on your dash, but be able to fall back on the mechanical unit in a pinch.

My buddy did a nice installation using a clear acrylic deck plate that lets him see the mechanical gauge without removing the plate.

http://www.starmarinedepot.com/beck...yfIlcBLfk_sowwe2DjaJ9RylsloIJZ8ULMaAn3b8P8HAQ

 

[DennisG01]

Just attacking this from a different angle... "Typically", sending units last AT LEAST 10+ years, and the better ones (Wema, for example) tend to go at least twice that long. Just a thought, before you get too far into changing things around.

I didn't know there were in-tank gauges that can fit a standard 5-hole plate... good to know!

 

[Doc Stressor]

I just replaced the sending unit on my 2008 for the third time last week. After talking with Grady, I went with a WEMA this time. They have now shifted over to them for all of their boats. Hope I have better luck this time.

 

[DennisG01]

I just replaced the sending unit on my 2008 for the third time last week.

Well that stinks. Not really the "norm", but then what the norm truly is doesn't really matter when you have to replace it that often! :roll:

 

[vitamin sea II]

Thanks for the comments and suggestions guys. After more research and hitting dead ends on my previous idea, I have decided to just go with new Wema sending units and gauges. I gave a lot of thought to the Moeller in tank unit since it is already a 5 hole unit but read some reviews that did not speak highly of their quality.

Here's hoping I get quite a few years out of the Wema units. We shall see.

Thanks again