Fuel flow meters, what is the best kind?

[Esquire]

I have been following the thread with the fuel gauge problems and can relate to some of the same accuracy issues with my gauge on my 360 convertible. I have contemplated investing in fuel flow meters for some time. Flo scan certainly has the widest choice of meters. I like the meters that also have rpm sycs. on them. Does anyone have any recommendations? Any personal experience in installing them?

[HisDoghouse]

Esquire,

I installed FloScan Twinscan dual flow meters and dual tachometers on my previous boat (a Wellcraft 290 Coastal with 225 HP FICHTs). One meter with the dual tachs went into the hole where I removed a single tach, and the dual fuel flow meter went into the hole where I pulled out the other tach. The installation was very easy, and the meters were very accurate after I applied a correction to them. The procedure was clearly identified in their installation documentation.

My Twinscans were connected together and to my GPS via NMEA so that they displayed MPG information in addition to total fuel consumed. Flip a switch and the MPG was replaced by a synchronization indicator. If you get one of the FloScan units without the GPS connectivity, IMHO you are wasting your money because I feel that the MPG data is extremely important, second only to total fuel burned.

I eventually plan on installing FloScans on my Luhrs as soon as they get the NMEA 2000 units to market. With the NMEA 2000 units, a separate gauge will not be needed, and I will be able to view the data on my Raymarine E120. For my diesel application, the installation will not be as easy as my previous install for a couple of reasons. First off, the sending units are larger. They will need to be mounted in a readily accessible place, but out of the way. There are two senders per engine (four total) that will need to go in (two for the forward fuel flow, two for the flow returning to the fuel tank).

If you are somewhat mechanically inclined (i.e. if you can install or replace a fuel strainer assembly or wire in a car stereo), you can do the install yourself. Otherwise, a professional installer may be better for you. Also, if you feel uncomfortable cutting into your dash to install the meters, get a pro.

Hope this helps,

Joe

[T380fisher]

Equire,
I have the Floscan 7000 multifunction model on my boat. I have twin Crusader 454's. I use the toggle switch method listed on the Floscan site for twin engines. I can toggle between either engine to see instant fuel usage (to check if they are drinking properly) and the gauge automatically totals the overall usage in the gallons display area. This model has the hour meter and sync mode on the upper display, but I have a separate engine syncronizer to do the real work. Using their toggle switch method means you only need 1 display unit.

I have found this unit to be very accurate. I usually allow about 1 gph for my generator (which is not hooked into the meter) and I am usually within 5 gallons on an overnight canyon trip. My fuel tank holds 455 gallons and with the gas engines, I am burning about 38 gph. Longer distance canyon runs make me very nervous, I probably wouldn't do it if I did not have some sort of flow meter.

I think the hardest part besides locating the proper position to cut into the fuel system is getting the wiring from the bridge to the engines in a neat professional manner. If you are a DIYer, you'll have no problem. Diesel models are a little more diffucult, because you have to mount return line senors as well.

[Esquire]

Thanks for the information. I am looking at the 9000/8000 GPS model which seems to have a single display, I see that Joe went with a double display unit. Any advantage to that, or was that the only choice you had at the time? Also, what retailer did you use? I went directly to the Floscan web site and completed their questionare for determining the correct model and the recommended model is not listed on any other sites, West Marine, Defender, etc. I have emailed (FloScan) but no response yet. I'd like to do a little comparison shopping because the price for the model FloScan recommends through their site is twice as expensive as any of the models listed in West Marine, or similar suppliers.
Thanks again for all of your help.

[HisDoghouse]

Esquire,

For my previous application, I had twin outboards, each having its own tach. That is why I went with the Twinscan. I was able to put the gauge with the dual tachs into the hole where one tach used to live, and the dual fuel flow meters into the hole that the other tach came out of. No holes to cut, and the installation looked pretty good.

Here's a picture (hopefully) of that installation. Note the dual fuel flow on the left of the autopilot control (that's where the speedo used to live) and the dual tachs on the right.

When I purchased the units, I did go with West and they did it as a special order - I provided them the specific model numbers for the two devices I wanted (the dual fuel flow and the dual tachs).

BOE Marine (a THT sponsor) is also a very reasonable source for electronics. I have dealt with Jim there for a number of items, and his prices are fantastic, and his shipping is VERY quick. Remember, most diesel FloScan applications are put together as required from FloScan, so it may take a bit for you to get yours.

Joe