fuel monitors

Post by **AlMar** » Thu Sep 07, 2006 9:58 am

Would like feedback from anyone who has or has installed a fuel monitor for diesels. I had a NAVMAN unit on my last boat, but it was for Gas. I'd like to hear how hard it was to install, how accurate it was, and How much it cost. Thanks,
AlMar

Post by **DougSea** » Thu Sep 07, 2006 11:25 am

I'll be watching this thread with great interest. I also had a Navman fuel monitor on my prior boat and I'd love to have one on my Albin.

I know that Navman now makes a diesel version (FUEL 3100), which I saw online for just over $800. I haven't heard any feedback on how well it performs.

Doug

Post by **Mariner** » Thu Sep 07, 2006 11:58 am

We're lucky in that our Caterpillar has a fuel consumption gauge built into it's LCD display, but I've read that FlowScans are not difficult to install.

However, with modern recirculating diesel fuel systems, it likely won't be accurate.

tomcat rio · Post by **tomcat rio** » Thu Sep 07, 2006 12:51 pm

...seems to work okay

Post by **DougSea** » Thu Sep 07, 2006 1:38 pm

Mariner wrote:We're lucky in that our Caterpillar has a fuel consumption gauge built into it's LCD display, but I've read that FlowScans are not difficult to install.

However, with modern recirculating diesel fuel systems, it likely won't be accurate.

My understanding (and part of the reason for the much higher cost) of the diesel systems is that they have two transducers, one reading the feed from the tank and a second reading the return. They then calculate the difference between the two to get the fuel burn.

After two experiences on my new boat with a plunging fuel gauge - thought I had plenty of fuel for a trip and halfway through the gauge dropped very quickly to near empty - this is a high priority item for me this off season. Since most of my boating is short day trips I'd rather not carry the weight of a full tank and a flowscan would greatly improve my confidence that I've got enough fuel on board for any given day.

Doug

Post by **AlMar** » Thu Sep 07, 2006 2:46 pm

My initial research shows I can get the NAVMAN 3200 for $639.00 or less. It is NOT usable on the Yanmar 315 as the return fuel rate far exceeds the capabilities of the unit. And at 600 bucks, I might keep using my bamboo stick till Christmas. I have read, but nort verified, that NAVMAN is no longer producing the unit. Anybody know the fuel rate of a Cat 3116?
AlMar

Post by **AlMar** » Thu Sep 07, 2006 3:02 pm

From the Navman site:

Navman's diesel system has been designed to be installed and operate on most diesel engines in the 100 to 400 horsepower range. However, the key specification is the fuel flow rate through the engine (note: this is not the consumption rate).

For the system to work accurately, the flow in the supply pipe to the engine must be less than 400 litres (105.7 gal(US)) per hour.

The flow in the return pipe back to the tank must be more than 25 litres (6.6 gal(US)) per hour.

Ain't it great to have a forum to share this stuff!

AlMar

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fuel monitors

fuel monitors

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