Fuel Flow Meter/Gauge Questions

[fdheld34]

WWP2 thanks for the web site...I just want to make sure I get a unit that is simple to use and is basically plug and play. How long does it take to hook up a flow scan gauge..do I have to have access to my fuel tank under deck??
Where does sensor attach to..fuel line/transom etc???

Wavelength....so with the Lowrance gauge meter..I would have to buy another sensor on top of the fuel sensor??? Is the paddle wheel a sensor that hooks up to the fuel flow gauge and then attached to the transom to determine speed and distance to get gallons per hour. Is is needed to have gauge work for gph or is it an option that could be utilized down the road??

What gauge all in all is the easiest to hook up out of the box and will give me gph??

-Thanks for bearing with my questions!!!!
-Fred

[BigLew]

Hey fdheld34,

This is just my 2¢.

To the best of my knowledge, the standalone fuel flow gauges give you gallons per hour information. If you want to convert to MPG, you will need to divide your speed by your fuel flow. That said, there are some systems which will take a NEMA input and use it to calculate MPG. These systems are generally high end, multi-parameter chart plotters with depth sounder, radar, fuel flow meter, and general engine instrumentation capabilities. You are talking into four figure's of cost easily. MPG is a nice number to know, but it is not something you need on an ongoing basis. If you have any flow meter and a GPS, you can calculate at the end of the day MPG if you use total gallons used that day and total miles traveled.

Fuel flow is generally more useful in adjusting engine speed, trim and weight distribution. You can simply see the results more dramatically.

As I said, just my opinion. Good luck.

[McGillicuddy]

Fred,

Big Lew hit a home run with the points he makes.

This Lowrance unit comes with the fuel flow sensor. I believe paddle wheel tranducers etc are for other things like speed, water temp and any other measurements that may be electronically probed. http://www.turtlemarine.com/lowrancelmf200.html

Northstar/Navman also makes a nice kit for about $125

I just have their flow sensor which plugs into my Sounder or GPS (which does read out the mpg), but it sounds like you're looking for just the gauge and sensor. The problem with many of these is that you need to know your actual fuel amount and reset accordingly. They are plug and play. place the sensor inline between the fuel filter and the motor and then run the wire back to the gauge or electronic device.

Here's a link for Northstar F210
http://www.northstarnav.com/en/Produ...ent/F210-Fuel/