No-drill ultrasonic fuel level through metal

[bowenj10]

We don't have a fuel gauge on our E27 and are planning to add one. With a metal tank and being mid-season, we're looking for something that is non-intrusive to avoid fuel contamination, sparks, and the need to remove the tank. Pumping out the tank is fine for determining empty condition, but I don't want to go through the process of removing all residual fuel and fumes if I don't have to.

My immediate thought went to ultrasonic. Has anyone added one before? If so, what did you use, how did you afix it to the tank, what gauge did you bring the sender into, and where did you mount the gauge?

If you used another method that did not require opening up holes in the tank (besides the handy stick method), what did you use?

If fully emptying the tank of liquid and fumes has proven easy and you managed to drill and fully clean the tank with it still in the boat, how did you do it?

Sorry, for packing so much in here but for comfort we'd rather get this done sooner rather than later.

 

[JSM]

Just installed this gauge this spring.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BQ3RGHDV?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1

The sender went into the existing hole in the top of the tank where the original mechanical gauge was mounted. I mounted the gauge in the combing near the control panel in the cockpit.
Do you have a fuel gauge now ? If so the holes are standard size and the new sender will drop right in. If not a hole can be easily cut in the tank with the proper size hole saw.
If you have to cut a hole in the tank best to do it with an empty tank and suck the debris out with a shop vac.
Use extra caution if you boat is gasoline powered.
P.S. Just noticed you are in Chicago, sent you a PM

 

[Christian Williams]

As john says, if you have a sender hole in the tank the rest is easy.

If not, you might weigh the value of a fuel gauge, which because of irregular tank dimensions can't give an accurate reading, which means reliance on the gauge is marginal anyhow (athough being able to see the level is still a comfort).

An engine hours meter (Hobbs meter), which is also easy to install, gives an accurate picture of fuel level, since diesel burn is very predictable.

 

[JSM]

If not, you might weigh the value of a fuel gauge, which because of irregular tank dimensions can't give an accurate reading, which means reliance on the gauge is marginal anyhow (athough being able to see the level is still a comfort).

I started with an empty tank and added ten gallons, five gallons at a time and made note of the needles position as I added the fuel. As Christian said the reading is marginal but I know when I am down to ten and five gallons.