Fuel Level

[Boatagain]

I'm almost embarrassed to ask this, but how do I monitor the fuel level on my 2014 R25SC running a Volvo D3-150 engine? It's equipped with a Garmin 740s chartplotter and the Volvo Penta 4" display, both of which have fuel display capability. Is either device connected to a fuel sensor? The Volvo display stays stuck at 80 gallons and the Garmin seemed to indicate the actual remaining fuel of my last tankful, but I have no idea how to reset it after fueling up.

Help! 😳

 

[j&lgray]

Andiamo has the 2011 version of the Garmin 7215 chart plotter. The Garmin will use the gallons used per hour data to subtract from the fuel amount that is added. Andiamo's unit is accurate and reliable and we got over the need to actually see the fuel level.

On Andiamo's chartplotter, to add the fuel amount:
Turn the ignition key to the on position, the engine does NOT have to be running
Tap the Home button in the upper left corner,
Tap the Information button,
Tap the Engines button,
Tap the Menu button in the upper right corner,
Tap the fuel button the pertains: fill tanks or add an amount and then finish.

Voila!

 

[Boatagain]

Hi John:

I'm honored to have you answer my query. One of the reasons I bought a Ranger Tug was your and Laurie's blogs. I thoroughly enjoy reading of your Loop adventures and the writing and photography are outstanding.

As for your response...it was spot on! Thank you for the reply and please keep posting. I've no doubt there are many others out there who, like me, live vicariously through your writing.

 

[Kenny Marrs]

Hello Boatagain,

The Volvo display will be reading off of the sender. I normally have that display set to the my view screen. John is correct with the Garmin set up. I use both systems, when cruise, to read my fuel.

Thanks,
-Kenny

 

[Boatagain]

Only the Volvo display is connected to the sender? Then how does the Garmin keep track?

Now I'm really confused. :?

 

[walldog]

Only the Volvo display is connected to the sender? Then how does the Garmin keep track?

Now I'm really confused. :?

The Garmin keeps track by monitoring fuel flow. Therefore you must tell it when you add fuel by inputing the amount or selecting fill all tanks as appropriate. Very accurate.

 

[Boatagain]

So the Garmin is connected to a fuel flow sensor while the Volvo is connected to a fuel level sensor?

 

[coreychamness]

Unfortunately I know from experience that it is possible for the two gauges to disagree and to not quite be accurate at the "flame-out" of the engine even though we specifically knew how many gallons we put in at fill-up and the gauges indicated the correct amount.

 

[Andrew Custis]

What I would suggest is calling me tomorrow morning so I can explain this better over the phone. Please feel free to call me directly on my cell phone. (253)230-0727

Thank you!

Andrew Custis

 

[Levitation]

Our Pasta sends your Harry a bark out.

As far as fuel level, you will find that many of us use the engine hour meter or our watch as the main fuel gauge and whatever shows up on the helm as a secondary. A pad of paper on top of the helm to scribble down the amount and put in the engine time.
You have an average fuel burn (same one you enter into the Garmin) in your head. There is also a graph in the boat manual for burn versus speed. A glance at the fuel log and at the hour meter and you know within a gallon or two how much is in the tank.
A good rule of thumb on our boats is to NEVER go into the last ten gallons.

 

[Boatagain]

Well, I've now had my first phone conversation with Andrew and, as I've seen posted elsewhere, it WAS like talking to God. Thank you Andrew, you've burned away a lot of my brain fog on this issue. The Volvo reads off the fuel level sensor in the tank and the Garmin communicates with the Volvo. Simple! Not. Who knew I'd have to use my brain to boat?

Denny-o, Harry appreciates Pasta's bark out. Thanks!