Possible soln for fuel level - Webasto's diesel tank R-27/OB

[baz]

Subject: Possible soln for fuel level - Webasto's diesel tank R-27/OB

We've discussed the issue for figuring out the diesel fuel level for the Webasto's fuel tank on the R-27/OB and no good solution has been forth coming from my readings here.

I did mention in a previous post the aspect of using a GreenPro (GRP0145 model) Infrared Thermometer to scan the exposed tank's surface temperatures from top to bottom for detecting where the fuel level might be.

Today I used my GreenPro (GRP0145 model) Infrared Thermometer to determine if this might be a solution.

This is what I discovered.

• 1. My cabin temperature was at around 70ºF.
  
  2. I opened the locker door beneath the propane stove to expose the Webasto's fuel tank at the very back.
  
  3. I then used the GreenPro (GRP0145 model) Infrared Thermometer to see what temperature it read from top to bottom of the tank.
  
  4. At the top it's display read out a varying number from around 68ºF to 72ºF.
  
  5. As I slowly lowered the infra red spot on the tank's surface it started to show a lower temperature of around 53ºF. As I approached the 1/2 way level point the change from 70ºF to around 53ºF was quite sudden over a distance of around 1".
  
  6. As I lowered it further down to the bottom of the tank the readout reduced down to 43ºF.
  
  7. I did the above several times with the same results.
  
  8. So my thoughts are that given these temperature readings the tank is likely half full.
  
  9. If my thought is correct I can easily check this by noting how much diesel can be filled into the tank.
  
  10. The tank is stated as being a 5 gallon tank. So if I can fill with 2.5 gallon or thereabout I feel the GreenPro (GRP0145 model) Infrared Thermometer is a decent means for knowing how empty the tank is.

I will post back later and mention how much diesel I had to fill the tank with.

 

[baz]

Yesterday I poured in 0.978 gallons of diesel fuel into the Webasto's fuel tank. I use a small and easily handled 1 gallon holding tank as this is needed/important when leaning out and forward from the forward port side to the fuel filler cap with the boat being starboard tied to the dock. The tank's spout is specially designed such that a protrusion on the spout allows me to use it to engage the side of the fill hole and press down that then allows the tank's contents to flow down the spout. This feature eliminates possible spills and consequently no messy cleanup is required.

Now I will fill the tank with another gallon and if that goes into the tank without it filling up I'll know at least my Infra Red heat sensor gun isn't that far off the mark having poured 2 gallons in. Since I figured the 5 gallon Webasto fuel tank was half empty I would expect I should be able to fill another 1/2 gallon.... so we shall see.

 

[baz]

I was able to fill the tank up with another gallon minus a bit the other day.

This tells me my GreenPro (GRP0145 model) Infrared Thermometer technique is a good means for easily measuring the tank's fuel level. 🙂