[C320-list] Fuel gauge

[Scott Westwood]

Just make sure you spin the sending unit in the correct orientation so the arm can lift up.  If the sending unit has a float that goes straight up with a spiral then it really doesn't matter.  Most of the ones I saw when I replaced mine had the whole arm actually bend/lift up like lifting a horses leg.  As apposed to a float that "Slides" up a stationary shaft.  I hope I am explaining myself.  On mine the sending unit was mounted on the tank in the very corner.  If you have one that bends up like a horses leg then if you insert it wrong then it will hit the tank wall and not allow the arm to raise up.  
Pretty easy to do but kind of tight space on mine.  Joe is right on.  Make sure you don't over tighten but make sure you get a good seal.  First time I did it I had a slow leak and just had to re-tighten them.  
Good Luck.
Thanks,
Scott Westwood scottwestwood at bellsouth.net H (919)-362-8538    C (919)-618-7185

      From: Joe Luciano <jnluciano at comcast.net>
 To: C320-List at Catalina320.com 
 Sent: Monday, June 11, 2018 11:33 PM
 Subject: Re: [C320-list] Fuel gauge
   
I’ve replaced sending units in a couple of Catalina boats in the past.  It’s not a specialty item.  You can buy a new sending unit at your local West Marine store or other chandlery.  The key thing is to get the length of the rod to the float right.  If you were happy with the way the old one was working, you can pull it out and simply measure the length, then cut the new one to match.  It’s a pretty easy job.  Replace the gasket on the connection at the top and put some silicone grease on it to insure a good seal.  Tighten the screws evenly and don’t over-do it and strip one out.  The one job I would consider while you have the sending unit out, is to take a hand siphon and suck out the low point end of the tank at the very bottom.  That’s where any water / gunk will accumulate.  Mine only had a little bit of junk, then all I could siphon out was good clean diesel.  Again, easy to do and good peace of mind afterward.  Best of luck!

Joe Luciano
Second Wind - 2005 Catalina 320

> On Jun 11, 2018, at 5:19 PM, Michael Ferguson <coralman at bellsouth.net> wrote:
> 
> After doing all the tests I've determined it's the sending unit. Has anyone replaced their sending unit and have a recommendation for which one I should purchase. I have a 20 gallon tank in a 95 model boat. Thanks Michael
> 
> Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android 
> 
>  On Thu, Jun 7, 2018 at 7:24 AM, Doug Treff<doug at treff.us> wrote:  Michael,
> 
> Catalina Direct has two senders listed for the C-320. You'll need to measure your tank to make sure you buy the correct one. They may not be the cheapest ones out there, but you know it will fit.
> 
> Here they are:
> https://www.catalinadirect.com/index.cfm/product/3257/fuel-tank-sending-unit-13-stainless-c-28-mkii-c-320-28-gal-c-42-34-gal.cfm
> https://www.catalinadirect.com/index.cfm/product/1141/fuel-tank-sending-unit-9-stainless-c-27-c-28-c-320-19-gal-tanks-c-355.cfm
> 
> Good luck!
> 
> --
> Doug Treff
> doug at treff.us
> 
> On Thu, Jun 7, 2018, at 5:58 AM, Michael Ferguson wrote:
>> Thanks everyone for all the input..I'll try those procedures in the 
>> morning. Fingers crossed...  Any suggestions on best place to buy a new 
>> unit if that turns out to be the issue. Thanks Michael
>> 
>> Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android