This project details the installation of a Standard Horizon Fuel Flow meter. The idea behind a fuel flow meter is to determine the rate of fuel consumption. This is essential information for boats that average 2MPG or less - because just changing the cruising RPM by one or two hundred RPM may result in a significant fuel consumption change. As well, the outdrive trim angle, and if you have them, trim tabs, all effect efficiency and fuel mileage. A fuel flow meter will allow these adjustements to be made for the most efficient operation.
At gas prices what they are, a fuel flow gauge should pay for itself after awhile. Its a wonder why these are not considered standard equipment.
Another advantage is since you know how many gallons your fuel tank contains, and if you know the rate of flow, then you can accurately determine how much gas you have left. Most boaters know that fuel tank gauges are notorously inaccurate, so the fuel flow meter allows you to determine how much fuel you have on board.
The first step was to determine where to mount the gauge. This can be a problem in some boats, but fortunately, I had an extra 2in gauge hole in my dash, covered by a blank. The blank was simply glued on with hot-melt, and it was very easy to pop the blank off.
The meter, as received from the manufacturer has a black bezel. However, a chrome plated genuine plastic trim ring is available from the manufacturer. I used this ring, so it would match the rest of the gauges on the boat. The next step was to put the gauge in the panel and wire it up. I used the existing gauge wiring harness to do this, but it required using some adapter terminals.
The gauge manufacturer recommends using a filter prior to the sensor in their docmentation. They also recommend installing the sensor vertically, and to attach it to a rigid member, such as a bulkhead. I was going to have problems meeting these requirements - so I contacted the manufacturer's technical department.
After discussing the issue at length, I decided I could meet the spirit of the requirements with the installation, even though I did not follow all of their published recommendations. However, this is not to be done without consultation with the manufacturer's technical department.
The initial operation test was a real eye-opener. I was able to vary the boat's speed, and watch how the fuel flow differed. It is pretty amazing that just a few hundred RPM can have a significant impact on how much fuel is used. And.... to see how thirsty the engine is at Wide Open Throttle! That realization in itself is enough to keep the throttle backed off the stops.