I once ran out of fuel in a new boat with a computerized fuel gauge. A dangerous situation in a boat. Basically, the size of gas tank and the amount of fuel added is entered and the computer calculates fuel consumption based on engine data. We ran out of fuel because someone stole fuel and there is no longer a float in the gas tank.
My question is, would I have the same issue in a modern car. I am assuming there is a sensor still in cars because we do not enter the amount of fuel we add at the service station.
Thanks.
Al M. – Sarnia, Ont.
I’m going to assume we are not discussing a boat with a small outboard motor and portable fuel tank. Otherwise, I question where you found the information suggesting that your boat does not have a fuel module with a floating-style sender of some sort. Was this not a set once and forget sort of thing that you performed when new? While I’m not a marine technician, I am somewhat of a boat guy, and I have never seen a boat where you as the operator must repeatedly input data for fuel tank size and fuel added to make any calculations. What happens when you merely top up the fuel, must you guess at how much fuel you added and again input further information? I have so many questions as this makes little sense to me. I’d be interested in knowing what kind of boat you have so I could answer those questions that you have now put into my head.
As far as modern cars are concerned, float-based fuel level monitoring systems are still the norm. There is still no easier way than a fuel-level sensor float, floating on the fuel to get this job done. Perhaps one day a different, superior method may be employed, but I doubt that is going to happen any time soon.
Lou Trottier is owner-operator of All About Imports in Mississauga. Have a question about maintenance and repair? E-mail globedrive@globeandmail.com, placing “Lou’s Garage” in the subject line.
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