2003 260da - want to track GPH

[rbryn]

We have a 2003 260DA and are getting ready to start some short distance weekend trips. We don't have any of the smartcraft guages installed and don't have anything to monitor GPH at all.

I would really like to replace one of the pucks on the dash with a dual purpose puck (one that included GPH).

Any Suggestions? Can the smartcraft instruments be installed on a 2003?

 

[CJ Martin]

You should be able to install Smartcraft guages on your 260. It should be a fairly painless install. Best way to be sure is have a mech guy run your engine s/n.

-CJ

 

[Lazy Daze]

Check out this link: http://www.floscan.com/html/blue/modelselection.php

Lowrance also makes one: http://www.lowrance.com/en/Products/Marine/Digital-Gauges/

Faria also makes a fuel flow manager.

There's been a few good threads on this forum about this subject. Try the search tool (if it's cooperating, today...:smt101)

 

[Nehalennia]

rbryn
Do you have a GPS? I have a Garmin and they offer a flow meter(GFS10) I may add to mine.

 

[rbryn]

There's been a few good threads on this forum about this subject. Try the search tool (if it's cooperating, today...:smt101)

I did search quuite a bit but most of the converstaions were more of "what gph should I expect etc". I'm more looking for a permanent way to measure it under load on extended trips... something that would help me dial it in on longer trips were every drop counts

 

[rbryn]

You should be able to install Smartcraft guages on your 260. It should be a fairly painless install. Best way to be sure is have a mech guy run your engine s/n.

-CJ

I've been told that the 2003 engines support smartcraft, but there is no serial number on the engine itself. It was replaced by mercruiser under warranty about 60hrs back and apparently thier policy is to not put serial #'s on the replacement - it's supposed to assume the original # (which we don't have )

I was thinking of putting in a smartcraft guage, but I can't find any info on where/how it's hooked up to the engine anywhere... not sure what to even look for.

 

[rbryn]

rbryn
Do you have a GPS? I have a Garmin and they offer a flow meter(GFS10) I may add to mine.

hmmm... didn't think about that. That might be the way to go.

 

[Nehalennia]

hmmm... didn't think about that. That might be the way to go.

It would be much cheaper than adding Smartcraft, especially if your boat doesn't have a Smartcraft engine.

 

[rbryn]

Yup, You win the cookie!

After digging around on the Garmin (GPSMap 440s) it looks like it's the easiest to install and only runs about $130. I'll let you know how it goes after I get it installed in 2 weeks

The smartcraft sc1000 guage with all the other info on it is $400+

 

[Lazy Daze]

I did search quuite a bit but most of the converstaions were more of "what gph should I expect etc". I'm more looking for a permanent way to measure it under load on extended trips... something that would help me dial it in on longer trips were every drop counts

I know they're there because I remember reading them. Probably just in the last 2 or 3 months. But, yeah, this "search tool" isn't always the easiest to use.

The Garmin idea sounds like the best one - especially if you already have one or are getting one. At least one of the gauges I linked to can be had for about the same price as the Garmin unit. But, to have it all integrated into the Garmin would be really nice. I'm glad Todd chimed in on this - I never knew that was a function offered in the entry level Garmin's.

 

[Daytripper]

I have operated boats with the SmartCraft fuel consumption gauge and have not found them to be exceptionally accurate. I check my GPH the old fashioned way: Gallons burned divided by hours run. Works every time!

Why spend money on a gauge to tell you that?

 

[kpetry]

rbryn
Do you have a GPS? I have a Garmin and they offer a flow meter(GFS10) I may add to mine.

Sounds like a good possibility for me! On a twin engine setup, it seems to me one flow meter installed before the fuel lines split to each engine would be sufficient. You'll have to synch 'em according to rpm anyway, so what value would there REALLY be to installing one for each engine? I know flowscan offers twin gauge units.

 

[kpetry]

Just an FYI for those of us with older chartplotter units - mine's a 276C. Garmin's tech support people say the GFS 10 is compatible only with chartplotter units that have come out in the last year such as the smaller 440 and 500 series, or the full sized 4000 and 5000 series. This is apparently an internal software issue, not a NMEA issue. The older units' software simply won't recognize the fuel flow sensor.