fuel flow meter

[Ralph vaughn]

does anyone have suggestions for installing a fuel flow meter (or do I need two fuel flow meters) on a twin engine 280. I would like to get the most accurate fuel efficiency policy on my 4.3 engines before i take the boat to the bahamas and abaco islands

 

[Stee6043]

If they have a unit for your engines check out Fox Marine Gateways. You can integrate fuel flow into an MFD or even an iPad/iPhone...

 

[370Dancer]

Bear in mind that the fuel rate from the engine's ECU is a calculation, not a measurement. It counts pulse width timing of the fuel injectors. If the engine isn't running right, that can mislead the ECU, but usually not by much. Floscan is probably one of the most used fuel flow measurement tools, but still needs to be calibrated over time for real accuracy. Expect to plunk down 700-800 for a gauge and 2 sensors if you go Floscan.
I have found that the Fox Gateways are just fine for keeping track of fuel flow, plus they do a ton of other stuff to help you keep your engines in top running shape. Fox Marine is just releasing support for the 555 ECU. You'll just need to know which MEFI-X version you have. At model year 2005, probably 555.
Check them out at fox dash marine dot com

 

[Lazy Daze]

Your gauges should be Smartcraft gauges - there is fuel flow meter already built into it. It may not be quite as accurate as something like a Floscan that's measuring actual fuel coming through the line, but it's awful close and with a little time under your belt with it, you'll find it reliable. Start with a full tank, then go and take a nice cruise and fill up again - compare that to your Smartcraft. Do that a few times and you'll have a real good idea... without spending any extra money.

In reality, you can't really try and expect to track your fuel usage down to 1%, anyways. There's just too many variables in the world of boating to be that accurate. The rule is: 1/3 tank to get there, 1/3 to get home, 1/3 in reserve. Obviously if there's fuel at your destination, then you can alter that rule. But NEVER try and calculate a trip that would use 90% of your tank - you're asking for trouble there. In my opinion, you still want that 1/3 in reserve at all times.

Speaking of Floscan, they make an excellent stand-a-lone gauge and yes, you would need to monitor both fuel lines/engines. But they make a single gauge that monitors both.

Do you have a nice chartplotter? Often you can get a flowmeter (easy install, by the way) that will readout on your plotter.

 

[hottoddie]

Bear in mind that the fuel rate from the engine's ECU is a calculation, not a measurement. It counts pulse width timing of the fuel injectors. If the engine isn't running right, that can mislead the ECU, but usually not by much. Floscan is probably one of the most used fuel flow measurement tools, but still needs to be calibrated over time for real accuracy. Expect to plunk down 700-800 for a gauge and 2 sensors if you go Floscan.
I have found that the Fox Gateways are just fine for keeping track of fuel flow, plus they do a ton of other stuff to help you keep your engines in top running shape. Fox Marine is just releasing support for the 555 ECU. You'll just need to know which MEFI-X version you have. At model year 2005, probably 555.
Check them out at fox dash marine dot com

Floscan announced they were ceasing operation on Feb 1, 2018. Probably lack of demand due to computerized engine with built fuel sensing technology. You may be able to find some random units on ebay but support is no longer available.

 

[Lazy Daze]

Floscan announced they were ceasing operation on Feb 1, 2018. Probably lack of demand due to computerized engine with built fuel sensing technology. You may be able to find some random units on ebay but support is no longer available.

They were bought out and now under new ownership - they are still in operation. At least, that's what I recall - I haven't checked recently.

 

[JVM225]

If you have a Garmin network and MFD you could look at their GFS 10’s.
I installed them years ago on my other boat and they worked great. Very easy to install and pretty cost effective.