Water Tank Level Guage

[Rocketman]

I have a 1995 Beneteau 400, that came with water level guage's to tell me how much water is in the tank. The problem is that when the boat was rewired, before I got it, the person who rewired the boat never bothered to re concect the guage to the sending units, so I do not know if they work or not, and I have no idea how to test the sending units or guages. I would like to have them functional, if possible. Does any one know how to test to see if the guage and sending units work?

[Dockhead]

A real good start would be to hook them up and see if they work

If not, then chances are your sender is dead. They do fail. The gauges - I've never heard.

[goboatingnow]

They are generally a series of reed switches triggered by a floating magnet. Typically 0-180 ohms. Use a multi meter on ohms mode with the gauge disconnected.

Dave

[GordMay]

Your water level gauge is probably similar to a fuel gauge.
See ➥ http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...sting-645.html

[Wench'sCaptain]

New question on water senders. I have a 2003 Beneteau 42cc and the main water tank has what I believe is a capacitance type sender. Does anyone know how to test this thing or any hints on removal as mine appears to be glassed or epoxyed in. I knowthis says waste water but it is what mine looks like. VDO 02240801

http://www.aquavolt.com.au/images/prodimg/img13261.jpg

[Zil]

capacitive usually has one rod covered by plastic. one connector. Your post looks like two conductors. Level measured by resistance between the two. Check R with different levels.

[Wench'sCaptain]

I don't know if it has two rods or not. This is what I found when I put in the VDO part number in google. There are other models. This one is for sure a capacitve model. I would like to determine it is bad before I take measures to get it out. It does not look like a easy job. It appears to be epoxyed or glued in, Im hoping that is not the case. It would be nice if someone has done this before that knows how to test or get it out if it is in fact bad. Fuel tank sensor was a piece of cake compared to this thing.

[MARC D]

I have VDO gauges similar to the one pictured. Works as a 4-20 milliamperes loop. Both rod are plastic covered and the set screws that make the connection at the top of the rods must not pierce the plastic . Check this out.
If plastic is damage, push rods a bit up to move damage spot out of the way.

[Wench'sCaptain]

MARC..Do you know how to test this sender without removing it from the tank?

[MARC D]

Your problem is probably not inside the tank, as there is only the 2 rods inside and no moving parts. Currents involved in that loop are very small so, very easily messed by bad connection/corrosion. I could not test the gauge itself but what I did is proof the wiring and gauge by connecting a potentiometer (variable resistance) at the sender end. If you can't do that, maybe try with an ohm meter.

What is the reading on gauge when tank full? Tank Empty? If the needle stay at zero, I would suspect a bad connection or bad wire. If reading over full, check screw connections of insulated rods. Screws must not pierce plastic, if so you will have too much current flowing thru the loop.

Good luck,
Marc

[d4raffy]

Any ideas what sensor this is ? make model ? or what all the wires do ?
I am used to just 2 wires for resistance measurement.
Its in my lower water tank network and is currently connected to a push-to-read dial at the chart table.
I havent pulled it out to see whats underneath as it appears only fixed in with Sealant !

[Wench'sCaptain]

Originally Posted by d4raffy

Any ideas what sensor this is ? make model ? or what all the wires do ?
I am used to just 2 wires for resistance measurement.
Its in my lower water tank network and is currently connected to a push-to-read dial at the chart table.
I havent pulled it out to see whats underneath as it appears only fixed in with Sealant !

I beleive it is a capacitive type sensor. I have the same thing and do not know how to test it and thinking just not worry about it at this point since the other is still working. I just use this tank first. Looks like a replacement is $$$.

Capacitive sensing - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[MARC D]

My capacitance fresh water level sensors use only 2 wires plus a ground connected directly on SS tank.
You can buy a VDO sensor in the US for about 150.00

Marc

[MARC D]

Instructions sheet from VDO