fuel tank gauge

[1bobo]

I have a 1980 171  aquasport, and like to replace the fuel tank gauge, that sits on top of the tank..any suggestions on where i might locate one??..BoBo

[seabob4]

A lot of Whalers came with tank mounted fuel gauges at the sender port, made by Rochester.  Something like this?  http://www.rochestergauges.com/pages/PDFs/49S.pdf

[cdoyal]

A lot of Whalers came with tank mounted fuel gauges at the sender port, made by Rochester.  Something like this?  http://www.rochestergauges.com/pages/PDFs/49S.pdf

I looked into replacing my Rochester gauge. Just the dial itself was about $80 and you can't buy directly from Rochester. They have awesome customer support though. Very helpful with all my questions.

[GoneFission]

Moeller sells mechanical fuel gauges as well - different models for different depth tanks:

http://www.moellermarine.com/aftermarke ... l_senders/  

Have you given any thought to going to a panel-mount gauge?  You would need an electrical sender and a panel gauge - the reason is that you can buy a sender and gauge for about the same price as a mechanical gauge.  

[1bobo]

Would anyone know the depth of the tank and the fuel capacity of a 1980 171? I`am sure it is the original tank, the boat has only been in fresh water..I would replace the whole unit (sending and guage) if i knew what to replace it with.Any suggestions..Tks BoBo

[seabob4]

Would anyone know the depth of the tank and the fuel capacity of a 1980 171? I`am sure it is the original tank, the boat has only been in fresh water..I would replace the whole unit (sending and guage) if i knew what to replace it with.Any suggestions..Tks BoBo

Remove the gauge/sender, and simply stick a tape measure down the hole, that will give you the depth.  Now, if you can slide the tape under the deck and catch the edges of the tank fore and aft, and side to side, you can get your L and W dimensions.  Then simply multiply L X W X H(depth), which will give you your volume in cubic inches.  1 cubic inch = .004329 gallons, that will give your tank capacity...

[1bobo]

After removing the inspection plate (clear) i discovered that the mfg. plate was still in tack and carried the name. of Florida Marine Tank co., and stamped on the tank plate was the 27 gal. cap..After removing the gauge it was mfg. by Rochester Gauge Co., and the dial # was 5-601 I would like to replace the gauge to a nice new clearer one..the old one seems to function properly after 30 yrs.

[GoneFission]

Florida Marine Tank made most of the Aquasport tanks around 1980 and they still have the original design specs.  
 
Rochester Gauge is still around - but a replacement dial will cost you a good bit:
http://www.rochestergauges.com/  

See ya on the water!