Fuel Flow Meter suggestions

[numlaar]

Hey all,

I am looking for a fuel flow meter to add to my instrumentation...

A lot of reviews, reading, and research later, I decided that the one that would best suit my needs is a Northstar F210... very economically priced at under 200 bucks including the fuel line piece (sensor/speedwheel).

Well I went online to buy one, and of course, they are discontinued, with no suitable replacement.

I did some additional research, and that revealed that most people suggest an LMF-200. Well after I researched this product, besides the gauge itself, you also have to buy an EP-60r flow sensor (which isn't included), plus if you don't already have a NEMA power source, you have to buy that as well, as that is how it derives its power.. that's going to push the cost up to around 500 bucks! That's out of my budget for this.

The flo-scans ring in from 250-500ish depending on the unit, but they all seem to be 3.5" or larger... I am really wanting a fuel flow meter that will fit a standard 2" instrument gauge hole... (preferably for around 250 or less).

Anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks!

[fitz73222]

Floscan is the best in my opinion, mine for my twins is 20 years old and still works perfectly. You can make the hole bigger.

[Capt. Bob]

I bought my FS in 1996 for my 200hp Rude. I'm now using it on my 91 200hp Yamaha.

18 years. Same unit. Two different motors. Still works like new.

[flounderpounder225]

there is a reason the Northstar is discontinued...JUNK!!  That thing wouldn't make a good sinker.  I tried it prior to getting my Yamaha fuel management gage, which is deadly accurate I recently found out.  But the north star, neighbor has one on his Well Craft step-v I/O set up.. what crap, 2 GPH... 100 GPH... 50 GPH.. 0.0 and so on.  everyone said you had to calibrate it.. not.. didn't matter.  Ok, I'm done.  

[Bergertime]

Do you have a MFD that can process the data for you rather than using an in dash gauge?  NMEA starter kit (approx $70) would be all you need assuming you have the electronics beyond the sensor.  There are several inline meters, I have a Lowrance model in my Osprey hooked to my Garmin unit via NMEA 2000.  The power (12v) for the NMEA network is connected where you start your backbone which gives you some flexibility.  Mine is under my helm with a line that runs back to the stern, through the rigging tube back to the motor where the flow sensor is.  I could have also put it under my stern to simplify the install.

Some of the benefits of using a MFD is that it can calculate total fuel burned, MPG, fuel remaining etc..

B

[wingtime]

Flowscan all the way.

[Bergertime]

Bruce...  U use a flow-scan rather than one of your Lowrance MFDs?

[wingtime]

Bruce...  U use a flow-scan rather than one of your Lowrance MFDs?

It was already on the boat and it works great.  I thought about networking a fuel scan into my HDS system...  but don't feel like doing the install! :)

[RickK]

I use a Lowrance fuel meter on my 230 but am not real secure in it's accuracy and it is not real user friendly to set up.

[Bergertime]

Guess I was lucky with my Garmin.  After installing the Lowrance flow meter in to my fuel supply line just past the in-cowl fuel filter I just plugged the cord into my my NMEA network..  And wala!  It appeared on my MFD once I selected the item (GPH or MPG) on my data overlay.  Easy peasy :)

B