Fuel Flow gages

[flounderpounder225]

Saw a discussion on another thread discussing fuel burn rate.  As part of my current project boat restoration I purchased the Northstar F-210.  WHAT a POS... (IMO).  I bought this meter while I was still planning on rebuilding the original 225 Ocean Runner, and when that part of the project ended because of "beyond economical repair" reasons, I still used it after purchasing and rigging my 03 Yamaha 250 HPDI.  I have played with it some during the shakedown runs, and it is all over the board, .3 Gal Per Hour at WOT, 4 Gal Per Hr at idle etc... total fuel burned for a 20 min test run = 20 gal.   I read the instructions on how it has to be calibrated this way and that... and in hind-sight I should have realized that $125 for a fuel flow device was way too cheap.  My last experience was with my 1996 Yamaha 225 SWS and the fuel management system, never a hick-up, dead accurate every time with no adjustments needed or allowed by the Gage.  I read in some of the other forums that these newer Direct injection motors mess with certain aftermarket meters because of the fuel flow, IE: flowing to the VST, then as needed to the HP pump, can cause surging in the fuel system and raise havoc with the transducer trying to figure out what is going on, and what the actual flow rate is.  Besides the OEM Yamaha Fuel Management system, has anyone had real experience with any other system that is basically plug and play?  Thanks
Marc

[John Jones]

matches my experience with the F210.  Junk.
Can't offer any advice on the Yamaha.  I know no meter works correctly on some outboards other than the OEM.

[fitz73222]

Hey flounderpounder,

I cant say enough good about Floscan... My system is 15 years old and except for a sensor upgrade in 2008 its never been touched. Mine is a series 7000 model, set up for twin outboards with engine syncronizer, totalizer for combined or single engine GPH,total fuel consumed, digital tach, etc. Pricey unit but worth every penny. I know it has  paid for itself in fuel savings finding that sweetspot. The previous owner had developed a comprehensive log book in increments of 500 rpm from idle to WOT so it took all the work out of figuring out where the speed/GPH/MPG lines crossed. Cant beat buying a boat from a retired pilot!

[John Jones]

from the Floscan website.

Applications
Fits all carbureted inboard and stern drive engines up to 350 hp.

Fits all EFI inboard and stern drive engines (including Mercruiser and Volvo) with closed loop fuel return systems.

Fits all Mercury Optimax, Evinrude Ficht, Yamaha HPDI, and Honda 4-stroke engines.

Fits all 2-stroke EFI outboard engines.


Important note for the following outboard engine owners:
- Evinrude E-Tec 2-cycle
- Mercury Verado 4-cycle
- Suzuki 4-cycle
- Yamaha 4-cycle

Please confirm whether your outboard engine listed above has one or two fuel pumps (low and high pressure pump).  Earlier versions of these engines typically have a single fuel pump where a FloScan system can be used.

Newer model engines with two fuel pumps (low and high pressure) may cause the FloScan instrument's GPH or LPH readings to fluctuate between 0 GPH/LPH and approximately 25-50 GPH or 95-190 LPH depending on the lift pump and engine size.  This is due to the engine's lift, or low pressure pump, cycling on and off while filling the vapor separation module.  Though the GPH/LPH readings may not be usable under this condition, the FloScan instrument will accurately record total fuel consumption as displayed in the totalizer window.

http://www.floscan.com/html/blue/series ... php?sid=11

[fitz73222]

Thanks for the back up data... looks like he would be OK with the Yammie HPDI

[Capt. Bob]

+1 on the Flow Scan.

Have been using mine since 96 and it has performed flawlessly on the old Rude.
I rate it up there with hydraulic trim tabs and steering as money spent wisely. Unlike many things we buy for our boating and fishing pleasure (who really has enough fishing rods and reels), you use these devices every moment while running your craft.

Expensive?
Absolutely, but what isn't when you attach "for marine use" to it? :x