Fuel Gauge on 2005 Osprey 185

[KB4ET]

The fuel gauge on my 185 will only indicate 1/2 full/empty. The gauge will bottom out when the ign. switch is turned off and will jump to 1/2 when turned on, and the gauge background light will light. So, obviously there is 12V to the gauge. I haven't let the fuel quantity get below 1/2 full (49 gal tank) so I don't know if the gauge will read from 1/2  down to zero. My question is - In your opinion, does this suggest the fuel tank float might be stuck, or can the gauge be at fault. Thanks in advance.

[Capt. Bob]

Sounds like the sender is failing.
Both the float and the sender make up the unit so you would be replacing both at the same time. Gauge failure itself, while not improbable happens far less often.

Replace with this style unit.
https://www.wholesalemarine.com/moeller-reed-switch-fuel-sending-unit-79135.html

Good luck.

[KB4ET]

Very good Bob, and I do appreciate the information.

Dave

[KB4ET]

Finally getting around to replacing the faulty fuel quantity sending unit on my 185 Osprey. The old Aquasport catalogs that are listed on this site show that my 185 Osprey included a 49 gal. fuel tank (also verified by draining/refilling); however, I can't find any dimensions for the tank. I'm hoping that maybe someone in the past, that has replaced the sending unit in this tank, might remember the size (length) that I will need for this replacement.
Having the new replacement available before taking the old unit out would sure move beer thirty up considerably. Thank you,

Old & Ancient Ex Capt Dave     

[KB4ET]

Additional Info:
I see "SSS - 8.5" stamped on the faulty sending unit that is still in place. Are these numbers meaningful?
Thanks,

Dave

[Capt. Bob]

Additional Info:
I see "SSS - 8.5" stamped on the faulty sending unit that is still in place. Are these numbers meaningful?
Dave

It could be this.
https://www.amazon.com/KUS-USA-Water-Level-Sensor/dp/B00Y831J7S/ref=asc_df_B00Y831J7S/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312128389336&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=16715406644366332879&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9011572&hvtargid=pla-568120019027&psc=1

A reed type is what you want for replacement. The 8.5" may indicate the depth of reach or response area for measurement. I know they come in sizes usually listed as depth.

Good luck.

[KB4ET]

Ok Capt. Bob,
I now have the old unit out and I did ohm it and it is bad!! The old one is a Wema and the tube does measure 8.5".
I check and Moeller starts at 9" and goes up. The KUS has a 8" and a 9" but no 8.5". So, if my thinking is correct, I go with the 8" and have a little more reserve fuel remaining when gauge reads zero - correct? BTW - They sure didn't have us 82 yr olds in mind when they built these things. Happy hour will happen 1 hr earlier this afternoon!!
Thank you,

Dave

[Capt. Bob]

So, if my thinking is correct, I go with the 8" and have a little more reserve fuel remaining when gauge reads zero - correct?

That sounds right to me.

Good luck with the install.

[KB4ET]

Thank you Capt. Bob.