Gas Tank Empty or >1/4 Tank

[LaCloud10]

I just bought my first MasterCraft (TriStar 220, 1990) and out today when idling my fuel indicator shows empty but in cruise or ski speed I'm showing more than a quarter tank. I know the fuel is moving rearward when I,m going but does empty mean empty or time to start thinking about heading back. I havent filled it back up yet and not sure how much fuel it holds but can anyone help me out here? Thanks :confused:

[Maristar210]

I noticed the same thing. I believe the truth lies inbetween the two readings. Last week I was out and had the same conditions you mentioned and when I filled up I was only able to put 40 gallons in a 45 gallon tank. Thefore it was really around an eigth of a tank. :)

Steve

[milkmania]

just run it empty and have a jet ski pull you back in:rant:

not that I would know, but I saw the jet skis very busy during the week of Memorial Day week

[lakes Rick]

Which model of 220?? The one with the Bass fishin type of windshield?? I don't think alot of 220's were built.. If I remember correctly, they had a fairly large fuel tank ... 35 gallons??

[east tx skier]

I usually split the difference between the readings.

[Leroy]

My maristar reads about a 1/4 tank more in motion. I think the correct level is when the boat is still and then when you have the 10-13 degrees lift sensor must be in the back of the tank and reads more.

[jayocheskey]

The safest way to check the fuel level is to see it for yourself. The gauge always reads at least a quarter more than actual on mine.

[LaCloud10]

thanks, i'm going to fill it up and see how much is left over. I think I read that it does have the 35 gal. tank. We'll see and I'll let you know.
Oh, I have the walk through not the walk around wind shield, have'nt seen any bass boats quite like it but I quess its possible.

[djhuff]

My X30 definately reads lower than actual, but I think that's better than the other way around. I just fill up every time I go out and don't worry about it.

[lakes Rick]

thanks, i'm going to fill it up and see how much is left over. I think I read that it does have the 35 gal. tank. We'll see and I'll let you know.
Oh, I have the walk through not the walk around wind shield, have'nt seen any bass boats quite like it but I quess its possible.

Thats the correct name, Walk around... Sorry but it reminded me of the bass boats with the controls in the middle of the boat....

[rasmithaz]

I usually split the difference between the readings.
With my 93 205 the fuel guage reads 1/4 when it is full and 1/4 when it about half. I'm going to bet it reads 1/4 when it's empty.

[AirJunky]

As flakey as these stupid gas guages have proven to be, I use the skier down flag to test how much gas there is. Open the tank & dip the stick in there to see where it's at :eek:
If you have an EFI motor, don't run it out of gas, whatever you do. It'll be a costly lesson.

[ski_king]

As flakey as these stupid gas guages have proven to be, I use the skier down flag to test how much gas there is. Open the tank & dip the stick in there to see where it's at :eek:
If you have an EFI motor, don't run it out of gas, whatever you do. It'll be a costly lesson.

I gave up on getting a reliable reading from the gage long ago. I made a did stick and put markings on it on how many gallons to full.

[lakes Rick]

I replaced my styrofoam glued on magnet sending unit with the "updated' version right after I purchased my boat.. I spent some time adjusting it per the instructions ( read twice adjust once) and mine is about spot on.......

[André]

I would never trust a gas gauge in a boat.Period.

[Leroy]

I can see my tank when I open up for the center plug. It looks close to the readings when sitting still. I confess, I know and trust my gauge.

Sounds like a bad experience Andre?

On Soapbox
This is another technology that you would think was invented on boats, and still not right. Every car has a gas gauge and while not perfect they work. You don't hear people talk about their automotive gas gauge like here. Gauges quit working, stick on full, read wrong, sensors quit, etc. I don't know the last time I heard someone say "my car's gas gauge quit working". Strange we boaters should have this much trouble.
Off Soapbox

[JEREMY79]

Hey leroy, My truck guage dont work. Seriously :uglyhamme

[Leroy]

No WAY! HA! I hear you can use a diver down stick to measure! :D


I know better than to go here!!!

[JEREMY79]

I'll leave that one alone. It is a pain in the ars though. Just fill it up every time you go to town. 22 gal tank . One day I put 21.75 gal in it :eek3:

[sbuell]

I do not own a vehicle that has a working gas gauge. The Suburban hasn't ever worked since I replaced the fuel pump. The car is intermitent at best. The boat always says 3/4 full. For the car and truck we go by the trip odometer and the boat I use the notched stick method.

[east tx skier]

With my 93 205 the fuel guage reads 1/4 when it is full and 1/4 when it about half. I'm going to bet it reads 1/4 when it's empty.

Mine did that, too, until I replaced the fuel sending unit.

As for the dip stick for measuring fuel, that's how they always told us to do it when I was learning to fly. One of the biggest liars in teh cockpit is a gas guage.

[JEREMY79]

Mine did that, too, until I replaced the fuel sending unit.

As for the dip stick for measuring fuel, that's how they always told us to do it when I was learning to fly. One of the biggest liars in teh cockpit is a gas guage.

Running out on the water sucks. Running out a 10,000 feet really sucks :purplaugh

[east tx skier]

Knock on wood, I've not been in either predicament.