I had about 150 miles on a full tank (190 gal of so) when I got to the spot I'm in last October - in the relatively mild-Wintered San Francisco Bay Area. So I arrived with 170 gal or so.
We've been running the Aquahot to heat since December 1 or so. Although the stock dash fuel gauge reads a bit more than one-half full I know that gauge is not reliable.
It's hard for me to believe the Aquahot would have used THAT much diesel, but at the same time I'd like to confirm that.
So the question is: "How can I measure the diesel level in my 1999 U320's tank?"
A flashlight is no help. And I've tried inserting different things into he tank but coming up with something that will work escapes me. A small weight on a string might work but I hesitate trying it.
Can anyone can come up with a worst-case estimate for Aquahot fuel usage in two months in a mild winter?
best, paul
I use a metal tape measure.
Drive and fill up and write down what you used. It will be cheaper now than later anyway with the way diesel has been going.
I use an aluminum flat bar 3/4 inch by 3/16 inch ahich is long enough to measure half a tank. A hole in the top and a fairly heavy string with a knot at the point where bar hits bottom of tank. There is an audible clink when the bar hits bottom. I use this to give me quite accurate readings with less than one quarter tank. With more than half tank of fuel, I will stop the string a couple inches before the knot and read the level. This gives me comfort in knowing how much fuel is in the tank.
As I inquired in a past post, would the tape that has a color change, according to temp., such as fuel in the tank, be useful in this situation? Can be applied to tank the by adhesive or appropriate method. tanks jc
I find the VMSpc is very accurate and once you learn how to use and read it. you will throw the sticks and tapes out as you will always know how much fuel you have in the tank, how much you have used.
It does not measure the generator or aqua hot usage. When using the generator and the heat system for long periods, guess the stick and tape are what is left.
Of course you can calibrate your fuel gauge and get rid of the sticks and tapes.
Best keep eyes open and pay attention.
FWIW :)
"So the question is: "How can I measure the diesel level in my 1999 U320's tank?"
Try the old fashioned way. Percuss it! Simply thump the end of the tank with a semiflexed middle finger progressively from near the bottom, upward. When the note changes you have passed the fuel level. Voila!
Horace,
A truly elegant answer, simple and effective. I love that kind of thinking.
Biscuit
Of course I tried thumping.
But the problem is how to distinguish the tank from protective sheets in front of it.
In the end I was able to insert a very flexible small (1/4 inch wide) tape measure into the opening. I could not get anything else in, except basically horizontal, apparently because of baffles, etc.
The result? There's PLENTY of diesel in there. Probably 3/4 full or so.
best, paul