Floscan installation

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PJ

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I am trying to install a Floscan 5500 on my 1994 30' Carver Aft Cabin with Crusader 250XL engines.
What type of inline fuel filters can I use I need (40micron? All I can find are for outboards only? I thought that the fuel line was 3/8 ID but in looking at fuel line it appears to be larger than 3/8 ID. I do not want to buy an inline filter and fitting for the floscan sensor and have the wrong fitting. Once I cut the fuel line I want to complete the install quickly. I have two weeks to accumulate parts my wife has me busy until mid May.
I need this to help solve a carburetor issue.
 
I recently installed fuel flow sensors from lowrance. I know flowscan recommends a certain brand filter in their documentation but for what its worth, I went with these 40 micron billet aluminum filters from jegs. So far they have been working flawlessly. My 2005 Chap had 3/8 fuel lines.

partsforflowmeter.jpg
 
If you have a carbureated Crusader, then either Lowrance or any of the FloScan units should work.

One issue with flow sensors and some Crusader EFI engines is that there is only one or two models from FloScan that will work, and no Lowrance flow sensors will work.

At issue is that Crusader EFI engines use an "loop" style fuel system with a return line to the tank. In normal operation, excess fuel pumped to the tank is returned. Therefore, the fuel system must meter both the supply line, then subtract the return line. Otherwise, the fuel rate won't be accurate.

This is not unlike diesel engines.

FloScan makes a dual flow meter, which will work with gasoline or diesel, but it has two sensors per engine - one for supply and one for the return.

I have been waiting for FloScan's FloNet version, which is a NMEA 2000 system that can supply fuel flow information to a Multi-Function display. Two months ago I was told by Floscan the product would be available within two weeks - but I have not seen it on the market yet - just their web page.

I installed a Standard Horizon/NavMan fuel flow meter on my last boat - 26ft FourWinns Vista with 5.7L Volvo. IT used a fuel flow sensor identical to the one Lowrance uses. I was able to talk to the technical department and while they do recommend an in-line filter, if you have a relatively new boat with a clean gas tank, it isn't necessarily required. I did not install such a filter on my last boat, but I would not recommend going against the instructions.

But with an older boat, its something that should be done.

Back to FloScan - they recommend a specific in-line fuel filter, you should find this quote in your FloScan installation manual:

Model 20A, 20B, 231, & 233C gasoline sensors must be installed downstream of a fuel filter or water separator. On vessels not
equipped with off engine filters, we suggest installing a Flow Ezy model ILA-02 filter with 238 micron screen directly to the 20A,
20B or 231 Low-Flow Sensors’ inlet. Use model 4ILA-04 with 595 micron screens with High Flow 233C Sensors’.
Flow Ezy can be reached at (800) 237-1165.
 
I installed a Floscan on my 5.7 Carbed Mercruiser motor on a 1987 Searay a few years ago. I went with a redundant fuel filter/seperator spliced from the fuel tank before the sensor since my existing filter/seperator is mounted on the engine. Also I recall something about the orientation of the filter in relation to the sensor. Can't be higher or lower, I don't recall which.

Best guage on the boat. I removed the speedo and installed the Floscan guage in its place. The Speedo was a pitot tube type with the hose from the transom to the guage that uses increased water pressure to register your speed.
Funny thing was this strange water leak that got worse the faster we went. Took me an entire weekend to realize that I never disconnected the hose from the pitot tube at the transom after removing it from the Speedo at the dash. Fortunately that was my biggest "STUPID" move of that season.

Eddie
 
Thanks all for the replies. I ordered the JEGS today,for a 3/8" hose, that seems to be the size. JEGS was out of black so I got crusader blue. Thanks again for all your help. now I must wait 1 and 1/2 weeks to get the boat and intall.
 
Did you order a spare set of filter screens? I dont know if these screens wear out but I figure it wouldnt hurt to carry a spare set onboard.
 
Joe, No I did not think of ordering spare screens. I will order for sure. A plugged up filter is a good way to get a tow.

thanks again.
 
Got it done thanks to all for your help. It works great but it is slow to react to changes.
I will calibrate on Memorial week end. Spare screens are on order, they are going to be a pain to change.
 
Would you consider posting the results of your Floscan (GPH at varous RPM)?
 
yes I will post all data from the floscan and update if the data changes
 
I agree the screens will be a pain to replace but hopefully it wont be anytime soon. I agree the updates are a little slow but I am just glad to have the information. I burn 19.5gal/hr at 3400 RPM's w/twin 5.7 Volvo's
 
P5100012.jpg

As you can see from the pic the red reset button is not where it should be (drilled wrong). The port starboard switch is in a good location though.

We did not burn enough fuel this weekend to calibrate the system. AW we will try and get good data for you in two weeks.
 
How did your setup end up working?

Did FloScan recommend a port/starboard setup like you have, or did you simply wire a switch to two sensors?
 
aw,
It works great but I put my coffe cup over the gauge, I do not like what it tells me. I wired it to the Floscan specs and that is two sensors and the gauge totals the usage. I am still working on a table of useage.
 
PJ, just curious as to why you didn't install a twinscan since you have twin engines?
 
I think his set up still measures both engines. He just has to switch from one to the other.
He cannot see both at the same time. I have a co-worker who used the digital Floscan that
has to swap from one to the other on his twin outboards. He cannot read both at the same time,
but he can see to the decimal point what he is burning. With the Twinscan set up, you cannot
see to the knats ass exactly what you are burning.
 
Greg the answer is cost!!!! I can monitor each engine with the switch in front of the meter. The total fuel used is very accurate and totals both engines into one reading . I just use the switch to check each engine usage.

They works great, have fun with your install.
 
Thanks PJ. Having a hard time deciding what size the fuel lines are. I thought they were 3/8" however, the fuel line to the genset looks to be 3/8" and the feul lines to the engines are larger--1/2"?????
 
Greg first thing Happy New Year.
I had the same question. Ijust cut the line to check and had a plug ready in case it was 1/2". I set up for 3/8" becase that is what every one said it would be. Have fun with the install

Paul
 
I think like you do Paul! TRIAL and ERROR! Happy New Year to you also. I can't see anything wrong with your red reset button placement. Do you notice any interference with the compass? My instructions say to place the unit at least 12" away from the compass to avoid any interference with compass operation. I may not have 12" to spare.
 
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