2 issues with 03 SAN

[jward]

Took the boat out a few weeks ago and ran out of gas with the needle on 3/4 of a tank. Filled the boat up on the 4th (ouch) and the needle reads fine between 3/4 and full. Anything under 3/4 of a tank the needle doesn't move.

Issue number two. I bought this boat about 6 months ago and had a cooling issue ever since I got her running the motor seems to be sucking air funny when at idle, anytime it is under a load you don't hear it. I cleaned out the flame arrestor but it didn't change anything. It sounds like it is sucking louder than my friends san's and it also sounds like it may have something in it which makes a crackling noise some of the time.

Help with any of these would be appreciated.

[jward]

RE: 2 issues with 03 SAN

anyone??

[NautiqueJeff]

RE: 2 issues with 03 SAN

Sounds like the float rails for the tank sensor have gotten bent or deformed, not allowing the float to fall below 3/4. A quick replacement of the fuel level sensor should fix the problem. Of course, it could also be an issue with the gauge, but I would bet on the sensor.

[jward]

RE: 2 issues with 03 SAN

When I pull out the sensor does it seal itself back to the tank or do I have to do anything to keep gas from leaking around the sensor.

[jward]

RE: 2 issues with 03 SAN

Pulled the float and it slides freely. It looks like this may have been a problem with the previous owner because the wires were cut and re attached. If I take the float out and move it from one extreme to the other the gauge never goes below 3/4 of a tank. Any ideas. Not sure what to check next.

[jward]

RE: 2 issues with 03 SAN

Well I figured out the problem with the fuel level. I took a float out of one of the ballast tanks and plugged it into the wires for the fuel tank and moved the float up and down, needle went from F to E with no problem. I would just put that in the fuel tank and put the one from the fuel tank in the ballast tank since I never look at those anyway (just listen to the water) but the fuel tank float is much longer than the ones on the ballast tanks. Sooo where do I find one of these and what is it's mechanical name I'm sure it's not float. In other words what do I ask for and how much should I expect to pay for one.

Now does anyone know why this thing sounds like crap at idle.

[stew]

Noise at idle response...This may be way off base, but I say check the sea water strainer for gasket and tightness. If this is loose or missing the gasket it could possibly cause the problem your experiencing.

Jay

[jward]

I put a new gasket in it and it is tight. If you don't mind me asking what is your thinking there.

[SquamInboards]

On the fuel tank float - don't know if CC has a specific one made for their tanks or something, but you can get a "universal" (for a certain tank depth range, i.e. 8"-24" or something) replacement sender/float and it will have instructions on calibration on the package. Basically, you bend the arm with the float so that it is a certain length and it will then read the proper level for your tank. Costs about $40.

[jward]

talked to a nautique machanic today about the loud sucking issue. He said it is probably that the throttle body has got some build up on it. I bought some throttle body cleaner today and I guess I will give it a try on thur when I go out. Anyone have any advice on this other than what the directions say.

[stew]

In regards to the strainer, I had a friend who had several issues that were due to his strainer not completely tight. Sounds like you are okay here.

Jay

[jward]

well in case anyone needs to know here is what I did about the fuel sending unit (I hate it when people post problems on here and never tell you if they fixed it or what they did to fix the problem). I called the dealer and they wanted $75 for the unit that comes from the factory. I found out the name brand (Moeller) and the cheapest I found on the net was around $65 after shipping. While I was searching I kept coming across these universal sending units for around $20 so I went to carquest and picked one up for the same amount. You have to do a little measuring but it only took me about 20min to install. I tested it before I put it in and it works perfectly fine. I love saving money!!