emergency bypass for Lowrance EP-60R Fuel Flow Meter

[Lucky 1]

I have just ordered a Lowrance EP-60R Fuel Flow Meter and will install it into my fuel line once it arrives, and network it with my hds5. In the instructions it talks about possible blockages to the fuel flow if the impeller jams up with gunk (this is why they want you to install it after the fuel filter). Given the likelyhood for things to go wrong at the worst possible time eg when crossing bars or even worse, when you promise the missus you will be home in time to have dinner with the inlaws, I am considering having a 3-way valve in front of the fuel flow meter, and if the thing jams up, all I would need to do is turn the valve to bypass the meter. Maybe I am a bit paranoid however I would consider it a contingency that I may never have to use. eg why we keep flares. Anybody's thoughts would be appreciated.

[The-easyrider]

I considered the same things when I fitted mine and did not do any thing but install it inline after the filter. I did have one jam up but all it does is stop the impeller spinning not stop the flow of fuel and the motor ran perfectly for weeks untill Lowrance replaced the unit

[Lucky 1]

Thanks Easy-Rider, are you happy with it ?

[The-easyrider]

Yeh I love it accrute to a couple of litres over a 100 or so and helps when you point out to people the cost of running a boat. My gauge is hopeless when it shows empty there can still be 100 L in the tank but now I know excatly what I have left and how much I am using and how far I can go

[Lucky 1]

Yeh, Thats why I am getting it, My fuel tank is triangular shaped, and very difficult to estimate how much fuel is left as guage goes down quickly at beginning and slow at the end (due to wide base). I have fairly good idea of fuel consumption but would prefer a better method than estimating than fuel usage based on distance travelled.
Easy-Rider- is that a Whittley you have as well (on your avatar)? It doesnt look like an Easy-Rider to me, but I am not too familiar with that boat brand.

Regards,

Lucky

[Micadogs]

Hi Lucky 1, if you are paranoid about an issue you can carry a $2 spare. It is just a male to male hose joiner push fitting. If the FFM jams, just pull it out and push in the hose joiner fitting. They are cheap, small and can be kept with you spare fuses etc.

I have the EP 60 fuel flow. They are great and pretty accurate, within 1-2%. Only calibrate it once, if you do it twice it will be inaccuarte. I'm spekaing from experience here. If you do cailbrate twice, save all your info and restore factory settings and start again.

[The-easyrider]

Yeh it is a whilitey sea legend I had a stacer easy rider when I joined ausfish

[trymyluck]

Install a inline filter before it as per the instructions, and carry a spare. If it blocks up at least the meter will be ok and a filter will be a lot cheaper. You can still fit a bypass line if needed.

[trymyluck]

Oops.............

[Lucky 1]

Micadogs, I might just do that, however the original reason I didnt want to get a double male adapter is because who wants to be jimmying around with fuel lines out in the ocean, particularly if you are in the middle of the run out tide at the South Passage Bar. But at the end of the day I guess I can't provide a contingency for everything, and concentrate on enjoying my boating, rather than worrying what could potentially can go wrong.

The Easy Rider, I have got million questions for you, which could only be answered over a beer. But for now let me tell you that I purchased a 6.3 Sea Legend at auction last year. I am really happy with it however I was disappointed that it had only a 165 litre fuel capacity, as opposed to 210 Litres, which I thought was built into the 2001 model.
I am now considering getting a larger tank and moving it centrally amidship, rather than below the transom, where it sits now. What fuel set up do you have ?

Kind Regards,

Lucky

[Micadogs]

Hi Lucky 1,

"I guess I can't provide a contingency for everything"

I kind of agree. You may not be able to provide an immediate contingency, but you can have enough spares etc to get you out of trouble.

There is something better than contingency planning though and that is just "planning". Have an inline and/or water separating filter. Regularly change the filters. Use reputable dealers for fuel, dont use ethanol based fuel if it sits for longer than 2 weeks or your boat is older. Always have your motors serviced by a reputable mechanic.

The planning effort should go into preventing issues especially when fishing offshore.

I go out through Sth Passage just about every weekend the weather is good (Ha! about twice this year!!!!!) and have full confidence in the EP-60 Fuel flow meter due to the above.

Motor, fuel system and batteries are the most important parts to pay attention to in maintenance and hopefully, you will never need to use the spares.

Regards Adam

[The-easyrider]

Hey lucky I am always up for a beer and a yarn about boats and fishing and girls. Mine has 210L tank set up under the floor right in front of the kill tank. will pm you with details

[alukey]

Interesting.. I have an HDS10 and EP-60R Fuel Meter, but the calibration is way out.. Speaking to my local Lowrance dealer, basically said they didn't work?? (Awesome??!!) Have done a full system reset a few times, but hoping that it will work wioth a few recent trips sort of looking better.. Reading this post has given me some confidence. Have to agree with Micadogs, a quick simple cheap fix is always the best, especially when a bad situation hits you side on..