Some type of fuel tank sensor without access to the tank?

[vybrano]

I have this type of plastic tank.

I have only experience with motorcycle fuel sensors, that would require huge hole in the bottom of the tank to install floats and who knows, if the floats would even fit and work with this shape of tank.

Is there some type of sensor/system, that would require no/minimal access to the tank (like drilling a small tiny hole)? I don't want to butcher my tank as it was hard to get and very expensive... .

 

[Kartorbust]

With sleds (snowmobiles) usually the fuel cap has the whole float setup with a mechanical gauge on the cap, however it's not very accurate once you are on a slope sideways, going up or down, etc. In saying that, unfortunately I do not think it would give you an accurate reading once it gets below say 1/2 a tank and so the light would be flickering on and off quite a bit, if there is even one that works. However I am curious as well if someone has figured out something. Since this is one that is out of sight, having a clear tube with a couple 90 degree barbed fittings would be less than useless.

 

[vybrano]

It's my last resort - clear tube from the bottom of the tank and mounted on the side of the tank. Physic laws.....fuel level in the tank and fuel level in the clear tube will be at the same level.

Because tank is black and shaped weirdly when I sit on it I have no idea if the tank is full of empty, even if I try to look inside. So I need some kind of sensor - no problem if it's going to work only when the tank is level and will give false readings on the slope etc. I need something... .

 

[itsid]

you want a true fuel level, or just know when it asks for a refill?

if the latter, why no oldschool motorcycle petcock (on/off/reserve)?
Surely that tank is meant to have one.
and you don't need too big of a hole to fit one
In fact I suspect that tank to be made for two pickups with external petcock
(two holes <3/8") one on each lowspots..
one with a 2" brasss tube (on) the other flat (reserve) and the two fuel lines then to the petcock

if you want a gauge, the easiest soultion is the clear tube method,
but it needs to be connected to the top of the tank as well or it'd need to be vented, which allows dirt in or fuel out..
sooo back to the tank is likely the best option there

'sid

PS I wonder if a gas level indicator card would work..

 

[vybrano]

I actually already have ON/OFF/RESERVE petcock (as an emergency solution so I don't have to walk home). But it's not ideal.

I thought about it - "Clear tube solution" wouldn't require any modification to the tank. Just put some T split under petcock. And vent it right to the lid of the tank. No drilling into tank. Problem with this solution - I can 100% guarantee, that that tube will get caught by something and rips out. In better scenario it will mean a few liters of gas in on my garage floor. Worse scenario I'm walking home.

 

[itsid]

I think we're facing a no broken egg omelett situation here...

IDK if the thermal capacity of fuel is good enough for a gas gauge sticker or not,
if it is.. good, if not, I cannot think of any way to NOT drill a hole in the tank.
(well I can in fact if a hole in the cap is okay ..
but certainly there are easier ways like a fuel gauge cap *giggle*)

'sid