Fuel Flow Systems

matt_unique · Posted: Fri May 16, 2008 2:54 pm Post subject: Fuel Flow Systems

I know the topic has been discussed a lot, and I have some good info from other threads, but I have some specific questions.

I've abandoned the idea of NMEA 2000 data from my 2008 engines at least for now. I can't seem to find a Suzuki dealer that knows anything about how to connect the 2008's. From what I've read on the The Hull Truth, you need to splice wires and make custom harnesses to get it to work with our analog engine warning systems.

So I'm going for something relatively simple. I prefer something with an on/off switch, ideally something that can run two fuel flow sensors into one display unit, and can connect to my NMEA 0183 Furuno NavNet Vx2 for MPG info. Maybe these requests are mutually exclusive.

Floscan is too expensive, the LMF series don't have an on/off switch and you need to wire a network, etc. I wanted to learn about other options. What has been your experience with the Northstar systems? I know Navman was taken over by Northstar.

Thanks!

Sea Angel · Posted: Fri May 16, 2008 5:00 pm Post subject:

Hi Matt;
I have the NAVMAN F3100 system on Sea Angel and have been very
satisfied with it. I can monitor either each engine , or the twins total
functions; which I normally do, to track my calculated economy and range.
This was a good purchase for me with the cost of fuel going up, up and ....

My records indicate that I paid abt $530 for the system and the dual
transducers. I bought mine from BOATER's WORLD.

There are several pixs of my setup on the site. Installation is very
straight forward and I do use the NMEA-0183 output from my
GARMIN 2006C to drive both the NAVMAN and my ICOM VHF without any
problems. There is also a pix of the wiring diagram for the system setup.

Hope this helps..
Art

thataway · Posted: Mon May 19, 2008 9:45 pm Post subject:

I have owned both the LMF 200 and 3 Navman/Standard Horizan/Northstar systems. The amount of "work or wiring" is the same in both the LMF or the Navman--the transducers are about the same.

With the LMF you can either use the transducers or the engine flow. The "network" is just wiring in two circuits--not big thing. You just put a switch on the power supply to turn off the unit--again no big thing. The LMF gives a lot more information--for probably the less money. I am using the Lowrance in preference to the Navman/Northstar at this point, since they Lowrance is way ahead in the NMEA 2000 network.

helm · Posted: Mon May 19, 2008 10:08 pm Post subject:

I am definitely not an expert on this subject but from what I understand fuel injected Suzukis have two fuel circuits - low pressure and high pressure. If you simply try to add a flow sensor to your fuel line your flow readings will include all fuel flow - that is fuel that passed through the injectors to the cylinders as well as fuel that has bypassed the injectors and been recirculated. To get accurate fuel flow you have to measure the injector on time which would require accessing the engines pcm - which has already calculated the fuel flow and is ready to send it out on an NMEA 2000 network. Easy to do with the Lowrance/Suzuki system-maybe not so easy with Navman.
Eric

jkidd · Posted: Tue May 20, 2008 12:51 am Post subject:

Matt Here is a link to the Suzuki SMIS gauges. This is what I installed on my DF-115. http://store.brownspoint.com/suzuki_page_31.asp
Pretty good diagrams and Info there. I also have a Navman/ Northstar 2000. At the time when I was buying Northstar had Discontinued the 3000 which is what I wanted. I just replace my analog tach with the 4 inch gauge from Suzuki. It is made by Lowrance for Suzuki.

thataway · Posted: Tue May 20, 2008 8:44 pm Post subject:

There is no fuel flow back to the tank in the Suzuki 150s. Even if fuel is used in cooling the injectors (and I dont' know if it is, it is not re-circulated).

jkidd · Posted: Tue May 20, 2008 9:03 pm Post subject:

There is a recirculation loop for the injectors, it uses the high pressure pump for that. Like Bob says nothing is sent back to the tank. The line from the tank to the engine is where the transducer needs to be place with a filter ahead of it. The Navman is not as accurate at 600 rpm and it takes 1000 rpm before it gets stable. The Suzuki SMIS Gauge appears to be very accurate even at 600 rpm. With the GPS antenna for the nema 2000 network it will give you all the fuel computer functions.