Floscans (again)

[Moonhowler]

Our model 7500 Floscan head has lost it's digital tach feature - can't see the tach numbers. The GPH and engine time are still working fine - as is the starboard gauge. Floscan is of course now totally different, and has a new gauge for $900 that they say "will work". Of course it won't match, hooks up and programs differently - and I'm skeptical that in the end I will be able to get it calibrated to match the existing system.

Wondering if anyone has taken out an older Floscan system (7000 or 7500) and wants to sell a gauge?

Or other wise advice?

Thanks!
Moon Howler

 

[Moonhowler]

Does it display zeros or nothing at all? Did the backlight fail?

Mine use a cable to go to the tach sender, and I am always suspicious of mechanical parts wearing out (as my cables have done).

If it is a missing signal, I might start by cross coupling inputs from the working side.

But if the meter has failed displays, perhaps the guy on eBay that restores LCDs can help with that, otherwise used parts from eBay itself.

DAN

Thanks, Dan, It's the LCD display that has gone out. Sometimes you can make out the numbers faintly... Good idea for finding someone that restores LCDs. Will look in that direction...

 

[Captain Ralph]

Thanks, Dan, It's the LCD display that has gone out. Sometimes you can make out the numbers faintly... Good idea for finding someone that restores LCDs. Will look in that direction...

There are shops on e-bat that services the LCDs.

 

[Briankinley2004]

Flo-Scan rebuilt my gauges about a year before they went under. They may still offer those services since they re-opened. If not try Max Marine Electronics or Flight Systems. They may be able to rebuild the LCD. Both have done work for me. In fact Max did the screen on an autopilot for me one time.

 

[Moonhowler]

Thanks to all for responses. The legacy owners of Floscan aren't doing repairs on the older units. I am in contact with the Ebay guy and feel he may be able to fix it. Will report. This forum is great!

 

[zigzag930]

Look up GaugeSavers.com and ask them if they can fix them. They've done quite a lot of gauges for me and my buddies. Great company and they work like new when you get them back, provided its a fixable LCD issue. They also do many other types of gauge, MFD, digital barometers, etc.

 

[Captain Ralph]

Look up GaugeSavers.com and ask them if they can fix them. They've done quite a lot of gauges for me and my buddies. Great company and they work like new when you get them back, provided its a fixable LCD issue. They also do many other types of gauge, MFD, digital barometers, etc.

I often wondered about this shop. They are rite up the road from me and I pass their shop often.
They have the FloScan tag on their web page.
I'll have to stop by one day.

gaugesaver.com

 

[zigzag930]

Luckily for you, no shipping fees there and back!

You will be impressed with their work.

 

[cww]

Yeah? I have floscans on the flybridge and at night they're a pain, the backlight on one is going in and out. Do you think your guy can fix the backlight?

 

[zigzag930]

You'd have to call them and ask about that.

 

[Bernd1972]

I don´t know what that Floscan stuff costs, but this unit from Flowtrecs might be a valid alternative? They charge something like 625,- Euros incl. VAT over here. Might be worth asking a quotation from them...
TFT touch screen, all sensors and internal GPS included, there are also versions with additional connectivity availeable. Seems a good deal to me.

https://www.shop.flowtrecs.com/en/glowna/23-flowtrecs-45.html#/8-version-3xl

 

[Captain Ralph]

I don´t know what that Floscan stuff costs, but this unit from Flowtrecs might be a valid alternative? They charge something like 625,- Euros incl. VAT over here. Might be worth asking a quotation from them...
TFT touch screen, all sensors and internal GPS included, there are also versions with additional connectivity availeable. Seems a good deal to me.

https://www.shop.flowtrecs.com/en/glowna/23-flowtrecs-45.html#/8-version-3xl

I got excited till I found the specs, 500HP max.
That would be 500hp starving HP.

6mm ID hose connect thru the sensors.
That is not quite 1/4".
That is not good for our old Detroits or anything less than a gen-set.

But, a good lead. At least another company out is working on it.

 

[Captain Ralph]

I asked a friend in the Med about what else was happening in EU. He sent back this.
12mm (almost 1/2") hoses connects;

https://www.naviflow.it/en/diesel/naviflow-diesel-dual-engine#/2-nmea_2000-nmea_no/5-reading_range-550_l_h/10-hose-12mm/14-flow_meter_cable_length-4_meters

This would flow 145 GPH nicer. But then These are just the senders for NEMA adaptation. At least more companies are working on this.

 

[Bernd1972]

I got excited till I found the specs, 500HP max.
That would be 500hp starving HP.

6mm ID hose connect thru the sensors.
That is not quite 1/4".
That is not good for our old Detroits or anything less than a gen-set.

But, a good lead. At least another company out is working on it.

It´s a 6mm diameter at the sensor, should be no big deal with Detroits up to V8 configuration. The 3XL sensors are specified for a fuel flow of up to 300 liter/hour per engine. I´d guess with 80 gallon /hour per engine you´d be fine. At least that´s what I hope for you. From my perspective I can say that I have no issues using them with my 680hp MAN 2848 LE-401 eingines.

 

[krush]

Consensus on some other forums and discussion groups is the Maretron system and flow sensors are great and easily integrate into NMEA2k. No pulse damper, etc.

https://www.maretron.com/products/ffm100.php

 

[Captain Ralph]

It´s a 6mm diameter at the sensor, should be no big deal with Detroits up to V8 configuration. The 3XL sensors are specified for a fuel flow of up to 300 liter/hour per engine. I´d guess with 80 gallon /hour per engine you´d be fine. At least that´s what I hope for you. From my perspective I can say that I have no issues using them with my 680hp MAN 2848 LE-401 eingines.

MANs fuel return is a dribble.
Detroits fuel return is near 3 times the consumption of the engine/HP.
Detroit used a lot of fuel flow to cool their injectors.
Guessing is not a MAN nor Detroit factory spec.
Minimum hose size is 1/2" around a Detroit as 12mm is around your MANs.

 

[cww]

I second ralph on this one, detroits pump a lot of fuel compared to a normal engine. Due to their unique fuel delivery setup it's just continuous flow at all times and the injectors use what the injectors use, the rest gets returned to the tank. There's no fuel injection pump like on a normal diesel that ramps up with the throttle setting, the engines pump at full flow all the time. I would check the minimum flow specs if it's even remotely marginal.

 

[Moonhowler]

Hey Y'all,

Sent my Floscan meter off to the guy on ebay and he fixed it right away - back in the boat in under a week, functioning as it should. The Floscan company wanted $900 for a new unit - that wouldn't match the other unit - and would need calibrating, etc. The repair was $300.

Here's the link if anyone needs it: https://www.ebay.com/itm/223789066405

Thanks for all the suggestions!

-Moon Howler
'87 41C