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FloScan Twinscan installation
Just received the FloScan meter. I will be installing it myself and was wondering if anyone else has done it before. It looks pretty straight forward.
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Re: FloScan Twinscan installation
they have great install stuff on thier website. Their dealer in Virginia is really good as well--you can get his name and phone from the Floscan site.
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Re: FloScan Twinscan installation
Their manual is pretty detailed. I was just wanting to know if someone out there installed one and found some certain things that you would only know after you've done one. (Placement of meters, clamps vs. fittings, etc) ALso noticed that I should install a RESET switch which it didn't come with.
Originally Posted by Poorsche
they have great install stuff on thier website. Their dealer in Virginia is really good as well--you can get his name and phone from the Floscan site.
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Re: FloScan Twinscan installation
The install instructions with the units are very accurate.
I ran a lead right from one battery for the totalizer so no issues with turning batt switches off wiping out my total. Maybe hide a toggle for reset in that lead somewhere behind the under-dash door? That would be clean and not get reset by accident. Gonna put it in the speedo hole? They are friendly with tech if you need to call 'em at any point. I double clamped every fuel connection of course. ;) I used scotchlocks swabbed in liquid electrical tape for wiring connections. Fast, easy, don't come apart like buttsplices. Secured and jacketed everywhere. No worries as there are only milliamps in the wiring. I don't believe TeamV has had any issues yet, and my last install in that boat is now 8 years and ~10,000 gals old! Just rip into it...it get more self explanatory as you go. It's really pretty sraight-forward. It'll take a couple of tanks to get the cal right. Use those micro-switches on the back of the meter head, that's what there for. Don't be satisfied with 3-5% when you can get damn near 1-1.5% accuracy as I did. Go for 1-2% OVER not under for a small (very) safety margin. Good Luck. Randy |
Re: FloScan Twinscan installation
yes, you need a SPST to momentarily kill 12V to the totalizer to reset it.
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Re: FloScan Twinscan installation
Thanks Rippem. They sent butt splices and heat shrink. In my business we use gel filled scotch locks. I may use those instead. Good idea Rippem. I'll do the tape dip too. I looked in the engine compartment for the fuel hose splice location, and I can clearly see where the fuel line comes up from underneath (I assume at this time after the tank filter) and goes into the low pressure side of the fuel pump. Looks like an easy splice location for the flow sensors. Just need to find the ideal spot to locate the sensors to accomplish the correct rise and keep it out of the way. Looks like I also need to pick up (4) threaded-Barb fittings and (8) clamps. I am going to mount it where the speedo was. Hopefully the existing sppedo hardware will allow me to remount the new gauge. Good idea for the switch. (Behind the dash) Are the "Power On" terminals on the port and starboard ignition switches easily identifiable? I didn't look at that yet. Thanks for the help.
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Re: FloScan Twinscan installation
Originally Posted by Rippem
yes, you need a SPST to momentarily kill 12V to the totalizer to reset it.
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Re: FloScan Twinscan installation
That's not good!! :eek:
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Re: FloScan Twinscan installation
3 Attachment(s)
Here's a picture of the gauge in the dash and the modules in the engine compartment...Almost done!!!
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Re: FloScan Twinscan installation
FloScan ...the real deal in fuel monitoring. :cool:
Looks good man. :drink: I would consider the B&G network also, but you gotta have 2 displays to have both engines GPH displayed simultaneously. The electronic means are built into these new SmartCraft ECM's and no calibration is neccessary. If I want to read both GPH's realtime/same time under way, FloScan is the only way to go! |
Re: FloScan Twinscan installation
Great information--especially about the pictures of the senders/trasnducers. THe Floscan lit makes them look much larger than your actual pictures.
I thought they had told me you couldn't get the dual display gauge if you were running Floscan on EFI engines with a return line to the fuel tank. Is that not part of your fules system? |
Re: FloScan Twinscan installation
fuel return lines are found mostly on diesels. FloScan has conquered that now also, from what I understand. ;)
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Re: FloScan Twinscan installation
They are available. I have the 525 EFI's, stock. I'm connected at the senders from the tank to the sender (In) and from the sender to the low pressure side of the fuel pump. (out) It was a B*%^h getting those brackets mounted! As well as getting the fuel lines back on.All I have left to do is connect the port/starboard ignition wires and rest switch. Then a little tidying up with tie wraps.
Originally Posted by Poorsche
Great information--especially about the pictures of the senders/trasnducers. THe Floscan lit makes them look much larger than your actual pictures.
I thought they had told me you couldn't get the dual display gauge if you were running Floscan on EFI engines with a return line to the fuel tank. Is that not part of your fules system? |
Re: FloScan Twinscan installation
I've looked at adding the FloScan to my engines--they are MarinePower EFI 454's with the Arizona Speed EFI system. MarinePower's fuel system has the lines that return unused fuel from the rails back to the tank. I knew Floscan had modified the diesel system for this sort of application but I thought they said you were restricted to the single disply--the dual display wasn't compatible with the duel sender config. I son't have enough real estate on dash for two more big guages -- that's why I' really interested.
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Re: FloScan Twinscan installation
Call 'em direct. They are very receptive to questions and such. I now understand your dilemma.
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Re: FloScan Twinscan installation
I installed a set last year. Very straight forward. Like it has been mentioned it will take a couple tanks to get them dialed in. I interfaced mine with the GPS. Gives me real time MPG. I should not have done that. I knew it was bad but I thought it was much better than .75 Nautical MPG!
Oh well it's just money. Steve Hixson |
Re: FloScan Twinscan installation
Using a Flow Scan you can slightly change your crusie RPM, and trim settings to get the best fuel economy possible.
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Re: FloScan Twinscan installation
Troutly,
That's what prompted me to install one. I felt it would give me the ideal trim settings at cruising speeds. It can also show if an engine one engine starts to run bad compared to the other. It was less than $500.00. I could probably recoup that this summer in fuel savings. (Maybe)
Originally Posted by RumRunner
Using a Flow Scan you can slightly change your crusie RPM, and trim settings to get the best fuel economy possible.
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Re: FloScan Twinscan installation
The other thing I forget to mention is that it will give you a very accurate reading of fuel in the tank vs. guessing. It should be accurate within 2%. I have gone across the southern part of Lake Michigan from Benton Harbor to Chicago, and it would have been nice to know on a couple of occasions for a little extra piece of mind.
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Re: FloScan Twinscan installation
I personally like to see the analog gauges. I have never seen the Smartcraft, but I wonder if you have to page through to see different functions or if you can monitor multiple one's at the same time. There's probably + and - to each. Personally though I like analog. Have you seen the digital one's?
Originally Posted by Troutly
Too bad that 382 did not come with a Smartcraft SC5000 System View. That would be all you'd ever need for engine, systems, and fuel managment :)
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Re: FloScan Twinscan installation
To me another advantage is you dont need to keep a full tank all the time ...you looking at 1200 lbs and it will make a difference in economy and top end ....and if you just running across the lake to eat or whatever it would be nice to know you have enough fuel ...
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Re: FloScan Twinscan installation
Or...........No fat chicks allowed on the boat. :D :D
Originally Posted by offthefront
To me another advantage is you dont need to keep a full tank all the time ...you looking at 1200 lbs and it will make a difference in economy and top end ....and if you just running across the lake to eat or whatever it would be nice to know you have enough fuel ...
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Re: FloScan Twinscan installation
I had so much faith in my system, I knew from experience with it how much fuel it took to get somewhere, and would use that to my advantage. I knew it took 25 gals (+or- a gallon) round trip to get to our favorite beach hang out from the Marina at an efficient cruise. If my floscan was tellin' me I had 30 usable gallons left, I could skip the gas dock and go, no guessing. I knew from experience it took 65 gals cruise, 78- 80 gals max. with some speedplay or rough water to work, to go down to Henderson Harbor on Lake Ontario from Alex Bay. If I had filled up the morning before ( I had 110 gals usable limit set for myself, though I went to 112 burn once and still hadn't run out, based upon a 125 "rated" tank probably 116/117 "usable" max) and had been to the above beach on Saturday...I could say on Sunday morning "were going to Henderson" with no gas dock delays at the start and knowing I didn't have to get fuel down there either to get home!
I hate gas docks, and only want to get on one when necessary, and have the advantage of taking on the most fuel for the bother. By using the most available fuel on board whenever possible first, stops at the gas dock are kept to a minimum, and I often maximize performance by running no heavier than necessary (see above). Remember I keep my boat in the water. You trailer guys don't have some of the same concerns in the same way. All the other advantages are true also...mainly maximixing economy when desired. Routinely taking 125-150 mile day trips, maximizing economy...even 20% Troutly, IS a big deal. Especially on Lake Ontario where fuel pumps are not common, and other boats for a tow in out of fuel are even more rare! I had mentioned the electronic means in other posts, as very accurate (the most) fuel burn info is available to tap in these smartcraft ECM's. The B&G network display is a similar unit to the Merc, plug and play, and less expensive. You still have to wire it back to the ECM's though, so you don't get out of a wire routing installation. I don't know what experience you have with any of these systems, but they all require wiring to the engine compartment as far as I know if not originally equipped at the dash. There is no "wiring mumbo jumbo" anymore with one vs. the other....electronic (smartcraft/ B&G ECM repeater display) or mechanical (FloScan). All the other sh*t the various Smartcraft style electronic displays show you is of VERY limited value other than fuel consumption. I have guages already for most of those factors, and if one engine throws a code, what the hell good is it gonna do me out on the Lake to know which one? Not only that, but it has often been seen for an engine to be poorly and not throwing/setting a code. Plus, none of the electronic smartcraft repeaters will show both engine's fuel burn side by side in one display...you either need two displays, or have to page around while underway to compare side to side...most important in conjuction with tachs for synchronization under way and diagnostics under load. Not to mention trditional guages (needles) are intuitively digested by the brain at a glance...especially when comparing two. The same can't be said for digitized numbers, especially if there not side by side, or one right on top of another. Good Morning! :D |
Re: FloScan Twinscan installation
Uh oh, I think it's all coming together now.....2005 353, HP600's, SC5000, Lazer Graphics, (no bimini) sitting on a lift at a 3 bedroom condo in LOTO. :D :D :D
Originally Posted by Troutly
I like the look of all those analog gauges, but if you go to Mercury's webpage and check out SmartCraft, you will see it is quite a system and why it is superior to those analog gauges as far as monitoring engine functions. They even have a demo of it.
It can monitor all engine functions, steering angle, engine sync, sea water temp, GPS speed, GPS location, fuel tank, fuel consumption, tell you when service is due, blaa blaa blaa. The SC5000 looks kinda like a GPS chart plotter unit and is a windows driven monitor that has multiple screens you can select. The SC1000 is a bit simpler system (tach and speedo look like analog gauges (even though they are digital) with a digital screen at base). These systems are plug and play so you also loose all that wiring mumbo jumbo behind the helm. The SC5000 is standard on the HP600's from Formula. The HP525's get the SC1000 from Formula, although I suppose you could pony up the extra bucks and get the SC5000 as this works with the 525's as well. I'm not real interested in the SC1000 system. But, depending on the cost of the SC5000 I might consider it for the next boat even though I do like all those analog gauges. :) |
Re: FloScan Twinscan installation
I think you're right somebody other than you and I K. has been doing some homework on guage options! :D
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Re: FloScan Twinscan installation
I bet he ends up with those "Gauges" very soon!!!
Originally Posted by Rippem
I think you're right somebody other than you and I K. has been doing some homework on guage options! :D
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