This type 316 stainless steel fuel gauge sender eliminates most of the moving parts found in other designs. Level measurements are done by series of hermetically sealed reed switches positioned inside the main shaft of the sensor. A float with built-in magnets then triggers the switches, generating electrical resistance that the fuel meter reads as the position of the float in the tank. These are the same high quality senders we use in all of our new fuel tanks. Includes gasket.
The advantage of reed switch type level sender over thick-film swing arm type level sender is the reed switch's durability and reliability. Switches used in the reed switch level senders are able to perform over 50 million actuation cycles, more than 5 times that of thick-film resistors. Additionally in reed switch level senders the float is the only moving part of the sensor, thereby minimizing potential mechanical failures. The sender is fully insulated to protect against spark and voltage inside the tank.
Details:
• Mounting hole pattern: SAE 5 hole
• Length: 12"
• Resistance: 240-33 ohms
Normal usage:
• Tank numbers: A8248
Boat Models:
• Catalina 34 (all)
• Catalina 36 (with 25 gallon fuel tank)
Please note that the hole pattern is not symmetrical. The original sending unit had a long float arm which needed to be oriented in a direction that kept it away from the tank sides. The asymmetrical hole pattern established this orientation because the unit could only be mounted in the one position that aligned all the holes. Even though this unit looks like it could be mounted in any orientation the holes in the tank are still asymmetrical.
So, when installing this unit check the alignment of the gasket and the sending unit to make sure they match one another and the holes in the tank.
1) Some owners of earlier Catalina 34's ('90's vintage) with tanks manufactured by the now defunct Skyline Industries have tanks that are only 12" high overall. This means this 12" sender is too deep to fit. Choose instead the 10" sending unit available below under "May we also suggest". There will be some extra "reserve" fuel in your tank when the gauge reports empty, which is not an entirely bad thing.
2) This is not a universal sender. Its length must match the depth of your tank. Measure the depth of your tank at the sender or compare your tank to our tank number A8248 shown below in the section titled "May we also suggest" to ensure you have the tank we expect before ordering the sender.