Dirty Fuel Guage on orange outboard gas tank

[laker1]

The clear plastic is too dirty to read fuel level. I don’t want to be stranded out of gas because I can’t read the fuel level.  Canadian dealer says I have to buy another outboard tank because this little plastic dial can’t be cleaned. I find it hard to believe that this guage can’t be dissembled and cleaned then put together again. 
Does anyone have any ideas?  Or advice?

thanks jim

[laker1]

I wish to apologize this post should have arrived in this old boat - my bad, must be frustrated!

[L&M]

moved 

[rolmops]

18 hours ago, laker1 said:

The clear plastic is too dirty to read fuel level. I don’t want to be stranded out of gas because I can’t read the fuel level.  Canadian dealer says I have to buy another outboard tank because this little plastic dial can’t be cleaned. I find it hard to believe that this guage can’t be dissembled and cleaned then put together again. 
Does anyone have any ideas?  Or advice?

thanks jim

The simple and cheapest solution is making sure that you always top of your tank before boating. 

another solution is contacting the tank maker and ask him about it.

You see without you mentioning what material, brand, built in or carry in your tank is, it is really hard to give advice.

Edited May 29 by rolmops

[MCF]

Definitely need more information as to who made this tank.  First place to start would be to post a picture.

[laker1]

[laker1]

The tank is for an 8 hp Honda I use as my kicker.

The clear plastic disc I am fussing  about is in the top black part . The disc is read when the guage is vertically placed and screwed into the gas tank. Wish I had a better picture.

The disc unfortunately is not visible lying on its side.

Going to try and get a better picture this weekend.

My logic is if dirt can get in there then why can’t I clean it somehow. All assistance is appreciated.

 

[MCF]

I did not do a deep dive on this but a brief search got me to this.     You would need to obviously do more research to determine exactly the model ou are looking for or see if others respond:

 

Re: Honda OEM portable tank replacement cap?

You did not mention motor model, nor tank vintage or capacity. If you have a red plastic Scepter tank with the vent screw in the cap (I think most older Honda tanks are that type), you can use any Scepter cap... including the one for the Tohatsu tanks (which will be less expensive than the "Honda" brand cap). Some fuel mixes will deteriorate the clear plastic faster than others. Post a picture, and we may be able to match it up for you. If you have a pre-EPA Scepter 3-gallon tank, the correct cap (with vent and gauge) is 3B2700501M, FUEL GAUGE VENTED CAP, 3 GAL TANK, $21.30, Or, if it's a pre-EPA Scepter 25-liter tank, you would want 3C7700501M, FUEL GAUGE VENTED CAP, 6 GAL TANK, $20.48... available from any Tohatsu/Nissan dealer including me... Or you can order a cap from your Honda dealer.   

[laker1]

Thank you this is helpful.  Going to the lake tomorrow to get more information. If I can replace with another company’s fuel guage I will be very happy. 

[rolmops]

That tank looks like it has reached the end of its natural life. If the plastic window thingy is unreadable because of dirt and probably age, it is only a matter of (short) time that it will start cracking or sweating or leaking. 

Buying a new one for $20 is probably a smart thing to do.

[HB2]

Agreed with Rolmops 

 

Get a new tank hoses fittings and primer bulb . 

 

No issues while at sea 

[laker1]

Ok returned to Lake of the Woods. The guage is made by Kelch Corporation of Cedarburg Wisconsin. It’s the number 2 model. See the enclosed picture. 
 

I have also emailed Kelch for advice. It will be interesting to see their reply. 

[spoonfed-1]

Unscrew the cap and look in there if you can't replace the gauge and don't want to buy a new tank. Simple.

Edited June 1 by spoonfed-1

[mr 580]

What does the inside of the tank look like?  If it looks as crappy as fuel cap/gauge then replace everything.  Fuel line looks like that needs replace too.  Guessing complete replacement not that much more than buying parts and pieces.  Find a dealer that sells a lot of kickers and they might fix you up cheap.

[laker1]

Thank you all for your comments.  Kelch did get back to me.

The guage is not cleanable, planned obsolescence unfortunately. I am rather surprised by this!  I am going to follow MCF’s advice and replace it with a Sceptre tank guage.  The bulb and the tubing are still good because I spray them with silicone every year due our cold. And yes I will replace it as soon as I have to. I acknowledge the tank looks dirty on the outside but it is really good shape.

[laker1]

Fuel tank conclusion

 

I found on Amazon a fuel cap  replacement by Stens, the 125 - 112 model which fits my tank perfectly. The selling point was that it had already been noted in comments as fitting another fisherman’s Honda tank.

Thank you everyone for your assistance.

jim