Dakota Digital with a Centroid fuel sender

[SMG]

So I thought I would start a thread on this subject to try and help out anyone else that might attempt to use this combo.

My current setup is VHX Dakota Digital dash system with a non/mechanical Centroid Fuel sender 240/33ohms. I am using a Conferr style tank as my main and only fuel supply.

The Dakota Dash allows me to select up to 8 different fuel senders. I currently have it set to the SW33 which should match the Centroid Fuel sender at 240ohms empty and 33ohms full.

No matter what I do I cannot to get the Centroid Fuel sender to communicate correctly to the Dakota Digital. I spoke with Joel at Centroid support many of times through emails. After numerous tests, troubleshooting and calibrations he doesn't have a good answer to why it's not working.

I decided to search other car forums on this gauge/sender combination and it seems like I'm not the only person that has had this issue. From what I've read, other people that have had this problem switched their fuel sender to a Classics Insturments SN3T non-mechanical fuel sender with no issues.

Classic Instruments Store / SN35T*

It's looks as if I will be going this route and dropping my tank once again.

If anyone else has had this issue with Centroid fuel senders, please chime in.

Hopefully this thread will help someone that is thinking of using this combo.

 

[Downey]

SMG, has anyone explained the differences between the Cenbtroid and Classic Instruments designs????

 

[SMG]

SMG, has anyone explained the differences between the Cenbtroid and Classic Instruments designs????

No, please elaborate.

 

[SMG]

SMG, has anyone explained the differences between the Cenbtroid and Classic Instruments designs????

Jim,

Seriously, what am I missing?
Thanks

 

[Downey]

I don't know, I was asking you to school me- - -sorry.
(1) The reason we always suggested using the Centroid is because they would make senders for Toyota's pre 9/72 and post 9/72 dash gauges and Classic did not have them.
(2) Hate to see you spend extra cash flow, but if you buy the Classic, before you install it have an electrical shop test the Centroid & Classic for differences- - -then you could school us and Joel, and possibly get a refund on the Centroid?????

 

[SMG]

Oh ok, I thought I was missing something.

What's really weird with the Centroid sender; it seems like no matter how much fuel I add to the tank weather it's a 1/4 full, 1/2 full or 3/4 full. The reading on the gauge always goes to full and starts going down from where I last filled it.

Example, if I only put 1/4 tank of fuel in the fuel tank the gauge will peg out at full and rapidly decrease as I drain the tank.

Very strange, but at least I still know when I'm about to run out of gas. Just at different rates.

 

[Michael B]

SMG have you contacted DDD? They were a great help to me during the installation of my VHX unit.

 

[SMG]

SMG have you contacted DDD? They were a great help to me during the installation of my VHX unit.

Are you using a Centroid fuel sender?
I don't think it's a Dakota Digital Problem. Although maybe I should see what they have to say.

Thanks

 

[Michael B]

I don't have that type of sending unit but they will know if their unit can be made to work with your type.

 

[mtquivr]

I'm interested to see how this plays out.
When I bought my Centroid gauge, I told them I had a VDO gauge but was thinking of going to a Dakota dash. They said to get the 3 terminal (separate 12v terminal) or it wouldn't work with the Dakota.
Mine hasn't been run yet (hoping to get a Cummins 2.8). I'd hate to have to drop the tank again. It was a real PITA to install.

 

[SMG]

I'm interested to see how this plays out.
When I bought my Centroid gauge, I told them I had a VDO gauge but was thinking of going to a Dakota dash. They said to get the 3 terminal (separate 12v terminal) or it wouldn't work with the Dakota.
Mine hasn't been run yet (hoping to get a Cummins 2.8). I'd hate to have to drop the tank again. It was a real PITA to install.

That's what I am running. The 3 terminal Centroid sender 240ohms/33ohm.

 

[AKAIE15]

FWIW -

I have the Classic instruments style fuel sending unit (from fuelsafe.com) with a Downey aux tank. I have an Autometer Quad gauge (fuel gauge).

My issue with the performance of this sending unit - as the fuel sloshes around in the tank the amount that the gauge reads varies as much as 1/2 a tank (i.e., from 1/4 to 3/4). As the tank empties, it's difficult to tell how much fuel I really have. Or when the pickup won't pick up fuel...

Regarding the installation - - the diameter of the 'stick' is pretty big. It's not too easy to drill out the top plate. I considered driling a hole directly in the tank but I didn't want to alter the actual tank as opposed to the top plate.

I'd probably live with this 'issue' but I'm concerned about long term use of my mechanical fuel pump pulling fuel all the way from this tank, I'm getting stuff together to convert to an in tank electric pump - I'm getting the @Downey setup in the mail today. I was thinking about going to the centroid unit hoping to have an improved read on the fuel level since it isn't mechanical.

I'm also considering a pickup like the Holley Hydramat - expensive (and maybe overkill) but with the fuel sloshing all over the place, I am concerned that as the tank gets low, I'll have issues with fuel delivery.

In the end, I don't want to have to drop my tank repeatedly (again), so I want a good solution.

 

[SMG]

Thanks for the info. I am running the Conferr tank which I think is pretty much the same except its metal.

Who knows, you may have good luck with the Centroid sender since you are running an Autometer fuel gauge.

I think my issue is due to the Dakota Digital and Centroid is a communication problem with one another.

One thing to consider, Centroids tech support isn't great. Joel from Centroid only communicates through emails. From all the emails that I've received from him, they all seemed to be prewritten paragraphs/statements that he's just cut and paste into the email. Mostly generalized statements that leave you with no real answer.

I may end up going back to a float style sendering unit.

Please post up your findings once you make the change.

Thanks

 

[Downey]

AKAIE15, With the Downey in-tank pump kit gas will not slosh away from the fuel pump since it's inside a bowl. I'm surprised your getting a large variance in the reading on your fuel gauge with the Classic sender mounted on the center line of the tank (mounted into the Downey top aluminum plate I assume). We put the sender on the center line since that is where the fuel level is the most constant.

 

[AKAIE15]

I'm probably to sensitive. I drove it a fair amount today. The variance is worse as the level goes down. Not really a big deal. When ur down to 1/4 tank--- it's hard to tell how much fuel there really is. Probably should fill up at a quarter tank anyways.

Thinking I should have gotten a 9 inch sender so it reads empty prematurely. Rather be concerned and fill up than actually run dry.

 

[Jordan85]

So I thought I would start a thread on this subject to try and help out anyone else that might attempt to use this combo.

My current setup is VHX Dakota Digital dash system with a non/mechanical Centroid Fuel sender 240/33ohms. I am using a Conferr style tank as my main and only fuel supply.

The Dakota Dash allows me to select up to 8 different fuel senders. I currently have it set to the SW33 which should match the Centroid Fuel sender at 240ohms empty and 33ohms full.

No matter what I do I cannot to get the Centroid Fuel sender to communicate correctly to the Dakota Digital. I spoke with Joel at Centroid support many of times through emails. After numerous tests, troubleshooting and calibrations he doesn't have a good answer to why it's not working.

I decided to search other car forums on this gauge/sender combination and it seems like I'm not the only person that has had this issue. From what I've read, other people that have had this problem switched their fuel sender to a Classics Insturments SN3T non-mechanical fuel sender with no issues.

Classic Instruments Store / SN35T*

It's looks as if I will be going this route and dropping my tank once again.

If anyone else has had this issue with Centroid fuel senders, please chime in.

Hopefully this thread will help someone that is thinking of using this combo.

Curious what you ended up doing. I am about to purchase a fuel sender and have your exact set up.

 

[SMG]

I ended up going with one of these. I can’t remember for sure but I believe they make a 10”or 11” model. This worked much better. Just keep in mind, this style measures in 1/8” increments unlike the float style that is variable.

Classic Instruments SN35T9 Fuel Sender Tube, 9 Inch, 240-33 OHM

www.speedwaymotors.com