dipstick to measure fuel in M20J tank

[daansley]

I'm looking for a conversion chart or table that shows the fuel remaining in a M20J wing tank vs. depth of fuel.  Other than the 25-gal tab indicator, I'm clueless as to how much fuel remains in a partially filled tank.  It should be easy to stick a wood or metal rod into the opening, measure the fuel depth and then consult a table that converts inches of fuel to gallons.  Does such a table exist?  Thanks

 

 

[Piloto]

I assume you do not have the wing sight gages. They are very handy for partial fuel quantity determination. With the gages you can fill to an specific level. They also serve as an in-flight back up. Recommend to have them installed.

José  

[scottfromiowa]

I have 26 gallon tanks in my '66 E.  First owner did what appears to be a very accurate fuel in gallons count on a wood paint dip stick.  I would be happy to photograph if relevent or helpful.  Scott

[rogerl]

I use the "Universal XL Fuel Gauge" available at most online pilot shops.  I have the 16" model, which is substantially too long but much harder to drop into the tank .   You have to calibrate it using the instructions/chart, and interpolate as it's non-linear.  Not difficult, but takes some time at the pump.   I ran through a couple of calibrations to help zero in on accuracy, then used a permanent marker (sharpie) to annotate the tester itself.  Seems to do the trick pretty well.

[daansley]

Quote: scottfromiowa

I have 26 gallon tanks in my '66 E.  First owner did what appears to be a very accurate fuel in gallons count on a wood paint dip stick.  I would be happy to photograph if relevent or helpful.  Scott

[daansley]

Jose & Roger.  thanks for the sight guage recommendation.  I'll order one.

[Jeff_S]

I second the notion on the wing sight-fuel gauges.  They will be a retro-fit on your '78 J but they seem pretty effective. Assuming your in-dash fuel gauges are at least roughly accurate, then you've got two methods to cross-reference before take-off.  I was religious about using the dipstick in my Warrior because I had one that was calibrated from the factory, but using the sight gauge in combo with the in-dash for my J seems to be pretty safe and accurate.