Fume sensor installation

[TADTOOMUCH]

I am installing a Xintex M2B fume sensing system on my 1978 F-32

Has anyone installed one on theirs and where did they place their sensors.

Mine has two sensors. I was thinking down low between the engines near the front so as to pick up any leaks by the fuel filters or fuel pump and the other back in the stern between the fuel tanks.

Any suggestions?

[LSP]

I was looking at adding a Xintex sensing system also. Does $215 sound about right? Also, let me know what you think of it when complete. Thanks

[TADTOOMUCH]

I have found that the main head units vary in cost depending on the installation type. If you install in your instrument panel in the typical 2" circle opening then they are about $150 to $175 fo a single sensor unit. and about $175 to $200 for the dual sensor units. If you opt for the larger square unit that is mounted on a side wall or outside of the instrument panel then add about $50 bucks to the other prices listed. Then the second sensor has to be purchased for about $50 more bucks as they only come with one sensor standard. Worse case for a dual sensor auto bilge blower model is $300 including all extra sensors. Not a bad life insurance policy.

We had a boat near ours explode this summer and they had a fume sensor that they just ignored the alarms because it was a nuisance and they didn't really smell anything. All on board were badly burnt and it destroyed four other boats as well.

[jddens]

I have a sniffer (don't recall the brand off hand) with one sniffer. It is mounted as low as practical on the forward bulkhead in the engine room between engines.......one in the rear by the tanks sounds good......

[LandVF36]

Same advice, down and forward. Gasoline fumes will fall down from the leak and travel to the lowest point they can find. I have a new pair mounted near the limber holes (cut out in the strinngers that let water flow down) one on each side for the main engine compartment.

I have a 2nd sensor mounted below the generator in the aft compartment.

I also opted for a remote monitor so I have one in the Salon and one on the flybridge.

Don't mount them at the bottom, as if they get wet, they are ruined.

Test. For example, the year prior to the new sensor installs, I replaced the fuel seperators. Being careful, I placed paper towels below the seperator to catch the drips. The alarm never sounded. I didn't think anything of it.

After installing the new sensors this spring, I was installing fuel flow guages that the alarm sounded about 3 seconds after I wrenched open the fuel line. I had a paper towel under the line when I opened it to catch the drips but never saw one. The sensor was a good 5' away. I was pretty impressed with the new setup.

Don't take chances.... make sure your sensors work and for heavens sake, command everyone on board to get off ASAP if your alarm goes off.