Rajan Wilcox
The Rheem KING Oil Tank Gauge is a popular choice for those looking for an easy-to-install, sturdy, and accurate oil tank gauge. Customers have reported that the product is good quality and fits their application perfectly. The installation process is relatively straightforward and can be completed in about 10 minutes, with some customers referring to YouTube videos for guidance. Before installing the gauge, it is important to understand how a float gauge works and to have the necessary tools on hand, such as rubber gloves, paper towels, and a pipe wrench. The Smart Oil Gauge is another option that uses an ultrasonic sensor to detect the oil level in the tank and can be installed by hand-tightening it onto the adapter.
Rheem Fuel Oil Tank Gauge Characteristics and Values
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Installation Difficulty | Easy, can be done in 10 minutes |
| Installation Requirements | Pipe wrench, rubber gloves, paper towels, trash bag, optional penetrating oil |
| Installation Precautions | Keep area clean, lower heater temperature, open doors and windows, avoid fans and ignition sources |
| Compatibility | 275-gallon blended oil tanks, not compatible with Roth 1500L tanks |
| Accuracy | High accuracy, easy readability |
| Build Quality | Sturdy, well-made, thick construction |
| Cost | Pricey but good value for money |
| Alternative | Smart Oil Gauge Duo, WiFi heating oil gauge |
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What You'll Learn
Tips for installation
Before installing a Rheem fuel oil tank gauge, it is important to understand how a float gauge works. This will aid in removing it so you know what to expect. The float sits atop the oil and moves down as the oil level lowers. The disc housed behind a plastic vial provides a rough indication of the oil level in the tank.
If you are removing an old gauge, you must first loosen the float gauge assembly. Remove the plastic vial by hand to expose the disc. Position the pipe wrench on the metal fitting that threads into the tank and use both hands to loosen the fitting slightly. If you cannot loosen the fitting easily, you can soak it in a penetrating oil such as Liquid Wrench for several hours or a couple of days.
Once the fitting is loose, pull the disc up to lift the float out of the oil and continue unscrewing the float gauge fitting from the tank. When the fitting is completely loose, remove the float assembly and place it in a garbage bag. To install a new float gauge, clean the fitting on the tank and apply pipe dope to the threads of the new float gauge assembly.
If you are installing a WiFi heating oil gauge, such as the Smart Oil Gauge, the process is much easier. You will need to find the extra opening on your tank to install the gauge. If there is no extra opening, you will need to remove the float gauge and install the Smart Oil Gauge in its place. The Smart Oil Gauge uses an ultrasonic sensor to detect the oil level in the tank and can send text and email alerts when the tank is low.
When installing the Smart Oil Gauge Duo, you will need to set it up before installation to ensure it is functioning correctly. You will then need to hand-tighten the gauge onto the adapter, ensuring not to use Teflon Tape or pipe dope as this will interfere with the gauge's ability to read properly.
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Removing the old gauge
Firstly, put on some rubber gloves and old clothes, as heating oil can be messy and odorous. You will need a pipe wrench and some paper towels and a garbage bag. If you are struggling to loosen the fitting, you may want to use some penetrating oil, such as Liquid Wrench, to help.
To begin, remove the plastic vial by hand to access the disc. The disc is connected to a floating piece (the 'float') by a hinged arm. Pull the disc up to lift the float out of the oil. Once the disc is up, you can continue to unscrew the float gauge fitting. When the fitting is completely loose, you can remove the float assembly. Use paper towels to catch any dripping oil and place the assembly in the garbage bag.
If your tank is indoors, remember to open a door or window to ventilate the area. You should also lower the heater temperature to prevent it from starting up during the installation process.
Now you are ready to install the new gauge.
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Installing the new gauge
First, ensure you have the necessary tools and safety equipment. You will need a pipe wrench, rubber gloves, paper towels, a garbage bag, and optionally, penetrating oil and pipe dope. Remember to wear old clothes as heating oil can be messy and odorous. Before beginning any work, it is important to understand how a float gauge works. This knowledge will aid in its removal and installation. The basic principle involves a floating piece ("the float") that sits atop the oil and moves down as the oil level lowers.
Next, locate the float gauge assembly. Begin by removing the plastic vial by hand to expose the disc inside. With both hands, position the pipe wrench on the metal fitting that threads into the tank and loosen it slightly. Be cautious not to loosen it by more than half a turn, or the float will hit the inside wall of the tank. If the fitting is challenging to loosen, you can soak it in penetrating oil for several hours or a few days.
Once the fitting is slightly loose, pull the disc up to lift the float out of the oil. You can now continue unscrewing the float gauge fitting until it is completely loose. After this, carefully remove the entire float assembly, allowing the float to fall slowly into the garbage bag. Use paper towels to catch any dripping oil. Clean the fitting on the tank to prepare for the new gauge installation.
Now, you can begin installing the new gauge. Apply pipe dope to the threads of the new float gauge assembly. Use a marker to indicate the direction that the arm should fall once the assembly is on the tank. This will ensure the gauge is installed in the correct orientation. Place the new gauge onto the adapter and hand-tighten it. Do not use Teflon tape as it may interfere with the gauge's reading accuracy.
Finally, test your new gauge to verify its functionality. It is recommended to familiarize yourself with how it works before installation. Additionally, ensure you clean the area and take precautions to avoid any debris from falling into the tank during installation. If your tank is indoors, open a door or window to ventilate vapors and be cautious of ignition sources.
By following these steps, you can successfully install your new Rheem fuel oil tank gauge, ensuring accurate readings and maintaining the proper functioning of your oil tank system.
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Troubleshooting
If you encounter any issues during the installation of your Rheem fuel oil tank gauge, here are some troubleshooting tips to help you address them:
- Sludge Buildup: Sludge buildup is a common issue in older heating oil tanks, which can cause the gauge to malfunction. To address this, consider installing a non-contact ultrasonic gauge, such as the Smart Oil Gauge, to avoid future sludge problems.
- Difficult Fitting: If you are having difficulty loosening the fitting, try soaking it in a penetrating oil like Liquid Wrench for several hours or even a couple of days. This will help loosen any built-up debris or sludge, making it easier to remove the old gauge and install the new one.
- Leaking: To prevent leaks, ensure that you add some T-tape to the threads of the new gauge during installation. This will create a tighter seal and prevent oil from leaking out.
- Accuracy: If your gauge is not reading accurately, check for any debris or sludge buildup that may be interfering with its functionality. Clean or replace the gauge if necessary.
- Readability: In case you find it challenging to read the gauge, consider adjusting the lighting or viewing angle. Additionally, some gauges offer features like backlighting or larger display screens for improved readability.
- Compatibility: Ensure that your Rheem fuel oil tank gauge is compatible with your specific tank size and type. For example, the Smart Oil Gauge Duo is not compatible with Roth 1500L tanks due to the internal support baffle.
- Calibration: If your gauge seems inaccurate, it may require calibration. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions or contact their customer support for guidance on calibrating your specific model.
- Vapor Venting: During installation, be mindful of vapor venting if your tank is located indoors or in an enclosed space. Open doors or windows to ensure proper ventilation and avoid any ignition sources.
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Customer reviews
One customer review mentions that they had to add T-tape to the threads to ensure no leaks, while another highlights the importance of cleaning the area and taking precautions to avoid vapors during installation.
Another customer opted for the Smart Oil Gauge, which uses an ultrasonic sensor to detect the oil level in the tank. They found the installation straightforward, but noted that it required some muscle and a pipe wrench.
Overall, customers find the Rheem KING Oil Tank Gauge to be a good value for money, with some mentioning that it is a simple, cost-effective, and basic gauge that does its job well.
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Frequently asked questions
The installation process is quite simple and can be done in about 10 minutes. First, clean the area and lower the heater temperature to 40 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent it from starting up during installation. If your tank is indoors, open a door or window to ventilate the area. Next, remove the old gauge by unscrewing the float gauge fitting from the tank and lifting the float out of the oil. Then, clean the fitting on the tank and apply pipe dope to the threads of the new gauge. Finally, screw in the new gauge, being careful not to overtighten it, and test it to ensure it's functioning properly.
You will need a pipe wrench, paper towels, rubber gloves, and a garbage bag.
The Rheem KING Oil Tank Gauge is designed for 275-gallon blended oil tanks. Make sure to measure your tank and confirm it has the correct fittings before purchasing the gauge.
Yes, it is important to lower the heater temperature and ventilate the area if your tank is indoors. Also, be cautious of ignition sources as vapors will vent out during the installation process.
Yes, an alternative option is to install a WiFi heating oil gauge such as the Smart Oil Gauge, which uses an ultrasonic sensor to detect the oil level in the tank. This option may be preferable as it can provide text and email alerts when the tank is low.
