Should I Use Aftermarket Parts to Keep My Discontinued Tank Gauge Running?

Sometimes, retailers might scour the aftermarket segment for necessary replacement parts assuming that route will save them time and money. While that may seem logical at the outset, unforeseen challenges can arise. Updating a discontinued tank gauge system with aftermarket control boards, printers or power supplies creates several risks.

One of the biggest red flags fueling retailers should notice with aftermarket ATG parts is that many of them aren’t new. They are either refurbished or remanufactured, which means their failed components have been replaced with parts that were likely either harvested from another used ATG system or had already malfunctioned at least once before.  

Additionally, aftermarket parts have a limited inventory – especially for systems that are being retired – with equally limited installation options. All these factors bring about some considerable risks that retailers should not ignore.

1. Compatibility uncertainties lead to performance issues

Often, non-OEM parts lack proof of OEM-equivalent reliability. The system might not perform as it should if it contains components that weren’t designed and tested by the manufacturer or meet strict assurances. The manufacturing facilities at Dover Fueling Solutions^® (DFS) are regularly audited to ensure each component meets the highest levels of safety and quality.

2. Undetected leaks and compliance lapses

If faulty aftermarket ATG parts prevent the console from properly issuing an alarm, operators may not realize a catastrophic event is happening until untold damage to the environment has already occurred. Furthermore, gaps in leak detection testing and reporting caused by parts failures may result in compliance violations.

3. Limited parts inventory causes unplanned downtime

Most ATG console parts for obsolete monitoring systems aren’t available indefinitely. Eventually replacement of critical parts — such as the console’s control board — will be difficult or impossible to find. A control board failure could force your fueling operation to go offline until a board becomes available or a new tank gauge can be installed. In the latter scenario, downtime could be significant — industry-average lead times for getting a new console to your site is four to six weeks.

4. Technician shortages

Finding a qualified technician to install replacement parts quickly — and correctly — can be a challenge. As the aging pool of technicians retire, the number of professionals with the experience necessary to service older-model tank gauges will continue to shrink.

5. Higher total cost of ownership (TCO)

Limping a tank gauge along on aftermarket parts increases its TCO. Due to the law of supply and demand, you can expect the price of replacement parts to increase as the number of available replacement parts drops. Costs for technician visits to install replacement parts will also accrue.

Why worry about installation challenges, parts availability and maintaining compliance when you don’t have to?

Instead of piecemealing your tank monitoring system with parts from a secondary market, you can eliminate the guesswork and added expenses with the ProGauge MagLink LX Ultimate from Dover Fueling Solutions^® (DFS).

This high-quality gauge includes a user-friendly, touchscreen interface with base capabilities to monitor 12 probes and 48 sensors and is scalable up to 48 sensors and 480 probes. The ProGauge MagLink LX Ultimate helps retail operators meet compliance reporting regulations and mitigate fuel losses with accurate tank readings. Plus:

Although some information claims otherwise, you have options. With the ProGauge MagLink LX Ultimate and LX Plus from DFS, you can avoid the trap of relying on aftermarket parts and save time and money while optimizing your site and maintaining compliance.

Learn More About Tank Gauge Upgrading

Debunking 3 Myths About UST Probe Replacement
Avoiding the High Costs of Wiring the Tank Gauge to the UST