Fuel Foaming ?

[SlyBones]

Interesting..... I do properly compensate for the tire size in the calculations. I have filled with BrandA fuel for 7mo since I got the truck. Switched to BrandB for 3 tanks now.

When I drive till the fuel light comes on, then fill up BrandA consistently put 25-27 gal in the tank, depending on how long I drive with the light on. BrandB has put in 28-30 gal for the last 3 tanks.

Daily commute mileage BrandA, 7mo history
16. 5 summer / 15. 5 winter

BrandA - mileage until light comes on is consistent with: 27 * 15. 5 = 418. 5 or 27 * 16. 5 = 445. 5

BrandB - last 3 tanks have averaged 16. 5.
30 * 16. 5 = 495. 0 mi --- I drove 493. 8 mi on the last tank. BrandB mileage is consistent with actually putting 30 gal in the tank.

Another note is BrandA fillup the gauge just hit the full mark, and move off it fairly fast. BrandB fillup the gauge moves way past the full mark, and I drive for 50-60 mi before it starts moving off.

So general observations lead me to believe BrandB really does put in more fuel than BrandA.

Any ideas? Willing to listen to anything. BrandB is a rip off at the tank. BrandB fuel is much better, etc. etc.



------------------
1997 2500 4x4, CC, Auto, 3. 54 LSD, 68K, Everything inc Leather, K&N, 4" BD cat-back, otherwise stock, Isspro Gauges(3), 285/75/16 on Alcola's, RS9000's, Molded Side Steps w/ Ground Effects, Chrome Trim, Canopy, ProFlaps F&R, BedLiner, Aux. Lighting F&R, and tons more.

 

[jwgary]

This is my reason for believing that the computer may be more accurate than some think. If you can't get a consistent stopping point when you fill up, you aren't doing much good in doing a calculation. BTW, my trip computer was within a half mile by the MPG it gave me. I always go to the same station and the same pump whenever possible.

------------------
B I G O R A N G E AMBER-FIRE (BURNT ORANGE) / BRITE SILVER 2001(. 5), 2500, SLT, Q-CAB 4x4, SWB, AUTO, 3. 55, LSD, TOWING PACKAGE
ADD-ON'S: LINE-X, 1/4" STEEL LONGHORN HITCH COVER, WESTIN NERF BARS, YELLOW-TOP OPTIMAS

 

[illflem]

The amount of foaming is related to the volume of the pump you are filling at. With a high volume truck stop fill nozzle you can make so much foam that the nozzle will automatically shut off with 5 gallons left to go. The simple trick is just to slow it down near the end and let it burp, you can then fill it to the brim. Filling it to the top is the only way to get accurate mpg calculations with the miles/gallons system.

 

[SlyBones]

I typically set the nozzle on the first notch ( the slowest setting ) and get back in the truck and listen to the radio for a while.

Even though BrandA fillups may not have been truly fill, since they were consistent each time I think the MPG calculations are OK.

So maybe BrandB pumps run at a slower rate notch 1, therefore less foaming. Also observed that BrandA fillups I could squeeze in an extra 1+ gallons after the auto shutoff. BrandB takes every little after the auto shutoff.

------------------
1997 2500 4x4, CC, Auto, 3. 54 LSD, 68K, Everything inc Leather, K&N, 4" BD cat-back, otherwise stock, Isspro Gauges(3), 285/75/16 on Alcola's, RS9000's, Molded Side Steps w/ Ground Effects, Chrome Trim, Canopy, ProFlaps F&R, BedLiner, Aux. Lighting F&R, and tons more.

 

[Missouri Mule]

SlyBones,
Are the nozzles the same length from Brand A and Brand B? A shorter nozzle will give you more fuel.
I agree with rate of fuel flow could make a difference.
Bring along a one or two gallon gas can fill it up see if your getting a true gallon. Act like your filling your truck. Somewhere I read or saw some stations have switch inside to give correct amount when state inspector comes artound.

 

[Bob Cochran]

One comment about putting pump on first notch and getting in truck. I don't know how many times I have done that and fuel did not stop and ran over. Not only did I waste expensive fuel it is messy on side of the truck. I suggest you stay with the pump and monitor it at least. I know for the back East guys it is cold. So put it on high notch then top off.

------------------
2001 RAM 3500 dually Quad Cab SLT, 4. 10 limited slip, HO 245 hp, 6-speed, dark garnet pearl coat, interior agate, All options except heated leather, added DeeZee brite diamond tool box, Linex spray-in bed liner, Lund hood deflector 3 piece smoke color, DeeZee brite diamond cab/bed running boards and TurboSaver (from Gino's) also Reese 5th wheel 15k hitch. No plans to bomb. This is my retirment vehicle currently pulling 21' 5er want to buy 30 to 35 for retirment.

 

[Pat_in_Utah]

Originally posted by SlyBones:
... get back in the truck and listen to the radio for a while.

To prevent static electricity, I thought you were NOT supposed to get back in the truck?

------------------
(on order) 2001. 9 White Sport RAM 2500HD QC SLT 4X4 LB 3. 54 LSD Cummins Auto

1999 21' Terry Towable
1990 Kawasaki KLR 250