2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Wierd fuel fill up?

[LLokhaiser]

Yesterday I filled up at my usual station. when I pulled in the gauge registered between 1/8 and 1/4 of a tank. the idiot light was not on yet. I pumped slowly [not even to first catch on nozel] as usual. apon filling I had pumped 35. 23 gallons. puzzeled, I looked at the calibration sticker on the pump. It was just done in july. Before complaining to the manager or fueling some place else. I figured I`d check here. By my calculations. I now should have a bit more than 39. 375 gallons in a 35 gallon tank. What are your thoughts?:--)

 

[Doc Tinker]

Wednesday. . I drove around with 1/4 of a tank, thinking I needed to stop on the way home to fill up. When I was ready to leave work, I jumped in the truck and tried to start it, but it wouldn't start. I thought "Crap. . another lift pump". After adding five gallons to the tank, the truck started right up and I drove home, about eighteen miles. Later, I went to the station and filled up. I put in 30 gallons at the station. Add that to the five I put in earlier, less the gallon that I burned getting home, that makes about 34 gallons in the tank. So. . 1/4 was bone dry empty.



My idiot light never came on either. It was in the 90s that day, if that would have anything to do with it.



BTW - After I added the five gallons, I tested my lift pump and it read 20 psi at idle.



Doc

 

[jcbrown]

Fuel Gauge...

Forget about the accuracy of the factory fuel gauge. I'm completely EMPTY when I register 1/4 full on the fuel gauge. Go by MILEAGE for fillup. I have run out twice and don't care to repeat it.

 

[Blakers]

I had an unreliable fuel gauge on my old Benz, so I carried a gallon jug of fuel oil with me just in case. I needed it once or twice and was glad I had it.



Blake

 

[rob10858]

the "idiot light" is one of the things we love most about our ctd's. since the fuel gauges on all of our trucks have their own little quirks, the constant has always been the low fuel light. from 96 on, they always have given us alert that we have at least 50 miles of towing before the we run completely dry. this is one of the few times that the term idiot light might actually be a little harsh. i was always told if your oil or transmission temp light comes on, you're the idiot , so if it ain't working find out why, it can be a long walk..... :{

 

[Shovelhead]

Today's little road trip

Arlington, VA to Monongahela, PA to drop off my niece,

back to Arlington (475 miles after top off in Annandale this AM)

Made the whole trip on one tank of fuel, "Dinger" sounded at 1/8 tank as I pulled into the same station to refuel (again).

Pumped 25. 557 gal again to top of neck.

Trip speeds mostly 70-80 MPH through mountains.

Auto with 4:10s

Average 17. 87 MPG.

 

[illflem]

If you have the ambition to remove your tank module the empty at 1/4 problem can be cured by just bending the float rod upwards.

 

[Doc Tinker]

I don't have that kind of ambition, illflem. How about coming out here to visit and doing it for me?



Doc

 

[Lurch]

Unfortunately Packman the idiot light works off the same crappy sender. It's not reliable either.



Lurch

 

[Bob Cochran]

Doc Tinker~ Wow you was bone dry added 5 gallons and it just fired right up. I am scared to death to run mine dry!!!!! You do in something diff. than everyone else that runs dry?:--)

 

[Jeff H]

Mine must be ok. I drove 50 mile with the needle buried on E. I'm never doing that again. :--)

 

[illflem]

Originally posted by Doc Tinker

I don't have that kind of ambition, illflem. How about coming out here to visit and doing it for me?



Doc

Doc I don't blame you, it's a PITA, but if you ever have to get in there for something else don't forget.

 

[wrk24wheel]

Mine is just the opposite, when it is on E and the light goes on, I have between 10-12 gallons left in the tank. Very unreliable fuel guages. .

 

[The patriot]

When my alarm sounds, I have 100+ miles left to the tank.

If I'm going to the mountains, I figure it as 75 miles to be safe.

Eric

 

[burndog]

Good ol fuel tank sending units.



I went to fill up and gauge red 1/8 left.



Ended up putting in 35. 2 gallons ! Scared the hell out of me.



The next tankful showed 7/8 left and I had driven 368 miles. Damn good mileage eh?



I dropped the tank and put the new sender in. All better now.



burndog