Ran out of gas. Twice...

[LotsaMiles]

So, because of all the miles I drive, I like to push the range. I've learned that I can go about 90 miles after the gas light comes on, though I only push it to 70. I reset one of the odometers when the light comes on. It can seem hairy because by the time I get gas the gauge is FAR below the empty line.

The car has a 13.2 gallon tank, and I've actually pushed it to 70 miles after the low fuel light comes on and it ends up taking around 12.5 gallons.

Here is where it gets weird:

A few weeks ago my light had been on for 45 miles and the car sputtered. I was driving by a gas station so I immediately pulled in. The car took about 11.5 gallons. I figured there must have been dirt or something in the line.

So, two tanks later I'm at about the 40 mile mark from the low fuel light coming on, and it runs out of gas. This time I had to put a gallon in to get me to a station. Actually, only about half a gallon went en because I couldn't tilt it up high enough due to the short spout. The gas station was about another 5 miles away.

This time the car took 11.2 gallons.

So, Why is this thing running out of gas with as much as two gallons still in the tank, and it never did that before?

Any ideas?

And yes, I only use 93 premium in it at all times.

[Tcoat]

The filter is plugged. When the tank has lots the stuff gets spread out. When you get it low the crap gets concentrated and plugs you up. The bad news is it is a bitch to get to!


Starts at PM31 in the service manual here:
http://www.ft86club.com/forums/attac...1&d=1339384132

[guybo]

Filling at 1/4 of a tank is a hell of a lot cheaper and less of a PITA than paying for a new fuel pump one day. Don't do this anymore, you've already damaged your fuel pump.

-The fuel cools the fuel pump
-Head pressure int he tank makes it so the pump does less work
-When you suck the dregs out of the tank, you're introducing foreign materials into the pump and filter.

[LotsaMiles]

Bummer. I read a bunch of sites regarding wearing out the fuel pump and what I got from it was that as long as there is gas you are fine, but don't run out - at least not very often, or, as was said, without gas to cool it, you'll burn up the fuel pump. It's why I immediately turn off the engine when I realize I've run out of gas. Well, the one time I did...

I had referred to sites like this to determine if it was ok: https://community.cartalk.com/t/runn...-pump/39621/12

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by LotsaMiles

Bummer. I read a bunch of sites regarding wearing out the fuel pump and what I got from it was that as long as there is gas you are fine, but don't run out - at least not very often, or, as was said, without gas to cool it, you'll burn up the fuel pump. It's why I immediately turn off the engine when I realize I've run out of gas. Well, the one time I did...

I had referred to sites like this to determine if it was ok: https://community.cartalk.com/t/runn...-pump/39621/12

I wouldn't worry to much about the pump. If it was the pump you would have issues regardless of how much fuel was in the tank. Replace the filter and all will be good.

[humfrz]

........just don't do that no more.


humfrz

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by humfrz

........just don't do that no more.


humfrz

Frankly, the thought of running out of gas in rural Kentucky scares me a bit!

[humfrz]

Originally Posted by Tcoat

Frankly, the thought of running out of gas in rural Kentucky scares me a bit!

Yep, it would be a good way to meet some interesting people .....


humfrz