Interesting "empty tank" chart

[K Frame]

that tells you how far you can drive when your tank is "empty."

https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/handy-chart-tells-many-miles-155000473.html

Seems to be pretty accurate, but the several times I've gotten gas just as the light has triggered on my Forester has shown that I've had closer to 3.5 gallons of gas remaining.

[French G.]

My Subaru comes on very early, probably around three gallons. Couple of times through poor planning I have gotten 15.7 gallons into the 16 gallon tank though.

[Jamisjockey]

When the light comes on in my truck it's usually the wife's fault.

[bedlamite]

My Silverado has a 26 gallon tank, and the walk light comes on with 4 gallons left. I've driven much farther than the 25 miles they claim.

[Ben]

"How far can I go on empty" is something I always test when I get a new vehicle. As soon as the light comes on after I purchase it, I fill up. All the vehicles I've ever owned have been slightly conservative to very conservative (which I'm glad of and makes sense from the manufacturer's POV).

Currently my 4Runner gives me more like 75 miles when it hits 50 miles to empty (which is when the warning comes on), and my F150 with the 2.7L gives me something over 100 at 50. My old F250 diesel was more like 150 at 50. It never had less than 5 gallons left in the tank at the 50 mile warning. Usually 6-7.

I don't routinely drive my vehicles to empty, I just like to know real numbers for emergencies. I'm more of a "fill it at half a tank" kinda guy.

[dogmush]

In general, one doesn't really want to run the tank that low.  There's all kinds of crap accumulating in the bottom of the tank, you're making the fuel pump work harder, in cooler, and depending on your driving, terrain, and tank baffle/sump set up you are more likely to starve the engine of fuel and cause detonation.

Not great stuff all around. Just fill it up before the light comes on.

[Brad Johnson]

Whoever made that list needs to learn the "sort" command.

SWMBO's Taurus is supposed to have a 19 gallon tank. If she fills up with it showing "0 Miles Left" she can get about 17 gallons in it.

Brad

[K Frame]

Not to mention that sitting in the gasoline bath helps keep the fuel pump cool.

[Jocassee]

Ha...Boomhauer had to come bring me gas once. That's how I found where the Eclipse bottoms out.

[Brad Johnson]

Not to mention that sitting in the gasoline bath helps keep the fuel pump cool.

Depends on if it's a returnless or return-style system. Returnless needs to be immersed in fuel. Return systems use fuel flow to cool the pump. A majority of mfg have gone to return systems for the reliability but both systems are in current use. You'll have to dig into your particular vehicle's specs to be sure.

Brad

[K Frame]

Ah! I didn't know that. I was under the impression that the standard was static pressure returnless pumps.

[charby]

In general, one doesn't really want to run the tank that low.  There's all kinds of crap accumulating in the bottom of the tank, you're making the fuel pump work harder, in cooler, and depending on your driving, terrain, and tank baffle/sump set up you are more likely to starve the engine of fuel and cause detonation.

Not great stuff all around. Just fill it up before the light comes on.

X2, beat me to it

[Brad Johnson]

Ah! I didn't know that. I was under the impression that the standard was static pressure returnless pumps.

Used to be that way for everyone. Pretty much all the first-gen fuel injected vehicles ran deadhead systems. As a result, pumps were dying a a ferocious rate for the very reason you stated above.

Fuel pumps are above liquid level by about half a tank anyway. Mfgs who stick with returnless systems usually use variable speed pumps and driver module
trickery to ensure the pumps don't overheat.

Brad

[dogmush]

Brad, It's interesting that you say that the manufacturers are moving to return style systems, because I've seen the opposite.  Ford went from return systems with a regulator on the rail in the 90's and early 2000's to pretty predominantly returnless systems with a Fuel Pump Driver Module for the V8's. The EcoBoost's are also returnless

My '14 Bimmer is also returnless, as is my wife's '15 Mazda*.  I'd be pretty interested in how many are still using a regulator and return vs. electronically controlled non return fuel pressure.


*It should be mentioned that both those cars have Direct injection engines, and as such have low and high pressure fuel pumps, and are different then an F150's "~45psi to Bosch Injectors" system that most folks think of for fuel injection.  They are return-less though.

[Scout26]

The two times I've had my fuel light come on in my Outback, I could only get 14 gallons into the 17 gallon tank.

[French G.]

I try to keep mine filled since 30 miles with no gas station is standard for me. I found out the hard way about returnless Ford pumps once, they also don't kill the pump with zero pressure sensed. Roasted pump.

[Scout26]

I just always fill mine up at half.  Rarely will I let it get to 1/4.

[Brad Johnson]

Brad, It's interesting that you say that the manufacturers are moving to return style systems, because I've seen the opposite. 

That may well be the case as I'm not as familiar with the GDI systems as I'd like. I used to spend most every weekend elbow-deep in vehicles but it's been a couple years.

Brad

[freakazoid]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TuEdU_lrtZk

[RoadKingLarry]

tank capacity on my 2-door JK is listed at 18.6 gallons. Most I've ever put in was 16 gallons.

[grampster]

I'm with Amy.  I don't recall ever not filling up when I get to half a tank.  Plus it's a good mind game because with gas prices as they are, it doesn't seem like I'm spending so much on a fill-up.  When we drive across the country to Florida, filling up at half a tank makes for a good time out from driving.  Keeps one fresher on 500 mile a day jaunts.

[KD5NRH]

One of my new-to-me vehicle chores (assuming it has an accessible filter) is to toss a 2 gallon can in the back and go run it dry.  I figure that way it pulls the crud into the filter when I'm planning to do that sort of maintenance anyway.
Mostly they're old enough to be due anyway, and with spotty-if-any maintenance records.

[MechAg94]

I bought a new Toyota Tacoma in October.  The 3 gallons the chart says is pretty close.  I think I have been putting in 17 gallons and change when I fill up.  That is before the fuel light comes on.  I don't think I have put in over 18 except for once when the light was on before filling.