Delbert

When my C4 would get close to half a tank of gas, I would make it a point to fill up. The pump is submerged in the tank and is cooled by the fuel within. Continually running a tank close to empty would allow the pump to heat up and thereby decrease it's longevity.

Now comes the C6 with two tanks!! What is the current concensus about maintaining fuel in the tank? Since I purchased my
C6, I've never allowed the guage to drop to half a tank........this situation as caused me to wonder......is the driver's side tank filled with old stale fuel since the passenger side tank is emptied first????

michaelinmech

I unfortunately can not tell you how each of the 2 tanks are emptied or if maintaining a half fill is causing stale gas to develop - perhaps others with more expertise will jump in. I would however think it wise to run the tanks to near empty with some frequency, to exercise the float system 'all the way' together with the gauge.

bucwheat

Well I have read everyone should fill at half and in the early morning or late night to save gas. It was to do with vapors ,and never fill up when a tanker is dropping a load of fuel,it stirs up trash on the bottom and any water that may be there.

NY Chief

I would think there would be some kind of crossover between the two like on the old Harley split tanks. Also not draining at the same rate would skew weight bias. I remember reading about development of a formula car (old Jackie Stewart Tyrell?) where they all kinds of fuel sloshing issues throwing the balance of the car off.

peahead

The dealer told me to keep my 2012 GS tank no less than half full at all time.

michaelinmech

But did they say why ????

69L79

I think overall it would be beneficial to keep, at least, a half full tank. No "scientific" reason, though.

MikeERWNC

Well... I know I can go 450 miles before the light comes on and it says I can go sixty more...

Is that bad?

Oh yeah... This is an internet forum and everyone on the internet has a different opinion.
Nevermind, I will continue to get gas whenever I feel I need it, it is just my daily driver.
Pump life?

Maybe we should just not drive the cars at all.
What if the fuel pump fuse blows and we can never, I mean ever get back home. Like Never.

eboggs_jkvl

On my trips to the keys, I get it down to 1/8 of a tank before I get to Key Largo (435 miles) to refuel. I don't see a problem doing this. If it's winter and cold (Not me, I live in Jacksonville) I'd keep it above 1/4 to fight water condensation in the tanks but only for that reason. The pump is in a bucket. I doubt it will be running in the air until your engine quits after you run out of gas.

Elmer

michaelinmech

OK - a bit of cynicism and drama enter the discussion.

eboggs_jkvl

Naw... He's just grumpy 'cause he's freezing his *** off up there!

Elmer

DigitalWidgets

I just put gas in when the fuel indicator is pointed to the E! I can't imagine anything settling in the tank that won't be sloshed up at the next stop light whether the tank is full or empty. Even at full throttle is the fuel pump working that hard that it would overheat?....doesn't seem right to me. But then again, I'm open to some differing opinions that make sense!

MikeERWNC

I could not help it.
I am still deciding if I should go with the Run flats or regular tires.
Then there is the oil decission.
Not to mention should I Zaino or just wash, clay, wash, regular wax.

This car is so hard to deal with all of the important issues.

eboggs_jkvl

In the LS1, Camaro and maybe the Vette, the pump would fry like a toad on a hot skillet if you ran out of gas. Some paranoia still runs around I guess?

Elmer

dvilin

Have to say I never gave it much thought and still will not. When the tank gets low and I feel like stopping I put gas in it. Sometimes it is half empty, other times it is close to fumes.
Not an issue for me and do not believe it will have any impact on the car or fuel pump in any way.

michaelinmech

Well then, Thank Gawd you have all of your brother forum members to guide and assist you through the maze of decisions. I'm certain that you can glean some experience and expertise here on nearly any topic - whether you request it or not.

I the meantime, IMHO, I believe you should go with the Run Flat Motor Oil with matching tires - and just wash and Zaino, using the clay bar only to fill in rust holes in your SMC and fiberglass . . . . you're welcome

ZR1Cat

That was just fear mongering or perhaps a bit of obsessive compulsive thinking. Did he show you the service bulletin that backs up such dramatic advice? I doubt the GM engineers designed the system to self-destruct at less than a quarter tank (net).

Please give the engineers a little more credit than that "dealer" person did.

michaelinmech

You just love to live on the ragged edge, you nonconformist rebel

michaelinmech

"Good morning, Mr.Phelps. Your mission Jim, should you decide to accept it, is to maintain a minimum of half full fuel tanks in perpetuity. As always, should you or any of your I.M. Force be caught or killed, the Secretary will disavow any knowledge of your actions. These fuel tanks will self-destruct in five seconds at less than a quarter tank. Good luck, Jim."

sevinn

I don't know what best practice is, I just go to empty myself.

I can say with confidence however that if you do keep it to half a tank or more, you won't get any stale fuel in the drivers side tank. The process of filling would create a current in the tank and a mixture of the new and old gas would cross over to the passenger tank.