Fuel left in tank at low fuel warning, empty, engine stops?
12-12-2016, 07:01 PM
#1
Pro
Thread Starter
Fuel left in tank at low fuel warning, empty, engine stops?
Just curious to know how much useable fuel is left in the gas tank when the low fuel warning light comes on, when gauge needle is on E for empty and if anyone has run out of fuel how many gallons did it take to fill up? Manual indicates the tank holds 18.6 gallons but is that the usable amount? It took 16.1 gallons to fill my tank after the low fuel warning came on (do you have the same experience) although the "miles to empty" count quits working but i estimate Empty would have been around 17.1 gallons to fill the tank.
Popular Reply
12-12-2016, 09:35 PM
Melting Slicks
Running the tank below a quarter tank will shorten the life of the low pressure fuel pump. It uses the gasoline as its lubricant, and when the tank gets low, and fuel sloshes around as you drive, the pump can momentarily run dry, which then accelerates the wear on the brushes and the bearings.
12-12-2016, 08:13 PM
#2
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St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09, '14-'15-'16-'17-'18
Just curious to know how much useable fuel is left in the gas tank when the low fuel warning light comes on, when gauge needle is on E for empty and if anyone has run out of fuel how many gallons did it take to fill up? Manual indicates the tank holds 18.6 gallons but is that the usable amount? It took 16.1 gallons to fill my tank after the low fuel warning came on (do you have the same experience) although the "miles to empty" count quits working but i estimate Empty would have been around 17.1 gallons to fill the tank.
12-12-2016, 08:22 PM
#3
Different cars would have different amounts left when the low fuel light comes on. On a dump truck I have it runs out at a quarter tank left.In a Van I can go 50 more miles and still not run out. In my opinion it is best not to run out. lol I try to fill up when it gets to a quarter tank or so.
12-12-2016, 09:35 PM
#5
Melting Slicks
Running the tank below a quarter tank will shorten the life of the low pressure fuel pump. It uses the gasoline as its lubricant, and when the tank gets low, and fuel sloshes around as you drive, the pump can momentarily run dry, which then accelerates the wear on the brushes and the bearings.
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12-12-2016, 10:29 PM
#6
The most I've put in is sixteen and change. This was when reading empty. That still leaves two gallons in the tank.
Another reason not to get down to the bottom of the tank is that any sediment will build up over time, and when sloshing gets going, it stirs it up and will be sucked in. It's not like an aircraft where you can drain the crap and water out.
Another reason not to get down to the bottom of the tank is that any sediment will build up over time, and when sloshing gets going, it stirs it up and will be sucked in. It's not like an aircraft where you can drain the crap and water out.
12-12-2016, 10:58 PM
#7
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St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09, '14-'15-'16-'17-'18
Running the tank below a quarter tank will shorten the life of the low pressure fuel pump. It uses the gasoline as its lubricant, and when the tank gets low, and fuel sloshes around as you drive, the pump can momentarily run dry, which then accelerates the wear on the brushes and the bearings.
12-13-2016, 03:59 PM
#8
Le Mans Master
I don't let my C7 go below a quarter of a tank ever. In fact I start thinking about refueling when I go below 1/2.
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12-13-2016, 04:21 PM
#9
Instructor
Plus mom always said, "I got to have at least a 1/4 tank of gas in the Rambler in case I have to take one of you kids to the hospital!"
12-13-2016, 04:32 PM
#10
Drifting
Moms are always right...
12-13-2016, 04:32 PM
#11
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Usually a submerged fuel pump is using the fuel as a coolant, not a lubricant. The exposure of the pump as it runs out of gas will cook the pump. A cooked pump is expensive to replace as the rear gets dropped down just to drop the fuel tank.
When the light goes on, gas should go in at your earliest opportunity. Keep the pump submerged in the gas. I consider an 1/8th of a tank my lowest limit and fuel up at that point.
Elmer
When the light goes on, gas should go in at your earliest opportunity. Keep the pump submerged in the gas. I consider an 1/8th of a tank my lowest limit and fuel up at that point.
Elmer
Last edited by eboggs_jkvl; 12-13-2016 at 04:34 PM.
12-13-2016, 04:35 PM
#12
Safety Car
You could use the Fuel Used (don't remember the exact name) to determine this. Just reset it to zero when you fill up. When the low fuel warning comes on check the gauge. Subtract that number from 18.6 (I've always used 18, where do you see 18.6?). Do likewise for Empty.
Personally when I it warns me I get gas. I never try to hit "E".
Personally when I it warns me I get gas. I never try to hit "E".
12-13-2016, 05:22 PM
#13
You could use the Fuel Used (don't remember the exact name) to determine this. Just reset it to zero when you fill up. When the low fuel warning comes on check the gauge. Subtract that number from 18.6 (I've always used 18, where do you see 18.6?). Do likewise for Empty.
Personally when I it warns me I get gas. I never try to hit "E".
Personally when I it warns me I get gas. I never try to hit "E".
12-13-2016, 11:17 PM
#14
Pro
Thread Starter
FROM THE 2016 Manual 18.6 gal:
312 Technical Data
Vehicle Data
Capacities and Specifications
The following approximate capacities are given in metric and English conversions.
See Recommended Fluids and Lubricants 0 307.
Application
Capacities
Metric English
Air Conditioning Refrigerant For the air conditioning system refrigerant charge
type and amount, see the refrigerant label under
the hood. See your dealer for more information.
Engine Cooling System (LT1/LT4) 11.2 L 11.8 qt
Intercooler System (LT4) 4.3 L 4.5 qt
Engine Oil with Filter
6.2L LT1 Engine Except Z51 6.6 L 7.0 qt
6.2L LT1 Engine With Z51 9.3 L 9.8 qt
6.2L LT4 Supercharged Engine 9.3 L 9.8 qt
Fuel Tank 70.4 L 18.6 gal
Wheel Nut Torque 140Y 100 lb ft
All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure to fill to the approximate level, as recommended in this
manual. Recheck fluid level after filling
From the Manual:
Fuel System Messages
FUEL LEVEL LOW
This message displays when the
vehicle is low on fuel. Refuel as
soon as possible.
Thanks probono as i was looking for actual gallons.
312 Technical Data
Vehicle Data
Capacities and Specifications
The following approximate capacities are given in metric and English conversions.
See Recommended Fluids and Lubricants 0 307.
Application
Capacities
Metric English
Air Conditioning Refrigerant For the air conditioning system refrigerant charge
type and amount, see the refrigerant label under
the hood. See your dealer for more information.
Engine Cooling System (LT1/LT4) 11.2 L 11.8 qt
Intercooler System (LT4) 4.3 L 4.5 qt
Engine Oil with Filter
6.2L LT1 Engine Except Z51 6.6 L 7.0 qt
6.2L LT1 Engine With Z51 9.3 L 9.8 qt
6.2L LT4 Supercharged Engine 9.3 L 9.8 qt
Fuel Tank 70.4 L 18.6 gal
Wheel Nut Torque 140Y 100 lb ft
All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure to fill to the approximate level, as recommended in this
manual. Recheck fluid level after filling
From the Manual:
Fuel System Messages
FUEL LEVEL LOW
This message displays when the
vehicle is low on fuel. Refuel as
soon as possible.
Thanks probono as i was looking for actual gallons.
12-13-2016, 11:33 PM
#16
I wonder what changed? Oh, looking more closely, probably nothing. Bolding mine.
From the '14 OM:
"Vehicle Data
Capacities and Specifications
The following approximate capacities are given in metric and English conversions. See Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 11-12.
Application
Capacities
Metric
English
Air Conditioning Refrigerant
For the air conditioning system refrigerant charge type and amount, see the refrigerant label under the hood. See your dealer for more information.
Cooling System
10.7 L
11.3 qt
Engine Oil with Filter
Except Z51
6.6 L
7.0 qt
With Z51
9.7 L
10.3 qt
7.0 qt
With Z51
9.7 L
10.3 qt
Fuel Tank
70.3 L
18.5 gal
Wheel Nut Torque
140 Y
100 lb ft
All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure to fill to the approximate level, as recommended in this manual. Recheck fluid level after filling"
From the '14 OM:
"Vehicle Data
Capacities and Specifications
The following approximate capacities are given in metric and English conversions. See Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 11-12.
Application
Capacities
Metric
English
Air Conditioning Refrigerant
For the air conditioning system refrigerant charge type and amount, see the refrigerant label under the hood. See your dealer for more information.
Cooling System
10.7 L
11.3 qt
Engine Oil with Filter
Except Z51
6.6 L
7.0 qt
With Z51
9.7 L
10.3 qt
7.0 qt
With Z51
9.7 L
10.3 qt
Fuel Tank
70.3 L
18.5 gal
Wheel Nut Torque
140 Y
100 lb ft
All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure to fill to the approximate level, as recommended in this manual. Recheck fluid level after filling"
12-13-2016, 11:34 PM
#17
Usually a submerged fuel pump is using the fuel as a coolant, not a lubricant. The exposure of the pump as it runs out of gas will cook the pump. A cooked pump is expensive to replace as the rear gets dropped down just to drop the fuel tank.
When the light goes on, gas should go in at your earliest opportunity. Keep the pump submerged in the gas. I consider an 1/8th of a tank my lowest limit and fuel up at that point.
Elmer
When the light goes on, gas should go in at your earliest opportunity. Keep the pump submerged in the gas. I consider an 1/8th of a tank my lowest limit and fuel up at that point.
Elmer
12-14-2016, 12:08 AM
#18
Instructor
Usually a submerged fuel pump is using the fuel as a coolant, not a lubricant. The exposure of the pump as it runs out of gas will cook the pump. A cooked pump is expensive to replace as the rear gets dropped down just to drop the fuel tank.
When the light goes on, gas should go in at your earliest opportunity. Keep the pump submerged in the gas. I consider an 1/8th of a tank my lowest limit and fuel up at that point.
Elmer
When the light goes on, gas should go in at your earliest opportunity. Keep the pump submerged in the gas. I consider an 1/8th of a tank my lowest limit and fuel up at that point.
Elmer
12-14-2016, 08:23 AM
#19
Race Director
06-12-2017, 11:19 AM
#20
Melting Slicks
Running the tank below a quarter tank will shorten the life of the low pressure fuel pump. It uses the gasoline as its lubricant, and when the tank gets low, and fuel sloshes around as you drive, the pump can momentarily run dry, which then accelerates the wear on the brushes and the bearings.
Do you guys all fill up near 1/4? and not wait till the low fuel warning light comes on? (just wondering if you always fill up after low fuel light comes on, it still takes a long time for the fuel pump to fail right? and rough estimate parts/labor to repair?)
ALso heard don't WOT when it's below 1/4 full, or not enough fuel can get to engine and cause damages, applies for all cars I guess.