Getting Gas Everyday
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,526
Likes: 20
From: Santa Fe TX
Getting Gas Everyday
I got sick of paying $60 per fillup, so I started getting gas every day on the way home from work. $7 per trip. (yes I know it works out the same, but makes me feel better).
Are there any issues with keeping the tank completely full? 2 gallons at a time? If so, I might start letting it drain to 1/2 tank before refilling.
Also, there seems to be a range of 1 gallon (sometimes it takes 1.5, sometimes 2.5 for same trip/same conditions). Normal due to two gas tanks?
Are there any issues with keeping the tank completely full? 2 gallons at a time? If so, I might start letting it drain to 1/2 tank before refilling.
Also, there seems to be a range of 1 gallon (sometimes it takes 1.5, sometimes 2.5 for same trip/same conditions). Normal due to two gas tanks?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,040
Likes: 0
From: Auburn Georgia
Just make sure you "fill up" in the morning or after the sun has gone down. I forgot why they said to do that, but it helps retain better gas mileage. Buy a K&N too, that will help with gas mileage a little. 
Cruising
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 10
Likes: 3
From: Largo fl
If you are going to get gas everyday, why not keep the less full? if you can keep 8 gallons out of the tank, that is 50+ lbs out of the car. You might actually come out ahead in fuel consumption since you will not be carrying around that additional 50lbs.
just my .02
just my .02
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,526
Likes: 20
From: Santa Fe TX
Good point on the less lbs, but by that logic, I could stand to lose about 50 lbs myself. Hasn't stopped me from eating LOL.
And if I keep the gas tank less full, and don't fill it up, then I have no real way of tracking my mileage.
Mainly I just wanted to know in theory if there are any problems I could cause by continually keeping it full.
And if I keep the gas tank less full, and don't fill it up, then I have no real way of tracking my mileage.
Mainly I just wanted to know in theory if there are any problems I could cause by continually keeping it full.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,333
Likes: 0
From: Athens OH
I can't confirm nor deny this statement, but it is said to fill up when it's cool because of the expansion and density of gasses in the heat.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
The fuel is more dense when its cold and the more dense it is the (theoretically ) the more you get for your $4.00. I think it's bunch of 
because the temp of the ground below the frost line doesn't vary more than a few degrees one way or the other in a season!
. It takes a LONG time for the ground temp to change. so, that theory doesn't make any sense. The only time the fuel in the ground tank will change temp is when its filled by the tanker truck.
The fuel in the pump can be effected by daily temp changes but,,,there probably isn't more than 1 - 1 1/2 gallons in the pumps hose and meter thats exposed to the outside temp. Then it comes out of the tank in the ground,, and its again at the ground level temp any way!
When you fill your tank, don't keep topping it off (cramming gas in) until it fills the inlet pipe.
You will cause the fuel to flood the vent purge valve and charcoal canister and the car will run rich until it clears its self out. It will also set a DTC. (cant remember which one) Ask me how I know this!
BC
because the temp of the ground below the frost line doesn't vary more than a few degrees one way or the other in a season! . It takes a LONG time for the ground temp to change. so, that theory doesn't make any sense. The only time the fuel in the ground tank will change temp is when its filled by the tanker truck. The fuel in the pump can be effected by daily temp changes but,,,there probably isn't more than 1 - 1 1/2 gallons in the pumps hose and meter thats exposed to the outside temp. Then it comes out of the tank in the ground,, and its again at the ground level temp any way!
When you fill your tank, don't keep topping it off (cramming gas in) until it fills the inlet pipe.
You will cause the fuel to flood the vent purge valve and charcoal canister and the car will run rich until it clears its self out. It will also set a DTC. (cant remember which one) Ask me how I know this! BC
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Tech Contributor
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 10,924
Likes: 78
From: Forney Texas
I attribute some of the fuel pump failures in Texas and other hot areas to the fact that the fuel keeps the pump cool by the fuel running through it as well as by having the pump submersed in it. I have seen many GM pump failures and I believe one of the causes is from running the tank low all of the time. The other major cause is not changing the fuel filter thus causing additional resistance in the line, forcing the pump to constantly work harder. Keeping the tank reasonably full will help the pump live. Also might help the fuel sending unit corrosion issue that many have with these cars.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,040
Likes: 0
From: Auburn Georgia
Pro
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 607
Likes: 29
From: Tulsa Oklahoma
The fuel is more dense when its cold and the more dense it is the (theoretically ) the more you get for your $4.00. I think it's bunch of because the temp of the ground below the frost line doesn't vary more than a few degrees one way or the other in a season! . It takes a LONG time for the ground temp to change. so, that theory doesn't make any sense. The only time the fuel in the ground tank will change temp is when its filled by the tanker truck.
because the temp of the ground below the frost line doesn't vary more than a few degrees one way or the other in a season! . It takes a LONG time for the ground temp to change. so, that theory doesn't make any sense. The only time the fuel in the ground tank will change temp is when its filled by the tanker truck.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,333
Likes: 0
From: Athens OH
What I read was that it is up to the consumer to decide whether or not it is worth the possible inconvenience for the minimal savings. i think the number they gave was 31.00/year. And that is assuming there is any credibility to that theory at all
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 7,121
Likes: 3
From: Shreveport/Bossier Louisiana
St. Jude Donor '08
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,066
Likes: 9
From: Eddy Texas
I attribute some of the fuel pump failures in Texas and other hot areas to the fact that the fuel keeps the pump cool by the fuel running through it as well as by having the pump submersed in it. I have seen many GM pump failures and I believe one of the causes is from running the tank low all of the time. The other major cause is not changing the fuel filter thus causing additional resistance in the line, forcing the pump to constantly work harder. Keeping the tank reasonably full will help the pump live. Also might help the fuel sending unit corrosion issue that many have with these cars.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 10,554
Likes: 33
From: Not on either liberal coast.
...people debate and claim over the silliest things. 
If you want to fill up in the p.m. instead of a.m., that's your choice.
My choice is to fill up at 1/2 tank. No logic or thought process involved, it's my choice. My name is on the titles and no one else is paying for my fuel.
You might find that fuel has gone up another .05 cents in those eight hours of work, but it's still your car to do with as you please.
over the silliest things. If you want to fill up in the p.m. instead of a.m., that's your choice. My choice is to fill up at 1/2 tank. No logic or thought process involved, it's my choice. My name is on the titles and no one else is paying for my fuel.
You might find that fuel has gone up another .05 cents in those eight hours of work, but it's still your car to do with as you please.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 631
Likes: 3
From: Joppa AL
...people debate and claim over the silliest things. If you want to fill up in the p.m. instead of a.m., that's your choice.
My choice is to fill up at 1/2 tank. No logic or thought process involved, it's my choice. My name is on the titles and no one else is paying for my fuel.
You might find that fuel has gone up another .05 cents in those eight hours of work, but it's still your car to do with as you please.
over the silliest things. If you want to fill up in the p.m. instead of a.m., that's your choice. My choice is to fill up at 1/2 tank. No logic or thought process involved, it's my choice. My name is on the titles and no one else is paying for my fuel.
You might find that fuel has gone up another .05 cents in those eight hours of work, but it's still your car to do with as you please.
Original Founding Member!
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 9,037
Likes: 88
From: Granby, MA
Cruise-In 1, 3, 9. 10 & 11 Veteran
...people debate and claim over the silliest things. If you want to fill up in the p.m. instead of a.m., that's your choice.
My choice is to fill up at 1/2 tank. No logic or thought process involved, it's my choice. My name is on the titles and no one else is paying for my fuel.
You might find that fuel has gone up another .05 cents in those eight hours of work, but it's still your car to do with as you please.
over the silliest things. If you want to fill up in the p.m. instead of a.m., that's your choice. My choice is to fill up at 1/2 tank. No logic or thought process involved, it's my choice. My name is on the titles and no one else is paying for my fuel.
You might find that fuel has gone up another .05 cents in those eight hours of work, but it's still your car to do with as you please.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,400
Likes: 3
From: Sarasota Florida
The fuel is more dense when its cold and the more dense it is the (theoretically ) the more you get for your $4.00. I think it's bunch of because the temp of the ground below the frost line doesn't vary more than a few degrees one way or the other in a season! . It takes a LONG time for the ground temp to change. so, that theory doesn't make any sense. The only time the fuel in the ground tank will change temp is when its filled by the tanker truck.
The fuel in the pump can be effected by daily temp changes but,,,there probably isn't more than 1 - 1 1/2 gallons in the pumps hose and meter thats exposed to the outside temp. Then it comes out of the tank in the ground,, and its again at the ground level temp any way!
BC
because the temp of the ground below the frost line doesn't vary more than a few degrees one way or the other in a season! . It takes a LONG time for the ground temp to change. so, that theory doesn't make any sense. The only time the fuel in the ground tank will change temp is when its filled by the tanker truck. The fuel in the pump can be effected by daily temp changes but,,,there probably isn't more than 1 - 1 1/2 gallons in the pumps hose and meter thats exposed to the outside temp. Then it comes out of the tank in the ground,, and its again at the ground level temp any way!
BC
Since I am in the business I can confirm that once again BC is right on the money.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 770
Likes: 0
Here in Cali we went to double containment tanks a few years ago. The fuel comes to the station in a shiny s/s tanker, warmed by the sun. Then into a tank that is now insulated by a secondary containment that prevents leakage as well as heat transfer.
You can check this yourself by feeling the supply hose (not the vent hose) while filling your tank. It is not cooler than ambient temp as it would have been in a single layer tank.
Around here the underground temp is ~54 degrees F. They want to sell you warm fuel because it expands and the pumps are not temp compensated.
As for getting gas every day. That is not helping. But it will not hurt to keep the tanks full.
You can check this yourself by feeling the supply hose (not the vent hose) while filling your tank. It is not cooler than ambient temp as it would have been in a single layer tank.
Around here the underground temp is ~54 degrees F. They want to sell you warm fuel because it expands and the pumps are not temp compensated.
As for getting gas every day. That is not helping. But it will not hurt to keep the tanks full.
Last edited by DRR; Apr 29, 2008 at 07:03 PM.