Ran out of gas! Now what?

[FrankieG]

Well, now I know how you find out your gas gauge is broken! Actually, I was glad when we figured out it ran out of gas, it was a quick fix and I was back on my way. The car has run fine since. My question is..can this do any damage to the engine? Is there anything I should do? Just drive it?

[76911S]

Drive it, it's fine... Million dollar 917's run out of gas and there fine..

[FrankieG]

Thanks..I figured that. just someone told me that there could be rust or debris at the bottom of the tank (it's original 1982), and that could be sent into the engine.

[76911S]

More likely that stuff would clog something like a fuel line, but there is a fuel filter for that reason. You never really get everything sucked out by the pump anyway.

[FrankieG]

Thanks!

[Randy Webb]

How long has it been since you changed the fuel filter? They are maint. items. Follow the schedule or do it early if paranoid.

Is your guage broken? Can't tell from our post.

[vash]

i also thought that running out of fuel is harmful to the fuel pump. i think the gas also acts as the coolant for the pump. maybe keep a close eye on it from now on.

[david914]

Ditto on the fuel pump. I ran out of gas right after I bought my SC years ago, and within the week, the fuel pump died. Of course, your mileage may vary... Just keep and eye (and ear) out on it for a while. Just a precaution.

[filou]

The gas acts as coolant and lubricant for the fuel pump. So, when you run out of gas you are domaging the components inside the pump.
It can be deadful for the pump under such circonstances.
Hope everything is well.
Good luck, Phil.

[FrankieG]

Really. Just got the car back rom it's regular service yesterday, my mechanic did not mntion any problem with the fuel pump, although maybe he didn't check it. Dumb question - is a fuel pump replacement expensive?

[Groesbeck Hurricane]

The replacement can be done fairly easily. You will need a well ventilated area and you can drain the fuel from the lines. If the pump is working right now, you might not have any problems. Don't let the gas go below 1/4 tank.

[FrankieG]

Since my gauge is so unreliable, I am keeping a close eye on the fuel at all times. I really should troubleshoot the fuel gauge, but the problem from what I hear can be one of many, from wiring, to the tank sensor, to the gauge...

[RoninLB]

if you hear a noticable increase in the sound from the pump might as well order a new one in advance.. I'd at least do a fuel pressure and volume check.