out of gas

KCPSG · KCPSG's Garage

I just have to say that I have now run out of gas for the 1st time in my life.

I had been reading pelican posts all morning about how all of the sudden peoples cars start running crappy or won't start at all. when I had been running errands and my car started running real crappy. I thought NO FREAKING WAY she was running so good yesterday.

I couldn't keep the rpm's up to even 3k and was losing power every minute. @ 1st I was thinking that I had a major vacume leak. Then other horrifying thought started running through my brain. I didn't even think it was the fuel even though the light had come on already (@ just below 1/4 tank) luckily I was only 2 blocks from a gas station, so I figured I would try that 1st and move from there, well thats what it turned out to be.....THANK GOD.

I just wanted to share my experience w/you all this morning.
This has been a lesson learned I am now empty @ 1/8 tank (till I fix the gauge/sender)

anthony · 11-08-2004, 08:12 AM

So your light is accurate but the gauge isn't?

When is the light supposed to come on? I mean how many miles or gallons should one have left?

KCPSG · KCPSG's Garage

my understanding is about 2 - 2 1/2 gallons are supposed to be left when the light comes on but I was thinking a malfunctioning light since it came on @ 1/4 tank.....guess I was wrong LOL

TerryH · TerryH's Garage

When my low fuel light starts to blink with the sloshing, I have about 3 gallons. When the light stays lit while driving, it is time to find a pump pronto and I can easily put in 19+ gallons when I stop.

RickM · RickM's Garage

Don't feel too bad. I ran out of gas once, with my Harley.
First ride of the season with no guage. Conk out in the middle of traffic and go to switch to the reserve tank....uh oh, I was on the reserve tank.

TMH · 11-08-2004, 08:37 AM

I was returning from an autocross at Marina (near Monterey) when I noticed the low fuel light come on. But the gauge read just under 1/2 tank, and I had never had any problems with the gauge before. Well, I am about to pass the last gas station for a while on Highway 1, so just to be safe I tap the glass on the fuel gauge. D'oh! The needle immediately drops to very near Empty!

Lesson learned: Trust the low fuel light, and fuel up soon when it comes on solid.

Tom

masraum · 11-08-2004, 08:48 AM

On my '88 the light would come on at the next to the last mark, but the gauge wouldn't go any lower/never went to the very bottom. I think that's just how they work, just like mine wouldn't read any higher than the bottom of the full line even if I topped it up completely. When the light goes on You've generally got 35-50 miles left.

tiorio · 11-08-2004, 02:01 PM

On the 930 the fuel light means a couple of gallons left in the tank. Which means a good 5-10 miles with my setup

So I ran out of gas for the second time in my life...only 5 blocks from a gas station but boy did I think my motor was TOASTED when it started loosing power and coughing and not restarting...

I have never been so relieved to have done something so foolish in my life.