Running Fuel tank to below E/Reserve - Damage Fuel Pump?


Kayvan

Kayvan

GT Owner
Jul 13, 2006
4,782
With electronic fuel injection and electric "in tank" gas pumps, I have heard that you should normally not drive with less than a 1/4 of a tank of gas because the pump may run hotter due to less gasoline to keep it cool.

Also, with high pressure systems a momentary loss of fuel in High G cornering can starve pump.

Any thruth to this?

I routinely run the GT for 20+ miles after Red Check Gage light comes on and fill up b/w 16-17 gallons
 
You like living dangerously! Make sure you keep that tow hook with ya at all times! LOL
 
ha, ha

I like fresh fuel & hate toping off old
 
I have been told the same. with the exception of the pump running hot.
Sediments in the bottom of the tank apparently is another issue when you run low on fuel.
 
Whipple's manual suggested never let the tank go lower than 1/4 tank.
 
I agree with Sam. The only danger is sediments in the tank. I typically do the same - drive the car quite low in "normal" street driving scenarios. Track or high performance driving is different and I would always try to keep fuel above 1/4 tank.
 
My "Check Gauges" light comes on with 3.5 gallons left in the tank, which would allow the car to go another 70 miles (@20 mpg). 3.5 gallons left in a 17.5 gallon tank is 20% or roughly a fifth of the tank. I don't think you have anything to worry about. :thumbsup
 
Thanks ralphie...I pushed that 3.5gl limit once with a 17.35gl fill up...with fuel lines, pump, I think i had a half beers worth in car
 
BlackICE said:
Whipple's manual suggested never let the tank go lower than 1/4 tank.
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I saw that too. I assumed it was due to fuel starvation with the fuel sloshing to the back under hard acceleration.
 
I've put in 17+ a couple of times. No troubles at all.

Was a bit nervous in West Texas Hill Country with few gas stations along the 10. 45 miles or so with the low fuel light on. Took 17.4 if memory serves me correctly.
 
Minimizing fill ups extends the life of the flapper valve. I never fill up with the tank >1/4 full.
 
PL510*Jeff said:
I've put in 17+ a couple of times. No troubles at all.

Was a bit nervous in West Texas Hill Country with few gas stations along the 10. 45 miles or so with the low fuel light on. Took 17.4 if memory serves me correctly.
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Ah, Jeff - but don't you have the Stillen gears, which cuts down on your fuel efficiency?
 
RALPHIE said:
Ah, Jeff - but don't you have the Stillen gears, which cuts down on your fuel efficiency?
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correct - but the fuel tank doesn't care....
 
I think this sounds like urban legends. What the heck is the fuel filter for? Cool fuel, hot fuel? I don't think so. Car and components are made to run under all conditions.
 
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