Ran out of gas today, even though the gauge said I had 1/2 tank remaining. I also noticed that with the engine off, keys out, the gas gauge does not go down to E, it stays put.

Do you think this is the gauge or the sending unit? Is there a way to determine w/o dropping my rear axle and tank? I'm hoping it's just the gauge. Thanks.

------------------
Maverick
1989 Formula 305 TPI 5-speed
Suspension mods, stock engine

 

There is a way to figure it out, but you'll have to take to a dealer. They have a box they can put in line with the wiring that has various resistance settings to check the gauge, they'll be able to tell you what is wrong. It is more than likely the sending unit.

 

The weird thing about all of this is that I just filled up the tank on Saturday. Usually I can go to/from work for a week without refueling. So, this means that both the sending unit is toast AND I'm getting abysmal gas mileage, or something is contributing to both.

Anyone know of what could be causing this? I just don't see how my tank could be empty. Is it possible that I really did have 1/2 tank but the car "thought" it was empty? I don't really this this is possible, esp. considering that it was sputtering and stalling out, implying that it was not getting fuel, either from lack of gas in the tank or clogged fuel lines.

------------------
Maverick
1989 Formula 305 TPI 5-speed
Suspension mods, stock engine

[This message has been edited by Maverick13 (edited September 27, 2000).]

 

Follow-up: After work tonight I went to fill up at the gas station (only put 2 gallons in after this afternoon's incident). The tank only took 6 gallons before unleaded fuel was spouting up all over my hands. So the tank really was 1/2 full, thus ruling out a faulty gauge.

I'm thinking it might have just been bad gas (or at least hoping for that). The worst would be clogged fuel lines. Anyone else have an idea? I'd really appreciate it.

------------------
Maverick
1989 Formula 305 TPI 5-speed
Suspension mods, stock engine

 

I'd put my money on a bad fuel pump. It seems every time a fuel pump bites the dust, it's right after a fill up so you get to drain the tank or wrestle a huge amount of weight around. kyle

------------------
Kyle Osterholt
Okarche, Oklahoma
ASE Master Certified
86 T/A 383 TPI
89 TTA #1002 T-top/Leather
89 TTA #1358 Hardtop/Leather
80 T/A Pace Car
73 Opel GT

 

The fuel pump was replaced just before I bought the car (approx. last May). Plus, I've had no problems with the car since yesterday's incident. Is it possible for the fuel pump to only act up when the level of gas in the tank gets below point "x"? Or would it still be acting up regardless of how full the tank was?

------------------
Maverick
1989 Formula 305 TPI 5-speed
Suspension mods, stock engine