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Is it harmful to run on low gas?

Since we have a 19 gallon tank, and I put in 18.247 gallons last fill up... I'd say thats a bit closer than I wanna get.

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Old 10-17-2011, 01:18 AM   #16 (permalink)
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Since we have a 19 gallon tank, and I put in 18.247 gallons last fill up... I'd say thats a bit closer than I wanna get.
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Old 10-17-2011, 01:30 AM   #17 (permalink)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kenchan View Post
I treat the 1/4 mark as my empty.
This. If anything I just hate hitting that ridiculous fuel cut in a hard right hander
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Old 10-17-2011, 10:23 AM   #18 (permalink)
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I try and fill up at half so that it gets done by 1/4.

You will not kill the tank or fuel pump running low once in awhile. A habit of running on empty is is no good.

I thought the VDC was on when the car hiccuped in a turn, so I tried to turn it off, only it was already off. The tank was low.
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Old 10-17-2011, 11:06 AM   #19 (permalink)
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Originally Posted by Triple's View Post
Not the pump but the fuel filter. The gasoline has sediments that settle in the bottom of the tank. This is why it's not good to run the tank too low for fear of picking up those sediments into the filter, and leading to the car starve from not having enough fuel. I normally fuel up at 1/4 if possible.
That used to be the case back in the day when fuel was kept in metal-based containers at the gas stations. Those containers would rust, which created the "sediment".

Today, those containers are made out of synthetic materials which do not corrode. You don't really have to worry about particulates in your gas any longer.
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Old 10-17-2011, 11:14 AM   #20 (permalink)
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Originally Posted by cheshirecat View Post
That used to be the case back in the day when fuel was kept in metal-based containers at the gas stations. Those containers would rust, which created the "sediment".

Today, those containers are made out of synthetic materials which do not corrode. You don't really have to worry about particulates in your gas any longer.
agreed.... except in older areas that have older gas stations that may still have the metal tanks. I am always afraid of the gas I am getting when I am filling up in the Kootenay's of BC and through some of the smaller towns!

I always try and fill up at the 1/4 mark as a rule though.
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Old 10-17-2011, 11:23 AM   #21 (permalink)
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my car like to play tricks on me... it gives me 60 miles, then suddenly drops to 40, and few miles later it shuts off
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Old 10-17-2011, 02:15 PM   #22 (permalink)
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The reason you want to keep the tank as full as possible is to reduce the chance of water condensation over time from the air in the tank. Full tank = less air volume = less water to condensate. Whether this is a real problem and how long it would take for enough water to build up to make a difference is open to debate.
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Old 10-17-2011, 02:28 PM   #23 (permalink)
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You won't pick up sediment at the bottom of yout tank because the pump suction line is at the bottom. That statement would be valid if there was a suction line at the top of the tankt rather than the bottom. I ran out of gas with 2 led's on and the car woudn't start up (started going up a long hill....so embarassing lol). Also a reminder!!! If your car shuts off at that low of fuel and it doesn't fire up when starting it, push the button again to turn it off, othewise it will keep trying to start itself and you will burn up the injectors.
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Old 10-17-2011, 02:29 PM   #24 (permalink)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by NickBaragona View Post
I heard his may only pertain to older vehicles, but sometimes I run my Z until the gas light comes on. Is this ok to do?
Recently, someone had asked this same question on Goss' Garage from Motorweek. His answer was it cannot cause any problems to the car as the feed strainer is at the bottom of the tank on all cars. Personnally, I would not let my car run down beyond a 1/4.
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Old 10-17-2011, 03:51 PM   #25 (permalink)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Lug View Post
The reason you want to keep the tank as full as possible is to reduce the chance of water condensation over time from the air in the tank. Full tank = less air volume = less water to condensate. Whether this is a real problem and how long it would take for enough water to build up to make a difference is open to debate.
I was about to make this point... also if you get water too far into the line it technically can freeze at low temps and cause starting problems... this is only if you run it really low though... most of the time the water will dilute in small amounts and run through fine.
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Old 10-17-2011, 09:28 PM   #26 (permalink)
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Soon people are going to be afraid to get gas period with all these if's
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Old 10-17-2011, 09:53 PM   #27 (permalink)
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Soon people are going to be afraid to get gas period with all these if's
Too many if's, not enough unsubstantiated internet facts...
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Old 10-17-2011, 11:26 PM   #28 (permalink)
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Too many if's, not enough unsubstantiated internet facts...


While i do admit not all cars are made perfect, but comeone this is a $40k vehicle running it until one led light on the gas gauge isnt going to do anything to it IMO.
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Old 10-17-2011, 11:49 PM   #29 (permalink)
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Originally Posted by NismoZ370 View Post


While i do admit not all cars are made perfect, but comeone this is a $40k vehicle running it until one led light on the gas gauge isnt going to do anything to it IMO.
Shame.... I do the opposite. I fill up immediately after one led light goes out. no point risking it.
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Old 10-18-2011, 12:07 AM   #30 (permalink)
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