Running on empty

[markqc]

I ran out of gas yesterday when I thought I still had a 1/4 tank. My question is, how high does your fuel gage needle go when you fill your tank? (Normally I fill up at 1/2 tank or slightly less if I see the price is good so I probably never had it right a 1/4 or slightly less.)

Mine will go to the right edge of the "solid cirlce" above the "F" after fill up. (1996 C1500 with 4.3L) I am assuming that my gage probably reads 1/4 on the high side.

Any thoughts?

Thanks,
Mark

[FearlessFoe]

I dont think i can help much.. counting I have a similar problem.. my gas gauge drops down in increments... I bought a full tank of gas and drove 10 miles and its down to 3/4 of a tank.. where it will probably stay for around 100 miles

[MT-2500]

Never trust a fuel gauge.
And never run a tank low on fuel.
People that run them on fumes replace a lot more fuel pumps.
I would save the problem untill you need a fuel pump.
It all comes together now. Fuel module comes with pump and gauge.
Best thing to do is watch your mileage and fill up when you have drove enough miles to drop it down to a 1/4 tank.
MT

[broughy84]

My gauge will run all the way past the red mark on E and WAY past F. on my 96 c1500 350 on my 88, it's pretty acurate.

[markqc]

Thanks for your replies. Broughy84, do you mean the needle will go all the way to the right side of the "circle" showing a full tank?

Like to hear from others that think their gage is reading accurately. I always thought my gage was accurate. Seems to stay steady in one place while driving and goes down in a normal fashion as fuel is used. I am currently trying the injector/fuel system cleaner to see if it will change anything.

I never really run the tank low. Almost never ever less than 1/3 of a tank. I have had the fuel pump changed twice on this vehicle. Could the reassembly have altered where the needle is positioned?

Thanks,
Mark

[6futippmann]

Have you notice a differene after you had the sending unit changed? I ask this because it could be possible that the shop or you accidently bent the arm/float that reads the fuel level which could cause it to read off. My 1990 2500 has an odd reading issue but it reads pretty accurately. When I am just below 1/2 a tank the needle bounces a bit while braking and cornering. good luck.

[broughy84]

my 96 doesn't have the circles. It has a E 1/2 and F. It goes about this far past the f. ( | | )

[markqc]

I didn't let the dealer change the sending unit because it was too much money. The gage seems to work, I just now believe that it reads 1/4 high. I assume when the dealer changed the fuel pump they probably bent the float arm as you say. How can you post a picture here? If you like I can take a picture of the needle so you know what I'm talking about.

Broughy84, have you run your fuel level to below the "E" before?

Thanks
Mark

[broughy84]

on both trucks. yes but i don't like to.

[Bob B]

Originally Posted by 6futippmann

Have you notice a differene after you had the sending unit changed? I ask this because it could be possible that the shop or you accidently bent the arm/float that reads the fuel level which could cause it to read off. My 1990 2500 has an odd reading issue but it reads pretty accurately. When I am just below 1/2 a tank the needle bounces a bit while braking and cornering. good luck.

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Hi,
On previous to 98 the separate pump is available, so the fuel level sender usually doesn't get replaced unless requested.
My 97 K1500 used three pumps in three years so I studied the last one and found it had overheated (motor burned stuck). No more running below 1/4 tank for me.
Starting in 97 the Tahoe used the unitized pump/sender and a friend had his replaced twice then when it failed again, we found the connector was burned not the pump.
Separate pump $70.00 +/-. unit pump after 98 300.00+/-
Bob B

[markqc]

Thanks for your replies. I think I will do the same from now on and not let the gage go below 1/2 which is probably really 1/4.

Mark