Fact or fiction

[n2quick]

Can running your vehicle out of fuel, harm/damage your vehicle in any way? If so how and why? How do you know? Please no myths.
This is an attempt to debunk a myth. Any information obtained will be used for said purpose.

[n2quick]

Any other myths to bust?

[Reed]

In a turbocharged engine it will run lean and there will be a very big chance that you will have detonation. this could also happen in a high boost supercharged application. as far as n/a motors are concerned it probably wont hurt anything but it will be a pain to get it started again.

[kenwood guy]

you can burn your fuel pump

[mason_RsX]

This might be a myth because what I know is only what I was told by somebody who knows more than me...I was told that mixing different companies gasoline, different octanes ect can create a little bit of water in your tank...When your car runs low on gas it can ccidentally pump water into your cylinder, which will mess up combustion, and timing.

[n2quick]

Any hardcore proof/evidence?

[n2quick]

I heard this from somebody, who heard it from somebody, who heard it from someone else. But I have never seen or heard how this has been proven. ANY input is appreciated.

[n2quick]

Originally Posted by kenwood guy

you can burn your fuel pump

How if the fuel pump only operates at one speed as designed?

[n2quick]

Originally Posted by mason_RsX

This might be a myth because what I know is only what I was told by somebody who knows more than me...I was told that mixing different companies gasoline, different octanes ect can create a little bit of water in your tank...When your car runs low on gas it can ccidentally pump water into your cylinder, which will mess up combustion, and timing.

Gas station pumps have water seperators (most) to deal with condensation in storage tanks. Aside from condensation in the fuel tank, (very minimal if at all) where would the water come from? Gas floats on water, therefore water goes to the bottom of the fuel tank, most fuel tank pickups draw from the bottom of the tank inhibiting the possibility of water in the tank.

[pind]

Originally Posted by n2quick

How if the fuel pump only operates at one speed as designed?

The fuel pump relies on the fuel in the tank for cooling. no fuel = no cooling = burned up pump. This applies to fuel injected vehicles with in-tank pumps.

I also applies to diesel engines, which use the fuel for both cooling and lubricating the pumps.

[n2quick]

Originally Posted by pind

The fuel pump relies on the fuel in the tank for cooling. no fuel = no cooling = burned up pump. This applies to fuel injected vehicles with in-tank pumps.

I also applies to diesel engines, which use the fuel for both cooling and lubricating the pumps.

Yeah, but that can only happen if you were to continually try to start it when empty, right?

[pind]

If the tank is almost empty, and the pump is trying to build and maintain pressure, it will burn up. or, burn out, more to the point.

Best thing to do, is not run low on fuel.

[n2quick]

Originally Posted by pind

If the tank is almost empty, and the pump is trying to build and maintain pressure, it will burn up. or, burn out, more to the point.

Best thing to do, is not run low on fuel.

Oh you really got my curriosity up. Went to a salvage and got a fuel pump from an '89 V-6 Camaro with 216k miles for $10. In the garage connected to a 60 amp battery charger and battery. Pumped 50 psi with water when I started 4 hours ago. I'll pressure check it again (if its still running) at 10 hours and every 5 after that.

[quaddriver]

Originally Posted by n2quick

Can running your vehicle out of fuel, harm/damage your vehicle in any way? If so how and why? How do you know? Please no myths.
This is an attempt to debunk a myth. Any information obtained will be used for said purpose.

In 1990 I got a brand new, from the factory, special order built for me Ford F150 with 2 tanks.

I always fill both, then run on the rear tank and switch to the front tank, the thought being, I never have more weight behind the rear axle than in front of it (hey its only 120ish lbs but every little bit helps)

Since the gauge responds slightly differently depending on tank, I use as my signal to switch: the rear tank running out of gas and the engine starting to buck.

I have been doing this for over 214000 miles.
I have original fuel pumps (but not tanks, those little plastic shields that come as part of the 4x4 package seem to trap moisture and acid...)
Both pumps make the same noise they did when new.

But the kicker is, I *can* do this as I have 2 tanks, running out in one just requires a switch flick. I doubt very much people in cars with one tank get very low because the alternative is a long walk, and we know how americans hate to walk...

[n2quick]

Checked pressure on test pump. Still 50 psi. Still sounds the same. Put it inside an empty ice chest to trap heat, and maybe simulate an empty fuel tank. Was only slightly warm to the touch.