Keep the level up - Your fuel pump will last longer!

[Ken]

I changed the title of this thread to reflect something of a little more, shall we say, "technical" nature.

Every now and then, someone will bring up the subject of just how low they can take the fuel level in their gasoline tank. Each time I try to inform people that when you take the level too low and expose the pump to ambient air temperature, the pump will suffer because it depends upon the gasoline to keep the pump cool. If you expose the pump too often, or for too long a period of time, the pump will overheat and thereby its lifespan will be somewhat shortened.

Now I see that Corvette Fever magazine has an article on "101 Corvette Tech Tips", and #82 on that list of tips is:

According to several fuel-pump manufacturers, one of the leading causes of in-tank fuel pump failure is starvation. Most tanks have baffles or a built-in sump that keeps the pump submerged in fuel. These pumps use the fuel as a cooling agent. So far, so good; but if the gas tanks contains only a gallon or two of fuel and the vehicle is driven hard around a corner, the fuel may slosh away from the pickup and momentarily starve the fuel pump. Repeat this process a number of times, and the pump will ultimately suffer (no more cooling and it will eventually expire).

 

[vettered91]

Ken,

There's two things I wan to say here:

1.- By the way my $ income has been for the last weeks I have been worried about shorting my vette's fuel pump life, driving it with low levels of fuel and now with this info I KNOW I WAS RIGHT thanks!

2.- You scared the **** out of me with the name of this thread!!!
I though you where going to make some important announcement, something weird like going to the Foreign Legion
or be a volunteer for the next ship to venus! :L

Note:Since Ken changed the name on these thread, "number 2.-" no longer apply. Thanks to all for your understanding!


See U!

 

[dburgjohn]

I've always wondered...

How safe is it to have two electric wires running into the gas in the tank? With millions of them on the road, i know it works, but still...

 

[JonM]

 

[Ken]

Man, look how young Di Niro is in the picture. :eek

 

[XS650]

Re: I've always wondered...

How safe is it to have two electric wires running into the gas in the tank? With millions of them on the road, i know it works, but still...

Over all probably a bit safer than having them outside the tank with the extra potential leaks you would have with the extra fittings outside the tank.

 

[Baldie88]

One of the guys in the club decided to test the accuracy of the fuel gauge on his 88 and ran it out of gas. In the process he overheated the pump which cost him a couple hundred dollars to replace. An expensive lesson! I never let any of my cars get below a quarter tank before I fill up.

Baldie88

 

[lew]

Hey, Ken

Maybe they picked that tip up from you right here at CAC. :cool

Lew

 

[Vettelocke]

What we've found autocrossing the C-4 is that with less than a 1/4 tank of fuel, the engine will miss coming out of the turns. That's not a big deal in street driving since we all take it real easy going round the corners on the street. Right.........?

Locke McCormick
North Florida Corvette Assn.
Jacksonville, FL

 

[ArtZR1991]

Good tip!

I replaced one of my pumps last year, and I uaually keep a low fuel level, because I don't drive as much as I would like, and the shelf life of the fuel is short. But perhaps this is the higher priority.

Thanks, and Regards,

 

[Eagle85C4]

Thanks Ken,,,,,

 

[cntrhub]

Art,

When there is less fuel in the tank and it sits for awhile, condensation (water droplets) will be licking the exposed walls of the gas tank. Better you top off the tanks, (cover the metal) and add a gas stabilizer, than causing rust to form in some areas of the tank. Just thought I'd pass that along.

 

[froggy47]

My first autox I thought I'd be smart & run below a 1/4 tank to save weight. Every time every tight turn it starved. All the other c4 guys had a good laugh when I asked them what they thought was wrong with my engine.

Last thing you do before you autox is top off the tank.

 

[ArtZR1991]

Thanks, cntrhub. I used that rule strictly when I was involved with boats, where condensation was a big problem. Seems I forgot it.
:duh

 

[Radar]

Thanks Ken. I had not thought of that!

radar

 

[drags1998]

Thanks Ken, many people dont realize that they should try to keep at least 1/4 of a tank of fuel. It WILL extend the life of the pump!!!!!!

 

[Paul T]

Ken, excellent advice. I admit I have been guilty of this in the past but no more. Thanks for the warning.

 

[Imachad]

That would probably explain why it just cost me $700 to replace the fuel pump in my '97 Cavalier! :duh

 

[craig0ry]

Thank god I saw this thread, I have been running her to the RESERVE lately. Now I know... Now I know.

 

[invinceablevett]

Your honour.....I'm guilty too!!!:bang ...I promise I won't do it again.