Running out of gas
 

Has anyone ever had their tank run completely empty? I know with a standard piston engine it's usually not a big deal, just add some more gas and crank it a little bit until it starts up again. Are there any issues with letting a rotary run dry?

Along with that, when the "Low Fuel" light comes on, that usually means you've got about a gallon left, so about 10-20 miles, right? I know gas gauges can be notoriously misleading about where the Full and Empty marks really are.

2.5-3gallons when the light comes on.

Yeah, I think that it's about forty to fifty miles after the light comes on that you can drive.

Yes, I have run my car out of gas. Just pour more in and go. There was no problem with restarting the car after it was dry, and look at it this way; there are no valves to get burnt! ;) . It didn't even take any longer to crank.

yeah but remember this.....letting your fuel run till empty MIGHT let sediment sitting at the bottom of your tank make it into the lines. I say might because I dont live in your fuel tank watching the sediment......or do I?

ive only run out of gas one time - about 6 months ago (first time ever in my RX8 or any car)

Just a dumbass move on my part - pour more in and crank it right up. No big deal. I was lucky that I ran outta gas and was able to coast into a turning median and put my flashers on, sucked that it was in the morning, freezing cold, and on my way to work.

Thats what a fuel filter is for, and being that the fuel filter is part of the in-tank pump assembly...it goes no further and doesn't get into the lines.

The in-tank electric fuel pumps on modern cars take all the fun out of running out of gas.

In the old days of mechanical on-engine pumps, you'd usually have to prime the engine to get it fired up. After walking to a gas station for a can of gas (or calling a friend to bring some), then improvising a funnel to get it into the tank, you'd have to remember to save a little for priming. The art was knowing how much to pour into the air intake.

Ken

I ran out for the first time this morning at a range of 275 miles. Luckily there was a gas station 1/4 mile away. I just added one gallon and it started right up, no issues at all. Then I filled up with 14.2 more gallons. Seems like it should have taken more, isn't the tank 15.9? Oh well, lesson learned.

That is what I estimate.

The gauge goes way below the e line. Below it, guesstimate it would take you 45-55 mi.

I will also add that running a fuel tank out of gas is not good for a fuel pump. They can get fairly hot and the basic concept is that the gas keeps them cool. Good way to burn up a fuel pump is regularly running your car low, or out of gas.

How about running out of gas in a diesel? That's a nightmare come true!

i wouldnt make it a habbit of it, but it happening once isnt going to do any problems. just remmber your fuel is helping to lubricate your housing. No fuel = less lubrication = possiable seal damage. usually when the E light is on that means your running on whats left where your fuel pump sits below the sensor. We have about 1-1.5gallons left. Thats assuming our idiot lights even work anymore.

wouldnt you always be out of gas in a diesel?

I always fill at the half tank, I think it's cheaper in the long run and there used to be a thing about Ford gas sensors burning out when they are below 1/2 - besides, In this area it is really important to know where your next station is....

That's true if you do a lot of driving in the boonies where gas stations are infrequent. However keep in mind that a gallon of gas weighs a little more than 6 pounds, so the difference between a full tank and a nearly empty one is close to 100 pounds. Lighter car = better fuel economy and performance. However most of us aren't *that* obsessed with removing excess weight unless you're regularly racing it on a track, but every little bit does help.

It just happened on highway during Rush Hour T T.
I thought i could make it but sadly car stopped at 267 miles.
Fortunately, 8 was on the hill so I had to put hazard light and put the gear in Neutral and roll the car to side way. Called my aunt and waited 40 mins and I felt like loser especially during Rush hour.