Engine Sounds louder when tank is almost empty?

[stevied]

Noticed this of late... The engine sounds like a semi when the gas gets low in my V8 4runner... When I fill it up it goes all quiet again... it's weird

 

[pcblion]

Same here...

Glad to hear I'm not the only one with this issue. When I was driving the other day, I heard what sounded like a bus's engine. Looked around and couldn't see one. I later figured out that it was me. Didn't make the connection to the low fuel level until I read your post.

Do you have the 05 V8?

 

[TranceKrayz]

How empty are you guys talking about?

 

[stevied]

Re: Same here...

Glad to hear I'm not the only one with this issue. When I was driving the other day, I heard what sounded like a bus's engine. Looked around and couldn't see one. I later figured out that it was me. Didn't make the connection to the low fuel level until I read your post.

Do you have the 05 V8?

Yup... 05 V8... It sounds kinda interesting...., but was curious as to what was the source.

Low = ~ 2 - 3 gallons before the light coming on.

 

[TechWrench]

Maybe you are picking up resonance from the almost empty tank where the exhaust pipes run by it.

 

[stevied]

Maybe you are picking up resonance from the almost empty tank where the exhaust pipes run by it.

Nah... this sounds like someone dumped a V12 under the hood..

 

[TechWrench]

Nah... this sounds like someone dumped a V12 under the hood..

Got me stumped. Fuel level in the tank shouldn't make any difference to the engine, until it runs out. I believe the fuel pump is in the tank, so the amount of fuel in the tank shouldn't affect delivery pressure until it runs too low to pump. Then, in my exprience, the engine just quits real quick like.

I've got a friend with an '03 V8. I'll have to ask him if he has ever noticed something like it.

 

[Northof49]

That's funny you mention that......I thought that the engine sounded differently today (gas light was on) and then I put gas in it and didn't notice it anymore......I would never have made the connection tho hahaha

This was an 05 V8 as well.......I have no idea what it could be tho. Hear the fuel pump more when there's less gas in it

 

[TranceKrayz]

could it be that the engine is somehow running a little leaner than normal when the gas is low?

 

[scott78945]

I too have noticed this. I thought I was just being too picky. Glad to hear I am not going crazy...well at least about this.

 

[slowginjoe]

never noticed this with my 03 V8. that's really weird.

 

[GYoter]

Ive never noticed that on my 04 V8.

 

[otterball21]

well then I guess I just have to drive until my gas light turns on for me to hear it!

 

[slyangel9]

Yep, happened to me too! Didn't make the connection, I thought it was weather related.

 

[IIIBradIII]

05 V8 here but I've never noticed it. Perhaps I should turn down the music.

 

[stevied]

Started again today.. ~ 1/4 tank left it started to increase in sound. By ~ 1/8 sounded like I was driving a Semi again...

 

[trd2001]

I drove till the computer said Range 0. The engine sounded the same as it does full. I also was flooring it since i like my Magnaflow exaust. It sounded the same.

 

[stevied]

I drove till the computer said Range 0. The engine sounded the same as it does full. I also was flooring it since i like my Magnaflow exaust. It sounded the same.

Maybe the exhaust is louder than the sound.....

Happens more when you're lighter on the throttle.