Running on empty question & problems.

[djchris713]

Can running on empty with the fuel light on and 0 mi remaining on the computer, and the needle below the E cause any problems?

i havent exactly had enough on my paycheck to cover gas as much as i used to, so now i run my truck to empty more than i'd like.

and now i have noticed that my idling exhaust smell has gotten worse, my city mpg has dropped from 19.5 to 18 to 17.3 to 16 and the lowest now 15.7; and my range on the computer has dropped 362 miles to 353 to 335 to 326 and to the all time low of 306 miles to empty.

im not sure if that has anything to do with it but now i am puzzled?

if yall have any idea whats going on, id appreciate the help!
thanks so much!
chris

 

[gm350reratliff]

I have been told by many that running on empty can cause premature fuel pump failure--at least on GM products. As far as your range and mpg's going down that is likely due to not filling up when you refuel.

 

[jeober]

"Running on empty" is a funny phrase.

You shouldn't have any issue running with low fuel in the tank. You will run fine until the instant you lose fuel pressure and the engine dies with no damage or loss of performance. Your computer's calculated range is correlated to the prevailing computer mpg. The cause for mpg loss is not clear but usually decreases with the ambient temperature.

The fuel pump concern put forward here is with long cranking times with a "dry" fuel pump, such as out of fuel restart, pump vapor lock, or extreme fuel pump inlet filter restriction. The pump may overheat without the cooling of the fuel passing internally through it.

My concern in your case is that the fuel delivery system might intake water that might exist in the bottom of your tank and could freeze up in the fuel line after a cold soak. Fortunately, today's ethanol blends help this.

 

[scottm]

I'm not sure why you'd have an idling exhaust smell if everything is working properly. Are you going to the cheapest, rattiest gas station in town to save 30-cents on a tank of gas? I can sometimes tell the difference when I get the cheapest gas in town: less acceleration and mileage. I have to believe it can do long-term damage to my injectors, catalytic converters, and maybe more. I suggest trying a better quality fuel for a tank or two, to see if it makes a difference.

If there is any crud accumulated in your tank, running near empty increases the chances of sucking it in. I'd be surprised to find any crud in a truck that new, but who knows? And beware of injector cleaners and the like, do some research before you start dumping it in. Some are not especially good for your engine.

I feel your pain on the paycheck, but try to save $ by doing your own maintenance, you can save a ton more and feel accomplished. This website can turn anyone into a mechanic, just start asking questions, it's all here.

 

[Nuke]

1. Chronic near-empty driving can cause fuel pump problems over time as explained above.

2. Keeping the tank anything but full in cold weather and with temperature fluctuations will create more condensation the more empty the tank is. Hence, more likelyhood of water and freeze up problems.

3. Depending on where you live, you may never know when you'll be stuck in traffic. How many time have we seen some butthead run out of fuel and snarl traffic even worse?

I guess I can't comment on not putting enough fuel in the tank to play it safe due to money issues. But even if I was short of cash, the car isn't the place that I'd scrimp. I've been in the situation during my divorce where I barely had food to put on the table but I depended on the car too much to get me to work (32 miles thru some miserable mountain backroads you wouldn't want to get stuck on in the winter) to let the tank get anywhere below 1/2.

 

[ALLEGRO]

I think that everybody covered it well. Be careful

 

[Elton H]

yea my sister ran her pathfinder empty alot and guess what it burned up the pump

 

[blaniac22]

For all the reasons cited above, I'd find the money to fill it up one time and be disciplined enough to fill it up when the tank reaches 1/2 full. You'd be spending the same amount of money and avoiding potential problems that will cost you more in the long run.

 

[Nuke]

No offense, but looking at your mod list it appears that you could afford to top it off once and then keep putting $5 and $10 in before it gets below 3/4 tank. Other than the initial outlay to top off, you won't really be spending any more money. You'll just have plenty of fuel.

 

[flnycus]

Agree with Nuke, keep your tank as full as you can. At least 1/2 full in winter! keep your tires inflated etc etc

I now try and keep my foot off the accelerator more, you would be amazed at how much fuel i save a month!