Coming home from a road trip last weekend I rode in on a pretty low tank (LWB...35 gallon) and was wondering how far down I could safely go toward the red. I know that the light and sound comes on at the 1/8th tank mark but seem to recall filling up below the 1/8th tank mark and only getting 25 gallons in. This to me seems to indicate that there is a buffer (i.e. the 1/8th tank mark is not 4.375 gallons (.125 x 35)) and that "empty" or "red" would still leave some fuel.

Can someone comment on this?

Asked another way........." how far yall' ever run'ed er' down before you had to start walkin' "

Thanks,

Tom

 

With (1.) the hassles of restarting a diesel that's run out of fuel and (2.) the VP-44 issues, I don't make it a habit of waiting for the low fuel light to come on. When I filled up the other day at 1/4 tank, however, it took 23 gallons. With 12 gallons left, that's really slightly over 1/3 tank still in the truck.

Rusty

 

If wanting to use your tank wisely I would recomend the trip meter method. I put little to no trust in our dodge fuel gages!

 

I've only seen the warning light 2 times. Both times I figured by math that there was 10 -12 Gallons left. So I figure if the light comes on I'm running for a fuel station to get fuel!

I've never run out of fuel and never had to prime the VP44. So If its getting close to 1/8 of a tank you better be within about 20 miles of a station.

10 Gallons X 20.6 MPG = 206 Miles Remaining
35 Gallons X 20.6 MPG = 721 Miles Total Travel

So safely your go for a trip of ~500 miles between fills! Funny part is when I reach ~500 miles On the trip the fuel low light comes on! So I know my gauge is still good!

I also keep a full log listing of all fuel, prices, gallons, etc for checking fuel MPG!

 

I have seen the warning light come on many times in my truck and filled maybe 28 gallons. I have run below "E" as well. Most I have ever put in is 34 gallons. However that being said I have run out fuel twice due to failed tank sending units (replaced the first one but have not decided on doing the second yet). Both times the gauge said I had 1/4 to 1/3 of a tank left. I have since learned to keep track of the odometer and the heck with the gauge cant trust it anyway.

 

i always reset the the trip meter to and almost always wait for the idiot light while constantly checking the trip miles. ive also never put more than 26 gallons in with the light on so there seems to be alot of room. ive run around town for 2 days with trhe light on no prob

 

Same here on 10 gal. left when the light comes on. I reset the trip meter on most fill ups and stop again at 500 miles. Humph.......with my prostrate, I could fill up every 200 miles or less.

CR

 

SHARPMACHINE u and me got the 12v with the crap gauges that go out. gauge or no gauge im keeping mine chris

 

kool did they fix the gauge for the 24v ?

 

I have 10 gallons left when the light comes on for my 35 gallon tank.

 

Like the rest, I have about 10 gals. left at the light. I can go to the empty line, and still have 5 gallons. The 2500 V-10 I had, also a 35 gal. tank did the exact same thing. The big difference is that after 350 miles, I better have a gas station for the V-10, but I have gone well into 500 miles before feeling the sweat start on my diesel. The problem is, not every small town has a diesel pump, much less a diesel pump with fresh fuel, so I have to be careful. Seems gasoline is king in eastern Iowa these days, but I really think the high fuel prices may convert a few more. (It sure persuaded me!!)

 

SHARPMACHINE i think they did in the later year 24v i've only run out of diesel about 2 times in the last year and a half o well chris

 

Most of the small town pumps are here are have good fuel and filters on the pumps. It is just the price that will kill you. Beware just because your in a big town (Boise, Iadho) doesn't mean that your going to get cheap prices. I found that a small town of Riggins, Idaho or Grangeville, Idaho is cheaper in fuel prices sometimes...

 

I find that interesting, too. I can often get a better price in a small town than at a large "convenience" type store in a metro area. Gasoline is more hit and miss, as Cedar Rapids often is considerably cheaper for gas than my home town, while diesel may vary a penny or two. I guess I should be more humble about the small town pumps with old fuel -- if it is in an area with a farming co-operative, the fuel is usually dynamite, changed filters, and every truck (semi, straight, pick-up) uses it. If the area has only a few storage bins and an old service station, then the fuel could be good too. If I find a "cardtrol" 24-hour pump station in a small town, I usually note filters faded beyond recognition, and clean diesel handles, indicating lack of use. I steer clear of them. I also have had trouble with larger chain stores who have one diesel pump but 12 to 14 gas pumps. Most times, the diesel pump is in such a place to make it difficult for trucks to get close to. Especially with trailers. They tend to be avoided by the hardcore truckers in my area, and I rarely ever see anyone fill from them.

Off topic, but just my $0.02.

 

The fuel gauge sender can and usually does end up going out sooner or later on the 24v's. At 1/8 tank, I can put about 25 gallons or so into it. I've had to put 30 gallons into it once. I go by my trip meter as well. At ~350 miles, I start looking for a fueling station.