Fuel Guage Showed 1/4--only took 8.9 to fill?

[ccjazz]

Originally Posted by jdraupp

Honestly, I could care less about having a calibrated fuel gauge. Mine travels from 3/4 to 1/4 only. It's not a sensor issue as my indy determined it travels normally, needs the magic porsche calibration. I use the trip odometer and I pretty much know I need to fill up at about 250-270 miles...usually get 13 in at that mileage. Not worth the free money for the dealership to me.

I agree, can't imagine how much that calibration would cost at the dealership. Then with my luck I'd leave my lights on, wake up to a dead battery and a fuel gauge that needed recalibrating

[jdraupp]

Originally Posted by ccjazz

I agree, can't imagine how much that calibration would cost at the dealership. Then with my luck I'd leave my lights on, wake up to a dead battery and a fuel gauge that needed recalibrating

Luckily, this shouldn't happen. It really is only if you've had work done. Mine is the result of a fuel sender replaced by po at an indy shop and the gauge hasn't been calibrated since. Never been to a dealer and afraid to see their pricing policies firsthand.

[ccjazz]

I have a short-ish trip coming up in the next couple of weeks, 360 mi. (return). Should be the perfect opportunity to run the tank down and see what's really in there. I'll bring a jug of insurance fuel just in case.

[jedblanks]

Originally Posted by ccjazz

I have a short-ish trip coming up in the next couple of weeks, 360 mi. (return). Should be the perfect opportunity to run the tank down and see what's really in there. I'll bring a jug of insurance fuel just in case.

and an extra fuel pump? In general, fuel is what cools and lubricates the pump. In my experience it has not been a good thing to run it low. Not sure if 986 is different from other vehicles.

BTW my fuel gauge takes 10-20 minutes to return to full after I've filled it. I assume the sender is just slow?

[ccjazz]

Originally Posted by jedblanks

and an extra fuel pump? In general, fuel is what cools and lubricates the pump. In my experience it has not been a good thing to run it low. Not sure if 986 is different from other vehicles.

BTW my fuel gauge takes 10-20 minutes to return to full after I've filled it. I assume the sender is just slow?

That did concern me when planning this test, it's good advice...thanks!

I did make the trip this past weekend. I filled the tank (slowly) before leaving town and when the pump shut off I thought....what the heck, I'll turn the nozzle 180 degrees and see if it takes any more. Sure enough, I was able to pump in another 11.45 liters (just over 3 US gal.)

There were thunderstorms forecast for the return trip so I decided against running the tank down and fueled up normally.

The interesting thing is I let the pump shut off again and turned the nozzle 180...it wouldn't take any more fuel this time and I was pumping slowly.

I have a 600 mile (one way) trip next week and I will continue to turn the nozzle to try to top it up a bit....maybe the issue is resolved, maybe not.

We'll see...thanks to all for the comments and suggestions