I ran into a low fuel situation down here in New Orleans. There are very few fuel stations operating in Orleans parish. Then I had to find one with diesel...

Anyway, the "Lo Fuel" light came on the overhead today. I only took 30 gallons to the first click and the fuel gauge was pegged.

Did I have some left in the tank or do I need to do the Vent mod?

 

There is an 8% reserve in the tank when the fuel light comes on, or the DTE on the overhead reads 0. Did you account for the fact that diesel foams up? I'd bet if you'd let it settle and then continued to pump, you'd squeeze another couple gallons in there.
Scott

 

It is my first diesel, so I am still learning about the fuel up. I know on my Wrangler that I have 4 gallons when the light comes on. I don't want to muck anything up by running the tank too low.

I will check for foaming and act accordingly.

 

Yes, just remember that diesel will foam a lot.. so once it clicks off, wait a minute for the foam to settle, then pump some more... according to my calculatioins, 8% reserve would be almost 3 gallons of fuel... so my guess is 30 gallons is about right... and Id be willing to bet that with some foam settle, you'd get in 32 gallons.
Scott

 

so stock, can you actually use the entire 34 gallons? doing the vent mod, how many gallons will the tank hold?

 

the tank is 34 gallons...i am guessing the fuel system alone will probably hold a gallon or so...so i guess technically you could put 34 gallons into it...but i wouldnt push it that far...i fill up when my light comes on...i can usually squeeze 32 gal into it and if i am really patient i can get 33 but it takes a while...i need to do the vent mod soon! But putting the exat same amount in your tank every time will give the most accurate hand calc'd readings for milage..i use 32 b/c i know i can get 32 in there the way i drive. Now the only factor affecting the calcs is how far off the meter is on the pump..Jason

 

Last weekend I installed the Vent Kit. I highly reccomend it.

Before, I could slow-fill the tank for another 5-6 gallons after the first click. It took 20 minutes, but I could do it!

I ran the tank down until the overhead 'low fuel warning' came on. When I got home, I siphoned another 2 gallons out. When we dropped the tank, there was another 2-3 gallons in the belly of the tank, the siphon could not reach.

When I refueled, I filled the 5 gallon can to 5 gallons. Poured that in the tank. Then I went to the fuel station (~1mile away) and filled for 34.6 gallons. My best guess at tank capacity now is 42-43 gallons, with 35ish usable. And filling it, I can slow fill for 0.5 to 1.2 gallons, after the 1st click.

This kit is well worth the $35 and 2 hours to install.

HTH

Tony

 

I've had my 06 for about a month. I was able to get at least another 3 gallons in standing there at the pump adding a bit, waiting for the foam to go down, adding a little more etc. Took an extra 10 minutes at leat after the pump first shut off, drove me nuts!


My friend with an 04 thinks I'm nuts doing this, but I like to get as much in as I can to the same level every time so I can figure my MPG out. His fuel is paid for by his business so he doesn't really care about mileage.

Anyhow, I ordered the kit and it came yesterday. My only concern will be filling it up and having the fuel expand overflowing the tank. I guess as long as I only fill up before driving a ways I'll be okay¿

 

I have been told when the low fuel light comes on, you have 5-7 gallons of fuel remaining.. After the pump clicks, I will normally shoot for 1 more gallon, and depending on how much time I have, will try and squeeze in another 1 as well.

 

Fisherguy, where are you located? If you are live anywhere it gets over 100F you might be concerned with expansion. Another thing to consider: If you have to drive >2 miles from where you fuel up, you'll probably be allright. You can actually stop filling at the first click and know you have ~1 gallon of air space.

Tony

 

Live near Vancouver BC and go upcountry where it does get up to 100 during the day in the summer.
I guess your right, if I just try to fill up before driving a few miles I'll probably be okay, looking forward to putting the kit in. Never syphoned diesel, bet it tastes real bad eh¿

 

I used a vacuum oil extractor to get it started....then put it into the can. Diesel never touched my lips

You should be able to buy some kind of siphon pump at a local auto parts store.

BTW...when you install the vent line, be sure to route it high....don't route it any lower than the top of the tank, otherwise you'll get your shoes washed with diesel!

HTH

Tony

 

Last week I put 33.34 gallons in my stock tank . If I never do that again, it will be too soon! Why the heck is it when you are dangerously low on fuel, every @#$%&* stop light is red?!?!? . About 17.5 MPG hand calc. w/ little or no additives in that tank.

 

My '04 has the Dave Kelley vent kit. In August of '04, I drove from my (then) home on Big Pine Key (Florida Keys) to Rapid CIty, SD. I decided I wanted to see just how big the tank actually was. I put two five gallon cans of diesel in the bed of the truck and took off. My plan was to drive until the engine sputtered, pull over immediatley, pour in the 10 gallons, head to the nearest diesel pump and fill up. Doing some elementary arithmatic would yield actual tank capacity. Well, every time the tank would get low, I was in some busy area. Finally heading across rural South Dakota on I90 I had my chance. The low fuel light came on, then DTE hit 0. Well, I got to the exit for my sister's home before I ran out. I went 100 miles with the low fuel light on and 50 with DTE showing 0. I pulled into the Flying J truck stop and filled up. I put in 37.1 gallons of diesel. This is into my supposed 34 gallon tank. The engine did not sputter, falter or miss a beat. I went 832 miles on that tank! Yes, I got 22.4 mpg out of that tank. This experience told me my '04 short bed has at least a 37 gallon tank. How much is useable? Depends on your nerve!