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Are our tanks really 21 gallons?

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by upnadam, Aug 10, 2011.

  1. Aug 10, 2011 at 9:50 AM
    #1
    upnadam

    upnadam [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I've driven mine with the reserve light on for 35 miles and still have yet to put more than 18 and a half gallons in it. Anyone else have this?
     
  2. Aug 10, 2011 at 9:53 AM
    #2
    Pugga

    Pugga Pasti-Dip Free 1983 - 2015... It was a good run

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    You're never going to run it bone dry plus running it down that low needlessly just give the opportunity for sediment to make it's way into your fuel delivery system and cause issues. Should be a 21.1 gallon tank though.
     
  3. Aug 10, 2011 at 9:56 AM
    #3
    Fodder4U

    Fodder4U Well-Known Member

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    Running it that low over time can also cause your fuel pump to over heat and fail prematurely. Best advise is to get gas when the light comes on.
     
  4. Aug 10, 2011 at 9:56 AM
    #4
    billwot

    billwot Well-Known Member

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    Just FYI, the "sediment" (and moisture) is ALWAYS at the bottom of the tank, regardless of fuel level.
     
  5. Aug 10, 2011 at 9:58 AM
    #5
    Pugga

    Pugga Pasti-Dip Free 1983 - 2015... It was a good run

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    That was kind of my point. When your tank is full the sediment is on the bottom and your pump is pulling from the top so there's less of a chance for it to get sucked in. When you're at the bottom of the tank, there's a higher risk of sucking up sediment and moisture.
     
  6. Aug 10, 2011 at 9:58 AM
    #6
    billwot

    billwot Well-Known Member

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    When the light comes on, you still have approx 3 gallons remaining.
     
  7. Aug 10, 2011 at 10:00 AM
    #7
    David K

    David K Well-Known Member

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    Yes, it is an 80 liter tank... so divide 80 by 3.785 and you have 21.136 gallons... Naturally there is some distance up the fill tube to where it can spill out!

    The light comes on when the tank still has 4 gallons in it (+/- 0.5 gallon).

    Your Fuelly.com link says you are getting a fantastic 18.9 MPG... so if that is true: 18.9 x 4 = 75.6 miles until you run out, from when the light comes on.
     
  8. Aug 10, 2011 at 10:00 AM
    #8
    DWreck

    DWreck Famous Retrieval Vendor

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    I ran just over 45 miles with the light on.
     
  9. Aug 10, 2011 at 10:03 AM
    #9
    nomad_archer

    nomad_archer Well-Known Member

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    Even better get gas before the light comes on I see no need to run the tank low
     
  10. Aug 10, 2011 at 10:05 AM
    #10
    David K

    David K Well-Known Member

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    When the gauge needle is on E, there is approx. 3 gallons still in the tank.

    2nd Gen Gas Gauge:

    Full: 21 gallons +
    3/4 Line: 16 gallons
    1/2 Line: 12 gallons
    1/4 Line: 8 gallons
    Light: 4 gallons
    E Line: 3 gallons
     
  11. Aug 10, 2011 at 10:08 AM
    #11
    David K

    David K Well-Known Member

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    Right, and with my truck only getting 16 mpg sometimes, I can go 64 miles to empty from when the light comes on... obviously only in an emergency!
     
  12. Aug 10, 2011 at 10:09 AM
    #12
    colder

    colder Well-Known Member

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  13. Aug 10, 2011 at 10:10 AM
    #13
    DWreck

    DWreck Famous Retrieval Vendor

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    I hate it! That's why I can do 90 miles top quarter and drastically less each quarter after.
    I do 90 top quarter and think I'll get 180 to half. Not so. I did 100 miles top quarter one time but only got 280 till light. So deceiving.
     
  14. Aug 10, 2011 at 10:21 AM
    #14
    Fightnfire

    Fightnfire Recklessly tired

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    I go to the light every time because round trip to work every day for me is 75ish miles. Which makes for 375 miles for work and back for the week. I try to fill up on Sunday night or Monday morning and my tank will last me until I get home Fri night. That get's messed up sometimes by weekend driving.

    I don't think it's hurting anything as it almost always takes 18-19 gallons. I think only one fill up went over 19.
     
  15. Aug 10, 2011 at 10:22 AM
    #15
    colder

    colder Well-Known Member

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    I rarely go below 1/4... especially in the winter, you never know what could happen.
     
  16. Aug 10, 2011 at 10:24 AM
    #16
    David K

    David K Well-Known Member

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    LOL yah, the lines do not represent the true per-centages!

    21 gallon tank would mean:

    3/4 tank = 15.75 (16 actual)
    1/2 tank = 10.5 (12 actual)
    1/4 tank = 5.25 (8 actual)
    Empty = 0 (3 actual)

    But, aren't you glad... I mean, isn't nice to know there is up to 3 gallons 'reserve' in there?
     
  17. Aug 10, 2011 at 10:27 AM
    #17
    Blackened Taco

    Blackened Taco Well-Known Member

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    My tank on my 05 is 18 gallons but when going really low I have put alomst 19 in.
     
  18. Aug 10, 2011 at 10:28 AM
    #18
    Pugga

    Pugga Pasti-Dip Free 1983 - 2015... It was a good run

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    Open air space allows for more condensation and water accumulation in the tank. If you keep your tank full, there's no room for condensation. In the fall and winter months where you have warmer day temps and cold night temps, the moisture in the tank condenses on the sides of the tank and you now have water in the tank. Over time this can accumulate and cause problems.

    Also, your pump pulls from the top of the tank where you have clean gasoline (at least that's the intent). If you drain the tank down, you're now pulling from the bottom where any sediment and moisture would collect and forcing it all through your fuel system. Also, the gas keeps the pump cool so running the tank down makes the pump run hotter which means it'll need to get replaced sooner.

    With all those positive things about keeping your tank full, I personally don't see the point in risking it and running the tank down... :cool:
     
  19. Aug 10, 2011 at 10:34 AM
    #19
    colder

    colder Well-Known Member

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    It's probably better if everyone assumes E means 0 gallons! ;)
     
  20. Aug 10, 2011 at 10:36 AM
    #20
    OZ-T

    OZ-T You are going backwards

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    It's 21
     

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