Running out of gas unpredictably... normal? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Savage · 10-03-2010, 12:26 PM

Sometimes my gauge will go as far as right on the line for E before the truck begins to stall. However sometimes it's closer to a quarter tank when it starts being completely stubborn. Is this normal for our trucks? Are they simply not that accurate?

Also when I fill up the gauge will read well above F. It will stay there for a while. But once it starts to move I know I'm getting low on gas because once it "breaks free" it goes down pretty damn quick. Is this normal too?
Posted via Mobile Device

RandyP · 10-03-2010, 12:53 PM

No, it is not normal. Sounds like you need to drop the tank and have a looksie.

camshaftgsxr · 10-03-2010, 01:06 PM

you could also check the gauge itself the three prongs that it makes contact to make be loose or broken and it may not be contacting right, i know i had to put a washer into my gauge cluster in order to make my gauge read correctly

**PRattenbury** · 10-03-2010, 02:16 PM

Mine doesn't run out of gas on me because it never gets below an 1/8th of a tank. But it does read way above full when I fill it, and stays there quite a while before dropping like a rock.

camshaftgsxr · 10-03-2010, 03:07 PM

check your gauge contacts you may be able to shim it and bring that needle down a bit

primrrd · 10-04-2010, 04:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by camshaftgsxr

check your gauge contacts you may be able to shim it and bring that needle down a bit

***
mine is not as drastic as above described, but it does ride on full for a long time then it sucks it up. doesnt matter which tank, which makes me think:
it probably aint the sending unit....
- can you further elaborate on how to shim the contacts, or using the washer?

**old Rusty C10** · 10-04-2010, 04:28 PM

mine did that until i cleaned the ground on both tanks and its been alot better although E means dead empty there isnt any further south than that

Number21 · 10-04-2010, 05:06 PM

After having four of these trucks with 8 tanks total I have yet to find a working gas gauge. The one in my '73 moves back and fourth when I'm stopped on a level surface.

10-03-2010, 12:26 PM	#1
Savage Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: NY/CA Posts: 84	Running out of gas unpredictably... normal? Sometimes my gauge will go as far as right on the line for E before the truck begins to stall. However sometimes it's closer to a quarter tank when it starts being completely stubborn. Is this normal for our trucks? Are they simply not that accurate? Also when I fill up the gauge will read well above F. It will stay there for a while. But once it starts to move I know I'm getting low on gas because once it "breaks free" it goes down pretty damn quick. Is this normal too? Posted via Mobile Device __________________ United States Marine Corps 1986 USMC CUCV M1008 (daily driver) / 1984 Chevy K10 RCLB

10-03-2010, 12:53 PM	#2
RandyP Getting Old; Going Broke Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Owasso OK Posts: 2,764	Re: Running out of gas unpredictably... normal? No, it is not normal. Sounds like you need to drop the tank and have a looksie. __________________ *Why is every used 350 sbc out of a corvette?* There's only two things that excite a man, expensive toys and real expensive toys. *VEGETARIAN: That's an old Indian word meaning "I don't hunt so good."* When the going gets tough, switch to power tools.

10-03-2010, 01:06 PM	#3
camshaftgsxr Registered User Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Asheville, N.C. Posts: 785	Re: Running out of gas unpredictably... normal? you could also check the gauge itself the three prongs that it makes contact to make be loose or broken and it may not be contacting right, i know i had to put a washer into my gauge cluster in order to make my gauge read correctly __________________

10-03-2010, 02:16 PM	#4
PRattenbury Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Maumelle, AR Posts: 478	Re: Running out of gas unpredictably... normal? Mine doesn't run out of gas on me because it never gets below an 1/8th of a tank. But it does read way above full when I fill it, and stays there quite a while before dropping like a rock.

10-03-2010, 03:07 PM	#5
camshaftgsxr Registered User Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Asheville, N.C. Posts: 785	Re: Running out of gas unpredictably... normal? check your gauge contacts you may be able to shim it and bring that needle down a bit __________________

10-04-2010, 04:28 PM	#7
old Rusty C10 Robert Olson Transport Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: recent transplant to NC USA Posts: 20,287	Re: Running out of gas unpredictably... normal? mine did that until i cleaned the ground on both tanks and its been alot better although E means dead empty there isnt any further south than that __________________ Bob 1951 International running on a squarebody chassis "If a man's worth is judged by the people he associates himself with, then i am the richest man in the world knowing some of the fine people of this board" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...t.php?f=25&a=9 (you can review the site rules here!) PM Me for your vehicle/parts hauling needs in the North East US or see my Facebook page Robert Olson Transport Live each day to the fullest.. you never know when fate is going to pull the rug out from under you... I hate cancer!!

10-04-2010, 05:06 PM	#8
Number21 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Oregon Posts: 611	Re: Running out of gas unpredictably... normal? After having four of these trucks with 8 tanks total I have yet to find a working gas gauge. The one in my '73 moves back and fourth when I'm stopped on a level surface.

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