Gas Tank Capacity - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

VDOG · 10-28-2013, 02:31 PM

I keep looking on her yet to find what is the gallon capacity of our stock in cab tanks? I get to about 12 gallons and start to overflow.

Keith Seymore · 10-28-2013, 03:12 PM

Approximately 21 gallons.

http://www.gmheritagecenter.com/docs...olet-Truck.pdf

K

Longhorn 70 · 10-28-2013, 03:34 PM

There must be some reserve. The most I have ever put in is about 18.5 gallons........

The 21 number sounds real to me.

Lee H · 10-28-2013, 04:29 PM

From my owners manual, C & K10s 20.2. C20 & 30s. 21.0.

Lee H · 10-28-2013, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keith Seymore

Approximately 21 gallons.

http://www.gmheritagecenter.com/docs...olet-Truck.pdf

K

Just opened this doc, WOW. That's a load of info, thanks for posting. Lee

Keith Seymore · 10-29-2013, 06:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Longhorn 70

There must be some reserve. The most I have ever put in is about 18.5 gallons........

The 21 number sounds real to me.

Usually there are two or three gallons "unusable", due to the pickup tube location and lack of a sump.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lee H

Just opened this doc, WOW. That's a load of info, thanks for posting. Lee

You are welcome

K

Fldawg · 10-29-2013, 06:48 AM

well someone must have changed mine because the most i've ever put in it was 15.5 gallons and that was when i was on fumes

Fldawg · 10-29-2013, 06:51 AM

just looked at an older post some said gas tank options for these trucks were 16 and 20 gallons

**special-K** · 10-29-2013, 09:04 AM

I have never seen where an optional fuel tank was offered. I have only owned trucks with 21 gallon tanks. Too many times I've put over 20 gallons in,then considered myself lucky that I made it.

**Tom Vogel** · 10-29-2013, 09:24 AM

Disconect your gas gauge. You will find Exactly how much your tank holds.

ask me how I know. lol

heyjoe · 10-29-2013, 10:24 AM

At the risk of redundancy.

1967 Chassis Service Manual states:
All cab models (except Tilt Cabs) have a 21 gallon capacity (approx.) fuel tank mounted behind the seat within the cab.
Then it goes on to talk about frame mounted tanks, but doesn't mention any different capacities so I assume these are also 21 gal. The Service Manual goes on to say the Van Fuel Tank is 20 gal. (approx).

I learn something new daily. I always figured the tank capacity was about 18 gallons, solely because I've never filled it with more that 17.6 gallons in the 30 years I have owned it and believed then I was running on fumes! Good to know!
Knowing this info, I have no plans to test this the hard way!

68gmsee · 10-29-2013, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom Vogel

Disconect your gas gauge. You will find Exactly how much your tank holds. ask me how I know. lol

Even if you run out, there's still a slight amount left in the tank since the sending unit suction tube does not touch the bottom of the tank. Not sure how much, though. Maybe a gallon?

heyjoe · 10-29-2013, 11:06 AM

What worries me when running at or near empty is being on an overpass in stop and go traffic. Many overpasses in my area are built with a list to one side so what happens is the fuel runs away from the pickup towards a rear corner.

Keith Seymore · 10-29-2013, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 68gmsee

Even if you run out, there's still a slight amount left in the tank since the sending unit suction tube does not touch the bottom of the tank. Not sure how much, though. Maybe a gallon?

Probably.

K

**special-K** · 10-30-2013, 09:27 AM

I know the pick-up isn't on the bottom of the tank,but it's damn near cuz I have pumped over 20 gallons on many occasions

**LockDoc** · 10-30-2013, 10:36 AM

-
You also have to take into consideration that the gauge and or sending unit could be off by a couple of gallons, easy. When the gauge reads empty the tank may not be as empty as you think. With my Red '70 I know for a fact I can drive 30 miles after the gauge reads double "E". Then you have to walk...

LockDoc

VDOG · 11-03-2013, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fldawg

well someone must have changed mine because the most i've ever put in it was 15.5 gallons and that was when i was on fumes

Im going to have to agree with Fldawg, I have actually top off from being empty to about 12 to 13 gallons. Thus my confusion. My gas gauge does not work, so I use tried and true stick in the gas tank method.

magicoolbus · 11-03-2013, 11:44 AM

Sound like you may have had a sender replaced at some time. I suspect that the pick up tube is not going deep enough in the tank.

**leddzepp** · 11-03-2013, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VDOG

Im going to have to agree with Fldawg, I have actually top off from being empty to about 12 to 13 gallons. Thus my confusion. My gas gauge does not work, so I use tried and true stick in the gas tank method.

I have never been able to get more than about 13 gallons in an empty tank either, regardless of what anybody or any book says the capacity is.

dlh760 · 11-03-2013, 01:02 PM

The most I've ever been able to put in mine was about 16.5 gallons. That's with running out of gas pulling into the gas station ,taking off the cap, shining a flashlight down inside to see a literally dry tank then filling up until it spilled out slightly. So I would have to say its a 16 gallon tank and from what I can tell it is the original tank in my truck. Dan.

VDOG · 11-05-2013, 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leddzepp

I have never been able to get more than about 13 gallons in an empty tank either, regardless of what anybody or any book says the capacity is.

Thanks Leddzepp, that has always been my problem. Good to know im not that crazy. LOL

hopped up · 11-05-2013, 06:16 PM

mine sure has never taken 20 gallons! more like 13-15 the most. and thats on E

VDOG · 11-05-2013, 08:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hopped up

mine sure has never taken 20 gallons! more like 13-15 the most. and thats on E

See anything other than a San Diego trip we would need to take extra gas for those long drives with no gas stations.

ItsRandy · 11-05-2013, 11:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VDOG

Thanks Leddzepp, that has always been my problem. Good to know im not that crazy. LOL

No Vince...you're crazy but that is a subject for another time. LOL

Take a one gallon gas can, fill it up, put it in the bed of your truck and go for a drive. When you run out of gas put the one gallon in the tank, don't forget to save a little in the can so you can prime the carb. Drive to the closest gas station and fill 'er up. Not only will you find out how much your tank holds (remember to count the gallon from the can) but you will find out how accurate your fuel gauge is and what "empty" really means.

ItsRandy · 11-05-2013, 11:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VDOG

Thanks Leddzepp, that has always been my problem. Good to know im not that crazy. LOL

No Vince...you're crazy but that is a subject for another time. LOL

Take a one gallon gas can, fill it up, put it in the bed of your truck and go for a drive. When you run out of gas put the one gallon in the tank, don't forget to save a little in the can so you can prime the carb. Drive to the closest gas station and fill 'er up. Not only will you find out how much your tank holds (remember to count the gallon from the can) but you will find out how accurate your fuel gauge is and what "empty" really means.

Sorry for the double post.

10-28-2013, 02:31 PM	#1
VDOG Grand PooBaa Member Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: LA, CA Posts: 5,302	Gas Tank Capacity I keep looking on her yet to find what is the gallon capacity of our stock in cab tanks? I get to about 12 gallons and start to overflow.

10-28-2013, 03:12 PM	#2
Keith Seymore Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Motor City Posts: 9,226	Re: Gas Tank Capacity Approximately 21 gallons. http://www.gmheritagecenter.com/docs...olet-Truck.pdf K __________________ Chevrolet Flint Assembly 1979-1986 GM Full Size Truck Engineering 1986 - 2019 Intro from an Old Assembly Guy: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=342926 My Pontiac story: http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...d.php?t=560524 Chevelle intro: http://www.superchevy.com/features/s...hevy-chevelle/

10-28-2013, 03:34 PM	#3
Longhorn 70 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Chandler AZ Posts: 1,149	Re: Gas Tank Capacity There must be some reserve. The most I have ever put in is about 18.5 gallons........ The 21 number sounds real to me. __________________ 1970 Longhorn, Front Disc, 350/4 bolt, 882 heads, HEI, Edelbrock, 700R4, HO-52/4.11. 1996 Corvette, Collector Roadster, LT4, 396, 450RWHP, 6sp, 4.11/Dana44/posi 5 point roll bar And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. Gal 6:9

10-28-2013, 04:29 PM	#4
Lee H Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Upland Ca Posts: 4,147	Re: Gas Tank Capacity From my owners manual, C & K10s 20.2. C20 & 30s. 21.0. __________________ 1972 C10 SWB, Air, PS, PB, 350/350THM. Second owner. 1965 Corvette roadster, 44K miles, 327/365 SHP, 4 speed, side exhaust, knockoffs, teak, second owner (bought in 1970), Have ALL numbers matching components. My frame off restoration thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=556703

10-29-2013, 06:48 AM	#7
Fldawg Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Lynn Haven Florida Posts: 1,019	Re: Gas Tank Capacity well someone must have changed mine because the most i've ever put in it was 15.5 gallons and that was when i was on fumes

10-29-2013, 06:51 AM	#8
Fldawg Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Lynn Haven Florida Posts: 1,019	Re: Gas Tank Capacity just looked at an older post some said gas tank options for these trucks were 16 and 20 gallons

10-29-2013, 09:04 AM	#9
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	Re: Gas Tank Capacity I have never seen where an optional fuel tank was offered. I have only owned trucks with 21 gallon tanks. Too many times I've put over 20 gallons in,then considered myself lucky that I made it. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

10-29-2013, 09:24 AM	#10
Tom Vogel 2WD Jimmy Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Davis County, Utah Posts: 2,565	Re: Gas Tank Capacity Disconect your gas gauge. You will find Exactly how much your tank holds. ask me how I know. lol

10-29-2013, 10:24 AM	#11
heyjoe Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: New Orleans area Posts: 198	Re: Gas Tank Capacity At the risk of redundancy. 1967 Chassis Service Manual states: All cab models (except Tilt Cabs) have a 21 gallon capacity (approx.) fuel tank mounted behind the seat within the cab. Then it goes on to talk about frame mounted tanks, but doesn't mention any different capacities so I assume these are also 21 gal. The Service Manual goes on to say the Van Fuel Tank is 20 gal. (approx). I learn something new daily. I always figured the tank capacity was about 18 gallons, solely because I've never filled it with more that 17.6 gallons in the 30 years I have owned it and believed then I was running on fumes! Good to know! Knowing this info, I have no plans to test this the hard way! Last edited by heyjoe; 10-29-2013 at 10:53 AM.

10-29-2013, 11:06 AM	#13
heyjoe Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: New Orleans area Posts: 198	Re: Gas Tank Capacity What worries me when running at or near empty is being on an overpass in stop and go traffic. Many overpasses in my area are built with a list to one side so what happens is the fuel runs away from the pickup towards a rear corner.

10-30-2013, 09:27 AM	#15
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	Re: Gas Tank Capacity I know the pick-up isn't on the bottom of the tank,but it's damn near cuz I have pumped over 20 gallons on many occasions __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

10-30-2013, 10:36 AM	#16
LockDoc The Older Generation Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Montezuma, Iowa Posts: 25,771	Re: Gas Tank Capacity - You also have to take into consideration that the gauge and or sending unit could be off by a couple of gallons, easy. When the gauge reads empty the tank may not be as empty as you think. With my Red '70 I know for a fact I can drive 30 miles after the gauge reads double "E". Then you have to walk... LockDoc __________________ Leon Locksmith, Specializing In Antique Trucks, Automobiles, & Motorcycles (My Dually Pickup Project Thread) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=829820 -

11-03-2013, 11:44 AM	#18
magicoolbus Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Mesa, AZ Posts: 513	Re: Gas Tank Capacity Sound like you may have had a sender replaced at some time. I suspect that the pick up tube is not going deep enough in the tank. __________________ JB from AZ 1969 Chevy Sub K10 1957 Chevy 3200 1962 VW Beetle 1957 Willys CJ5

11-03-2013, 01:02 PM	#20
dlh760 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: valley center,ca Posts: 124	Re: Gas Tank Capacity The most I've ever been able to put in mine was about 16.5 gallons. That's with running out of gas pulling into the gas station ,taking off the cap, shining a flashlight down inside to see a literally dry tank then filling up until it spilled out slightly. So I would have to say its a 16 gallon tank and from what I can tell it is the original tank in my truck. Dan. __________________ 68 Chevy c10 longbed 307 with 305 H.O. heads,edelbrock performer intake,edelbrock performer plus cam,hei,Holley 650 double pumper and th400. Daily driver. It hauls butt,it hauls my butt where I need to go

11-05-2013, 06:16 PM	#22
hopped up Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: los angeles,ca Posts: 3,617	Re: Gas Tank Capacity mine sure has never taken 20 gallons! more like 13-15 the most. and thats on E



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