Rite of Passage (out of gas)?

[OCD90]

So I ran out of gas for the first time last night. Round of applause for me?!

I knew it would happen, but it was a matter of "when."

At least I know it holds 15.7 gallons of gas now!

Thankfully, I was able to gun it up a hill, turn on the hazards, blow through two 4-way stops downhill (in the rain and at night), and coast to the pump as it sputtered for the last time--perfect timing.

So how about reviving that thread on what people have done for auxiliary fuel tanks? Who has the best set-up? I'd like to avoid cutting a hole through the side, so I'm thinking under the passenger seat...

Suggestions?

[chrisvonc]

This one?
http://www.d-90.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=99

[Hans]

Sorry to tell you, but if the truck made it to the pump..... even while coasting under the power of almighty gravity.... it doesn't count as "running out of gas". That falls more under precision fuel management!! "Out of gas" involves some form of walking, pushing or little red cans.

hehehe, just kidding with you actually. It happens to the best of us from time to time. Though normally in much worse situations.

-Hans

[rover4x4]

is it bad for a vehicle to be ran outta gas? i heard it was?

[Hans]

It depends on the vehicle, somtimes it is sometimes it has no effect. It all depends on the design of the fuel pump, some can run dry with no damage but others depend on the fuel for lubrication and othe. Running the tank dry potentially can burn up the fuel pump.

-Hans

[wicks]

Yeah, Phil I've heard that too. I think there's something about re-priming the injectors, but I've done what Torrence did a couple of times and it seemed to run fine after. Would be curious of information.

[mhansen]

Most diesel engines have injector pumps that need priming when you run them out of fuel. This pump is mounted on the motor in most cases and is gear driven. The diesel injects fuel directly into the combustion chamber at a very high pressure.

Gas engines generally inject fuel into the intake manifold upstream of the intake valve, at a much lower pressure. The pressure comes from the fuel pump (in the tank on a D-90).

[Craigd]

I ran out of gas the day I bought the 90. Made it 4 blocks from the dealership when it ran out but I to was able to coast into a gas station. You would think for a $30K purchase they could at least chip in a little gas.

[Art Vigil]

I ran my '95 out of gas twice - both times I had to hike to a gas station.
I'm extra careful with the '97 because I heard running it out of gas will trip the check engine light (if I'm wrong don't correct me - it keeps me on my toes).

Along the same lines, has anyone noticed how much better the fuel gauge is in the '95 model as compared to the '97?
The '95 seems more accurate. In my '97 the gauge seems to move slowly until it hits the last 1/4 tank then it just drops.
Anyone else noticed this?

[OCD90]

The gauge on my '97 stops at just over 3/4 full...it never makes it all the way to full...and damned if it didn't run out right on the empty line. There was no, "slightly under the line" cushion.

[OCD90]

And, Chris, thanks. That's the thread.

I'd be interested to hear if anyone has pics of a fuel cel (or the LR model) under the passenger seat and could describe where the pump is located, and how it's plumbed into the existing tank?

[Joe P]

My D-90 fuel cage stops just about 3/4 full too. I've come close but haven't run out yet.

[TwisteD90]

I always keep my D90 full, you never know what will happen. Anyway, the reason it's a bad idea for the tank to go empty is b/c you have al kind of junk/dirt at the bottom of the tank and when the fuel gets really really low the pump tends to suck the dirt form the bottom of the tank and that where you get your fuel pump clogged.
Torrence, I would not have petrol fuel tank under the passenger side. If you get T-boned at any speed there is a big change your truck will catch on fire. Now if you have a diesel then you are fine. Try to find a company that will build you a bigger, safer fuel cell, trust me you'll be a lot safer than the side tank. Also try to add an after market exhaust and K&N filter, it will help your MPG.

[chrisvonc]

Originally posted by OCD90
I'd be interested to hear if anyone has pics of a fuel cel (or the LR model) under the passenger seat and could describe where the pump is located, and how it's plumbed into the existing tank? Check out Mike H.'s write in the Custom mod section from when he installed a side tank. He also tied it into the main tank if I recall...
http://www.d-90.com/mod/side_tank/index.html

[OCD90]

Now I would think a fuel cel (self sealing, like on racecars) inside the frame, beneath the passenger seat would be safer than the ones on the outside, above the rear right wheel, no? I'd think it'd be more exposed to collision damage out there...