My E250 2000 can never seem to take more than about 27 to 28 gallons of gas, no matter that the dial registers near empty. I read another's tale, and recall that it's possible a 30G tank was installed, rather than the spec'd 35G size. How can I determine, from outside dimmensions, my tank's size?

 

I get 35 in every time you have to wait after the pump shuts off and pump the last 5 gallons really slow. it will go in!

 

I did a test a few years back on my 2002 E350.

I ran the van out of gas. I had a 5 gallon gas can and put that amount back in. I went a few miles to the nearest gas station and filled up.

I could only get the equivalent of 30 gallons into the tank (taking into consideration the 5 gallons I just put in). I was careful to try to slowly put more gas in after the first cut off at the pump.

On future fill ups I always try to squeeze the maximum amount of gas into the fuel tank and can only get less than 30 gallons.

My gas tank is only 30 gallons but I'm not sure I care to argue to the Ford Stealership (my van is still under extended warranty) to change out the gas tank.

 

I recall your similar remarks from an earlier series of posts, regarding this topic. I suppose I will need to get a 'drawing' to see the supposed sizes, as to inches or mm height, length, width of a E250 35G tank, and compare the 'spec' to my tank. Next time I am under there I will get some basic inch measures taken.
My expectation is that my tank is 30G, since I have never put more than 28.6G into the tank, as I did not wish to run completely out of gas. Unless the tank has some form of well, holding about 5G out of access by the pump, or unless the pump is out of it's proper place.
A poster some time ago noted that if there are no 35G tanks available at the time the tank is to be assembled, a substitute tank may be used....not sure how much validity I place there....and, curious minds want to know. It makes no difference to me, I just need to understand clearly the capacity of my vehicle.
Thanks for the input.