Is listed gas tank capacity true?
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Joined: Aug 2005
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Is listed gas tank capacity true?
I have a 2004 F-150 SuperCab, XLT, 4.6L V8. The gas tank is listed on the window sticker as being 27 gallons; however, ever since I purchased the truck I have noticed that the capacity of the tank appears to be much less. I regularly top the tank off at around 5-10 gallons less than what I would expect. For instance, today I intentionally waited for the "low fuel" light to come on before filling up, and I only filled 18.5 gallons.
I understand there is always a fuel reserve amount built into the fuel gauge calibration; however, if it is accurate at all, then I would still have 7.5 gallons remaining at empty, or about 120 miles of highway driving. That just can't be right.
My dad has a 2003 F-150 with the same 27 gal tank. He says his truck does the same thing.
Is anyone else having this problem?
I understand there is always a fuel reserve amount built into the fuel gauge calibration; however, if it is accurate at all, then I would still have 7.5 gallons remaining at empty, or about 120 miles of highway driving. That just can't be right.
My dad has a 2003 F-150 with the same 27 gal tank. He says his truck does the same thing.
Is anyone else having this problem?
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 922
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From: san diego
i could only get 25 gallons into my 30 gallon tank and i run it down until the obc says i can only drive for another 10-15 miles. maybe theres air stuck in the tank or you hit the filled mark so it wont top off while theres still room for another inch or so if gas which is why the race cars keep their left sides jacked up while pitting to get all the fuel they can. im not sure but it bugs me too.
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The most I have ever put in was just over 22 gallons on a supposed 26 gallon fuel tank. The needle was clear on E at the time, just a hair over maybe. Seems like I have a smaller tank also. Unless the guage is really conservative.
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Chicago Area
I have the 30 gallon tank. When the fuel gauge get's to the 1/2 mark, I will get about 10 gallons of gas (not 15). Also, I ran it down to Empty and it only took 22 gallons. I was thinking about having the service department look at this problem, but haven't gotten around to it yet.
<b>Side note:</b> When the fuel-dispenser-shutoff automatically stops on my truck, I can only put in about a tenth of a gallon or the gas will pour out all over my paint. All the other cars I have owned I could top the tank (about 1/2 gal or less) to get to a nice even number for payment. I have learned the hardway to accept the fact the tank is 100% full when the pump shuts off.
<b>Side note:</b> When the fuel-dispenser-shutoff automatically stops on my truck, I can only put in about a tenth of a gallon or the gas will pour out all over my paint. All the other cars I have owned I could top the tank (about 1/2 gal or less) to get to a nice even number for payment. I have learned the hardway to accept the fact the tank is 100% full when the pump shuts off.
Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2005
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My '05 Lariat SCrew 4X4 with 30 gallon tank has never taken more than 22 gallons even after the low fuel warning has long been ignored. Of course lately most stations automatically shut off the flow at $50 and that's usually before it's full anyway.
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Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Marion, VA
Don't make the mistake I did with my 2001 Escape when it was new. I filled up when the low fuel light came on several times and I knew how much gas was still in the tank. I knew the mileage I was getting and figured how far I could go before I bought fuel. It doesn't matter what the capacity is if the pickup doesn't reach the bottom. I never want to push a bright red newly introduced vehicle down main street again. Momma never forgets!!!!!
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Elder User
Joined: Aug 2004
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Wait a minute.
If I understand you correctly, you're saying that the tanks is 27 gallons, but the fuel pickup will ONLY pick up the first 21-22 gallons?
That's the craziest thing I ever heard....what's the point of the 27 gallon tank then if only the first 21 will be picked up for use?
That makes absolutely ZERO sense. Why would anybody build a tank and a fuel system like that?
If I understand you correctly, you're saying that the tanks is 27 gallons, but the fuel pickup will ONLY pick up the first 21-22 gallons?
That's the craziest thing I ever heard....what's the point of the 27 gallon tank then if only the first 21 will be picked up for use?
That makes absolutely ZERO sense. Why would anybody build a tank and a fuel system like that?
New User
Joined: Jul 2004
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Gauge below E
The most I have ever put in was just over 22 gallons on a supposed 26 gallon fuel tank. The needle was clear on E at the time, just a hair over maybe. Seems like I have a smaller tank also. Unless the guage is really conservative.
I have run the gauge down below E and still come up 2-3 gallons short of a complete fill up. To actually run out I'm guessing it has to be well below E.
Sidenote: I wish I had the 35.7 gallon option, if anyone's thinking about a new truck, make sure you get this.
I have run the gauge down below E and still come up 2-3 gallons short of a complete fill up. To actually run out I'm guessing it has to be well below E.
Sidenote: I wish I had the 35.7 gallon option, if anyone's thinking about a new truck, make sure you get this.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2005
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There's low fuel light in these things? I did not know that.
But I know about fuel tanks. Whatever the fuel tank is rated at you will only be able to use around 85-90% of that capacity because all fuel tanks intentionally leave space for expansion when the tank gets hot in the sun. For example: my F-150 has a 37.5 gallon tank. If my tank was bone dry, I could expect to "fill it" all the way to the top with 31.81-33.75 gallons of petrol.
But I know about fuel tanks. Whatever the fuel tank is rated at you will only be able to use around 85-90% of that capacity because all fuel tanks intentionally leave space for expansion when the tank gets hot in the sun. For example: my F-150 has a 37.5 gallon tank. If my tank was bone dry, I could expect to "fill it" all the way to the top with 31.81-33.75 gallons of petrol.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2003
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Ok, I have run my 37.5 gallon tank to the point of no return. I did make it to the gas station of choice under power. I do not know how much further I could have gone. There was a bit of hesitation (like fuel pump sucking air) pulling out from the light a mile prior to the station. I put 35.8 gallons in till the pump shut off.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 7,746
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From: Tampa Bay, FL USA
We're all assuming that the fuel gauge is perfectly accurate. Ford (along with most manufacturers) deliberately set up these gauges to read on the low side. You're far less likely to run out of fuel (which can really screw thing up electronically, BTW), and in-tank electric fuel pump needs to be cooled, which it is as long as it's immersed in fuel. Run the tank dry a few times and you'll soon need a new fuel pump.
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I'm not sure. Some other guys replied and said they had the same problem. I think I am going to take the truck in to a local mom-and-pop place I trust and have them look at it.
Thanks for the reply,
Scott
Thanks for the reply,
Scott
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: CT
My 03 F250 would have about 5 gal left when the light would turn on. The tank was rated at 38 gal and I would put 33 gal in. The most I ever put in the F250 was 37.6 gal.
When I got the 04 F150 I thought that I still had the same 5 gal when the light turned on. Well on my truck there is only 2-2.5 gallons when the light turns on. I ran out of gas. I put 36 gal of gas in a 36 gal tank.
Finally stations fuel meters are not all calibrated the same. I am sure that there is a Mobil station in my town that has a fast pump, pump says 30 gal, actual delivered gas of only 29 gal.
When I got the 04 F150 I thought that I still had the same 5 gal when the light turned on. Well on my truck there is only 2-2.5 gallons when the light turns on. I ran out of gas. I put 36 gal of gas in a 36 gal tank.
Finally stations fuel meters are not all calibrated the same. I am sure that there is a Mobil station in my town that has a fast pump, pump says 30 gal, actual delivered gas of only 29 gal.