dual fuel tank issue

[Erebus]

I seem to have one of two problems... I have a 92 Delica, automatic transmission, so I have dual fuel tanks

Because I have an injection pump leak, my fuel economy isn't what it should be. So, recently, the fuel gauge was on almost empty. But when I filled up, it only took 58 litres. In the past I've put in over 68 litres, so I know the tanks hold more than that.

It seems to me that one of two things is happening:
a) the second fuel tank has gotten "cut off", and isn't being filled, or,
b) the two fuel gauge senders in the two tanks are no longer totaling correctly (one malfunctioning?)

If it is "b", then a fix can wait (or CVI can deal with it). But if "a", then I'm worried because I'm doing a road trip and kinda need to know what my range is.

Is my fuel gauge just wrong, or is my usable fuel much less than it was?

Anyone care to hazard a guess? Or better yet, know?

[Meanman]

if its any consillation...my fuel guage goes to empty after a little over 200 kms, but I usually fill at about 500kms. I just ensure I reset the trip odo every fill-up.

[nishby]

50 some litres is a normal fill-up for me when I hit the E. 60 some when the fuel light comes on. From past posts this seems to be "normal" for the automatics. The rest is available, just not registering on the gauge.

[Erebus]

50 some litres is a normal fill-up for me when I hit the E. 60 some when the fuel light comes on. From past posts this seems to be "normal" for the automatics. The rest is available, just not registering on the gauge.

My light used to come on at about 65 L, and the E would be at about 60, so the 50 is quite unusual. Sounds like the fuel is available, just the gauge is misreading. Might end up finding out the hard way.

[lrp374]

I think Meanman has the right idea - keep resetting trip meter @ each fill for a few fills. If you've put in 58 l then @ least both tanks are being used. If unsure the trip meter will tell you when to fill.

Larry

[Erebus]

If you've put in 58 l then @ least both tanks are being used. If unsure the trip meter will tell you when to fill.

That's the critical info. I've had non-functioning gas gauges before, but not knowing if your fuel available is 50 L or 70 L is rather a big deal. Now I feel better. Thanks.

[Erebus]

Okay, today the low fuel light flickered on, with the gauge on E. So I filled up. 440 km, 59.8 L which gives me 13.6 L/100 km or 20.8 m/gal (imp.)

That seem to indicate that both tanks are in operation. So I think I'm just being paranoid. Although the lowest previous low fuel light was at 67 L.

[TardisDeli]

I think the absolute very most I ever managed was 63 litres of fuel (had been on yellow light solid on for miles and miles, but I was on a long gravel forest road (oops, check your fuel first)). Most times I squeeze in about 56 litres, having run on yellow light around town for a few hours.

I notice now that when I fill up the guage goes above the top. So it probably isnt too accurate. I just know that about 480 to 500 km I should think about putting fuel in.

Carry a spare plastic 10 litre tank, or a 5 litre oil container with diesel.

Cheapest diesel currently is at chilliwack, Lickman Road Exit, head north about 1 block, Shell Flying J station truck stop. Go in pay cash for your estimated amount, fillup, then go back in they refund you 2cents per litre, and refund also whatever you didnt use in your prepaid.

Christine.

[Erebus]

I seem to have been paranoid unnecessarily. On the trip to Vancouver, all was well. On the way back, I did just over 500 km on one fill up, the low fuel light came on at 495 with the guage at E, and I put in just under 60 L. So, all is well.

Thanks everyone.