Why is my gas gauge pessimistic?

[Pete Masterson]

The fuel tank is a cylinder, laying on its side. The level of the fuel moves quickly during the first quarter tank and much less quickly during the middle half, then much more quickly during the last quarter tank. (Think about the shape.)

I would describe my fuel gauge as neither pessimistic nor optimistic. I would also describe it as being generally misleading. 

Since I have some trouble with the fuel spitting with some fuel dispensers, I try to make a guess about how much fuel I expect to take on so I can avoid the diesel bath. Using the gauge has proven futile. Making a guess based on the miles since the last fill up at about 5 mpg gives me a better estimate.

Since the 300 gallon tank gives me about 1500 miles range, I usually plan fuel stops about every 1000 miles.

Pete Masterson

'95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42

El Sobrante CA

"aeonix1@mac.com"

On Feb 28, 2008, at 3:28 PM, Scott Forman wrote:

My gas gauge reads full when it is full, but proceeds to fall much 

faster than the actual fuel level.  The gauge will be at E and the 'low 

fuel' light on with 60-70 gals remaining.

Anyone else experiencing this?  No matter how "sure" I am of fuel level 

using my mileage log, it is still disconcerting...

Scott Forman

86 PT38