is there an advantage to waiting until your tank is nearly empty to refill it rather than refilling it when it is 50% or so.
The reason I ask this is because my cars fuel gauge reads incorrectly once the fuel goes under 1/2 tank, so I like to keep it filled up as much as possible.
My car is a mercedes 350sdl turbo (uses diesel).
thanks.
2007-03-15 09:41:14 · 4 answers · asked by odysseyxltd 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
I've heard of algae growing on diesel that sits for long periods in a vented environment. I also own a diesel that I rarely let go below 1/4 and have never had problems. It wouldn't hurt to put an additive like diesel purge for peace of mind, not to mention helping out this ULSD we're getting nowadays.
2007-03-15 09:48:20 · answer #1 · answered by el88gringo 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
One advantage will be that you reduce the chance of condensation forming in the fuel tank. Warm fuel sitting in an almost empty tank and a cool night will cause moisture to condense in the tank and the water droplets will pool together at the bottom of the tank.
When you let the fuel get low, you stand a chance of having this water get into the fuel line, and water is disasterous to fuel injectors. During combustion, the water will flash to steam and cause over pressure in the cylinder, and on the injector tip.
That is about the only real advantage I can think of. There is "peace of mind" concerning your fuel gauge where you know that you will not run out.
I drive a truck over the road and do not trust my own truck's fuel gauge. I use dead reckoning to verify what the gauge is telling me. I fill up at 300 usuable gallons and at a calculated 5.5 mpg, when I get up towards 1100 miles on a load of fuel, I start looking for a fuel station because I can assume that I am at about 1/3 full on fuel.
2007-03-15 11:21:55 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is no advantage. I drive a diesel truck and I've never had a problem refilling no matter how much fuel I have left in the tank.
The only thing you need to watch out for is to avoid contaminated fuel (dirty fuel or fuel mixed with water). To be sure, stick to one dealer you trust the most.
2007-03-15 09:56:51 · answer #3 · answered by Tom C 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's probably fine. A diesel will run on just about anything.
2007-03-15 09:45:58 · answer #4 · answered by Louis G 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋