Why is my gas gauge pessimistic?

[Ryan Wright]

Scott,

Probably typical for the year, as my '86 is similar. I've never run it
down to E, but I can get down just below 1/4 of a tank and only put
~180 gallons in. It should take 225+ gallons at that mark, which, if
the thing is linear, would leave me with 45+ gallons remaining on
empty.

The most I've ever put in was 197 gallons. Don't recall where the
gauge was, but was probably 1/8th or so. Should have read 1/3rd at
that point, so quite a bit off. Anyway, at least it's inaccurate in a
good way. Would rather this than running out with 1/4 tank "remaining"
... also nice to stop for fuel expecting a thousand dollar bill and
only wind up paying $600. I know better but it still makes me smile
every time.

-Ryan
'86 PT-40 8V92

On Thu, Feb 28, 2008 at 3:28 PM, Scott Forman <sforman@...> 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
> Memphis