robert miller

Same here with the issue that I posted on here also.

Fcar 98

I have a 98 that had the same problem. Once it got below half would not register correctly. I did not run out of fuel but did add 2 bottles of techron that took care of the problem. I continue to use the additive with no problems.

65GGvert

That's the part that bothers me. IT'S NOT the same problem. His car died because the gas did not transfer. He still had 1/2 tank of gas and the gauge read correctly 1/2. He DOES NOT have a gauge issue. He ran out of gas to the pump. I've already given my opinion three times now, so I'll drop out and wait to see what the resolution is. To the OP, please do follow up with a post about what fixed the problem.

LoneStarFRC

I agree with you completely. Two SEPARATE issues.

Of all the C5 fuel system issues generally, there are three that stand out on NON-FFS fuel system cars as being the most common as well as the most serious overall:

1.) Faulty/contaminated fuel sending unit(s) in either right or left tank.
2.) Faulty siphon-jet pump in passenger tank.
3.) Faulty rear fuel-feed check valve.

Any one, or a COMBINATION of these, can cause issues ranging from false fuel level readings and codes, to running out of gas (literally), and hard starting requiring multiple cranking efforts to start the car.

As good as Techron is, as well as other equally effective products out there (and there are), it will generally NOT be the solution to numbers 2 or 3, however I personally think it wise to stick to Tier One fuels, especially those already containing Techron such as Chevron or Texaco. I also personally use Shell or BP from time to time and they have been fine. Due to wishful thinking (mainly), I think there are far too many folks out there that want the chemical "magic bullet", also known as a "mechanic-in-a-can", and cling to the false hope it will cure all their problems if only they just used "enough", whatever "enough" is.

dadaroo

[ I think there are far too many folks out there that want the chemical "magic bullet", also known as a "mechanic-in-a-can", and cling to the false hope it will cure all their problems if only they just used "enough", whatever "enough" is. [/QUOTE]

Are you saying that using one of the JC Whitney pills to restore my engine may not be enough?

robert miller

After doing a lot of looking, I agree with you on his problem in his car here. Again very nice write up on these problems in the fuel system. One great thing about this forum. You will get more than a few, WHAT IT IS OR WHAT IT TAKES TO FIX THE PROBLEM.

LoneStarFRC

drewkeen

Hoping to check into this tonight

dba4life

I don't drive the car much but still am having fuel gauge/tank problems. 2002 Coupe.

Fuel gauge goes all the way to full when I fill it up. It works normally til about 2/3 full then it drops to zero.

I have run out of fuel twice before well before the tanks should be empty - approx 150mi into the tank. I was trying to just use the trip to tell me when to fill up. Apparently a dangerous game with C5's.

This probably leads to a diagnosis of a bad fuel sending unit? How can I confirm which side. Is the "right" tank on the passenger side?

Also I will carry around a gas can in the car to save my butt as I plan to run it out of fuel again just to make sure all the techron I have loaded in over the past few months hasn't helped. Of course if I do get to 300mi or so on the trip, then I know to fill up . Is a 2 1/2 gal can enough to fill it back up to get me to a station assuming there is one 10mi away?

Also should the car be showing any codes with this condition?

Thanks for any help.

strand rider

I hate to bring half assed info , but I have read here that a factory recall will reset the computer fuel understandings. I haven't investigated that info.

My car throws empty, caution low fuel after a continuous run of a few hours. I have never run out of gas in this situation, I usually am around a filling station and throw in some gas and reset the gauges, so have never explored the depths of the problem.

The step by step walk through fix is encouraging, thanks for posting that. Should I get the feeling , knowing the repair will not be too difficult on my car is a plus.

dba4life

Bringing a post back from the dead....

I now have a replacement fuel pump: AC Delco (MU1218) that I am bringing to a shop tomorrow for replacement.

Once the new pump is installed the passenger side tank will be empty. Is it OK to run the car this way until I can get to a gas station and fill it up? Or should it not be run dry?

Thanks

dadaroo

No problem since there is no electric motor in the passenger side.


Mr. Sam

Vetteman Jack

Great info and saving this for later reference.

Sailbill

I replaced the fuel pump on my 2002 last month. Easy to do, remove the rear wheel, remove the shield over the pump, disconnect the two hoses and electrical connection, remove the screws holding the pump in. Problem is if there is fuel still in the tank be ready to capture it or it will go all over the garage floor and the fumes will go through the house. The wife will be pissed. She will sleep in the guest room for several days and then threaten to get a motel room. Your happy life having a Corvette will be ruined.

Smoken1

Been there done that.

dba4life

For closure on my issue (also note I am not the OP..) the replacement passenger side siphon pump solved my running out of fuel at 1/2 tank issue. I guess that is no surprise to the helpful people who confirmed that was probably it. Also it seems all the techron I have put in solved my fuel gauge issue as well. I am down to a 1/4 tank of fuel for the first time in years...Thanks all...

UM Rebel

2004 convertible. Fuel pressure has always been about 45 PSI. Runs great! Once had gas guage issue ... said I had 1/2 tank when i knew had to be much less. Filled up. Poured in can of Seafoam. Problem resolved.

bikeriderga

Lonestar seems to have the correct diagnosis, but to be sure what codes are being thrown (if any)?

LoneStarFRC

Believe me, I know how you feel.

As the old saying goes, "Been there and got the tee-shirt to prove it".

drewkeen

I am the OP and cleaning the jet siphon solved the problem.

It had a piece of trash stuck in it that i just cleaned out by pulling apart and using a needle to push backward and out the hose that was disconnected - otherwise it would just come right back and plug it up again.