fuel gauge

[mike007]

Is it normal to run out of gas at a 1\4 tank. Motor sounds like it is starving for fuel. it won't rev when I give it gas, it just sputters. Has anyone heard of this? 97 R/T 10

 

[Steve-Indy]

I have not experienced what you describe, but am aware that the gauge readings are QUITE variable from one Viper to the next. But, assuming that this happens ONLY when your gauge reads 1/4 tank AND assuming that this happens EACH time that the gauge falls to 1/4 tank it would be easy enough to start at the point you describe, do a careful fillup, and match volume added to total tank capacity for your year (be careful here as it seems to me that one model year of RT/10 had a larger fuel tank...COULD have been 97...ASK JonB about this). Given the amount added, you can gain a feel as to whether or not your gauge/sending unit are faulty. If the tank takes only a partial fill, suspect a pickup problem or a filler hose problem (remember the threads about inverting the nozzle to achieve a complete fill??).You will also need to measure fuel pressure at the port in the engine bay.

If, on the other hand, this has happened only once, and you feel that your gauge matches your fill volume, consider changing fuel filter if the above pressure check is low.

After that...ask a pro.

Hopefully, others can jump in and assist here.

 

[mike007]

Well it is out of gas. I have only had the car 2 weeks. So now I know it runs out at 1/4 tank. I put 4 gal. in and now it runs fine. Just enough to get me to the gas station. thanks for the reply.

 

[Steve-Indy]

Interesting...similar to Wife's 99 ACR vs. my 97 GTS...ACR gauge hangs "full" longer than the 97, but when near lower end, ACR near critical while the 97 is far more accurate.

In retrospect, I should also have thought about a load of water on the bottom of your tank and suggested a gas drying additive if your other measures did not produce results.

Thanks for the followup...and, ENJOY that VIPER !!!!

 

[V10SpeedLuvr]

My gas guage floats at times. I've come to understand the gauges in Vipers are there to give you a ballpark estimate only

 

[Bob K]

Both of my GTS's have about 4 gallons left when the gauge says empty. There have been posts about this over the years and most have found the same thing. I don't know about my SRT Coupe yet - it is still on its first tank.

Bob K

 

[Bob K]

Just filled my SRT Coupe for the second time since new. The gauge said empty and the light was on. I pumped 15.3 gallons to fill it. With an 18.5 gallon tank I still had 3+ gallons left when the light came on.

Bob K