Thread: True fuel tank capacity and run-out - diesel

Originally Posted by DiscoClax

What is the usable capacity of an L320 fuel tank (diesel)? I've seen anything from 84 to 89 ltrs quoted and mine came without an Owner's Manual so I don't have an official reference.
At a range showing of zero I have put a bit over 84 ltrs into mine a few times, so is that the 'usable' and 88-89 ltrs is the total capacity? A couple of times I've been caught out in the boonies out-of-hours and pushed my luck thinking (hoping) that the displayed range would be a bit conservative.

On a related note, does it have an electronic run-out mode where the ECU detects very low fuel and makes the engine cough a few times and reduces engine output to warn the driver not to keep pushing it before it starts sucking air? Late Puma Defenders had this, and all modern Ford diesels also have this strategy. If you do run it to the point of sucking air, can you just purge the lines with a few ignition cycles (ie. use the in-tank lift pump to push the air through before restarting), or do you need to get the tools out and start cracking unions after refuelling?

Thanks in advance.

Does your manual state how much fuel is left in the tank when the light comes on?

Originally Posted by DiscoMick

Does your manual state how much fuel is left in the tank when the light comes on?

All I've got is an OM I purchased from the UK (in the car) and a digital one for US models. The US one tells me that diesels throw the light up at around 14 ltrs remaining (diesel) and Empty on the needle has about 5 ltrs left (all) but doesn't reference the range numbers. It also states that the diesel have a capacity of 84 ltrs and the petrols have 88 ltrs, but I'm aware that the way this is specified often varies by region and sometime the tanks themselves vary by region so i'm not hanging my hat on those numbers. If it truly is 84 ltrs then I have gone above and beyond...

Originally Posted by DiscoClax

.......

If it truly is 84 ltrs then I have gone above and beyond...

only if the bowser pump wasn't over-reading (and providing a little more profit )

According to the handbook, 84L usable for the diesels. Once it runs out you should be able to cycle the ignition then go a little further until it stops again. IIRC you get 3 empty stops before the tank is really empty, which you never want to occur.

Originally Posted by Graeme

According to the handbook, 84L usable for the diesels. Once it runs out you should be able to cycle the ignition then go a little further until it stops again. IIRC you get 3 empty stops before the tank is really empty, which you never want to occur.

Graeme, does it cough/kick/splutter or just cut out? Does anything come up on the message centre/dash beforehand? Hoping to be better prepared and not ever find out, but interested to know in case... Cheers.

Gee, i feel like an amateur, i have been down to about 3klms showing on the dash and put in about 78.84L. I shouldnt have been worried at all, could have got to the next Roadhouse!!!