Low Fuel engine running problem.

[35thC4]

I very rarely let the fuel get below 1/2 a tank. However, recently I ran it down to about 1/8. When I went to start the car is would not idle at all. It would run if I kept the rmp's up and it drove fine. Every time I had to stop the engine would quit. It just would not run unless I kept the RPM's up. (quite a trick with a 4 speed manual) I finally got to a gas station and filled it up with, of course, premium. The problem went away and it starts and runs perfect. There was still 5 gallons of gas left in the tank whe I filled it so it I suppose it was not starving for fuel? I'm thinking I could have water in the bottom of the tank or the maybe the fuel pump going bad? Any experience or suggestions greatly appreciated. Thanks

[MKOTZE]

Originally posted by 35thC4
I very rarely let the fuel get below 1/2 a tank. However, recently I ran it down to about 1/8. When I went to start the car is would not idle at all. It would run if I kept the rmp's up and it drove fine. Every time I had to stop the engine would quit. It just would not run unless I kept the RPM's up. (quite a trick with a 4 speed manual) I finally got to a gas station and filled it up with, of course, premium. The problem went away and it starts and runs perfect. There was still 5 gallons of gas left in the tank whe I filled it so it I suppose it was not starving for fuel? I'm thinking I could have water in the bottom of the tank or the maybe the fuel pump going bad? Any experience or suggestions greatly appreciated. Thanks Hello 35thC4, It sounds like from the information you gave that you might have a fuel starvation problem, which is caused by dirt on the screen for the fuel pump pick up. It is also possible that you have some water contamination. It is fairly easy to remove the fuel sending unit as it is removed from the top of the fuel tank. You can do this or take it to a dealer to have it checked and then cleaned out. Good Luck. Let me know what happpens.:chevy: MKOTZE

[35thC4]

Your advise is greatlly appreciated. Will advise outcome. The car is an '88 35th anniversary that has 19,000 0riginal miles. The problem is that it was in heated storage for 7 years. I am sure of this as I purchased it from my boss, so I expect the the inactivety will present some problems. Again, thanks.

[alzado77]

I have the same problem with my 1990. It starts to skip and run crappy when it get's down to about a third of a tank. One thing I've noticed though is that is doesn't come off of full for about the 1st 100 miles. I figure the float is just out of adjustment or something like that. I usually fill up at 1/2 a tank also but in the case of running it low at least it gives a good warning before it runs out. The 1st time it happened I drove for 15 miles on it and it didn't run out. I thought something was wrong with the engine but as soo as I filled it up it went away. My suggestion is keep it 1/2 full....lol And if it does run low at least it gives a warning. It definitely isn't good for it to run it dry so pull into a gas station often, it gives you a chance to show it off! As every corvette owner is, I too would like to make mine perfect. 19,000 miles though, that is sweet! I'm sure you have alot less to do on yours then I had on mine but I'm just happy to finally own one and it's getting sweeter with every penny I have going into it! Good luck :) Al