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The donkey CRX · 08-09-2014, 10:07 AM

I just got this question in a PM, so I thought I would answer it here in case anyone else was wondering.

My first reason is that modern fuel pumps are located in the fuel tank so the gasoline can help keep the pump cool. I burnt up a fuel pump once when I ran my tank down to almost empty on a 100 degree summer day. Since then I always keep the tank half full. I figure even when it is not real hot outside, the fuel pump will be less stressed if it is kept cooler. Replacing a fuel pump on a modern car is very expensive, messy and time consuming!!

The other reason is I live out in the country and in case of an emergency may need to drive several miles without time to find gas.

08-09-2014, 10:07 AM	#194 (permalink)
The donkey CRX Master EcoModder Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: TN Posts: 300 MULE VX - '92 Honda civic VX Team Honda 90 day: 92.6 mpg (US) White 94 VX "Show Car" - '94 Honda Civic VX VX 90 day: 79.92 mpg (US) The Walrus - '02 Honda Insight base Gen-1 Insights 90 day: 100.88 mpg (US) Thanks: 399 Thanked 564 Times in 189 Posts	Why do you fill up when the tank is half empty? I just got this question in a PM, so I thought I would answer it here in case anyone else was wondering. My first reason is that modern fuel pumps are located in the fuel tank so the gasoline can help keep the pump cool. I burnt up a fuel pump once when I ran my tank down to almost empty on a 100 degree summer day. Since then I always keep the tank half full. I figure even when it is not real hot outside, the fuel pump will be less stressed if it is kept cooler. Replacing a fuel pump on a modern car is very expensive, messy and time consuming!! The other reason is I live out in the country and in case of an emergency may need to drive several miles without time to find gas.