forcing yourself to save fuel

[jamesqf]

Originally Posted by davelobi

I LOVE THAT! Guy has a $400 a month car payment and spends another $400/month on gas. I have Zero payments and spend $401/month on gas.

OTOH, I have zero payments (on a 14 year old car) and spend closer to $40/month on gas :-) And yes, I do tend to put in only $20 worth at a time ('cause the cheap stations mostly have bill readers), but that's well over half a tank, and gets me maybe 400 miles of driving.

[davelobi]

Originally Posted by jamesqf

OTOH, I have zero payments (on a 14 year old car) and spend closer to $40/month on gas :-) And yes, I do tend to put in only $20 worth at a time ('cause the cheap stations mostly have bill readers), but that's well over half a tank, and gets me maybe 400 miles of driving.

I was just throwing numbers out for fun. Making fun of the guy with not only a high car payment (on his fuel efficient new car) but he also has high full coverage insurance costs as well. Look at my numbers to the left if you think I really spend that kind of money on gas. I'm with ya.. Old cheap high mpg cars then drive right and do even better. I do drive a lot but spend as little as possible. It isn't all about the cost however, I like the game. Beating my personal best is always a goal. Also, saving a tank that had a bad start or what ever.

[Mustang Dave]

And he gets lower MPG than I get with a 2007 Ford Mustang. AND drives more miles/day. AND fills more often.
AND he obviously hasn't "adjusted the nut behind the steering wheel".
He could easily get in the 30's if he was one of us.

[UltArc]

One of us...one of us...

[cowmeat]

I always fill my tank at the same pump at the same station at the same time in the early morning, to the second click, when I have less than an eighth of a tank left (or over 450 miles).
I get the most accurate mpg results doing this, and I can't imagine why you'd want to get gas as often as that guy.

Since I only get gas every 2-1/2 weeks, at some point during a tank I will sometimes EOC into the station just to wash the windows and mirrors, though!

[drainoil]

If its already been mentioned forgive me, but consistently running the tank on minimal fuel puts the electrical in-tank fuel pump in jeopardy over time on many makes as the fuel plays a big part in keeping them cool and not overheating.

[Mustang Dave]

Originally Posted by drainoil

If its already been mentioned forgive me, but consistently running the tank on minimal fuel puts the electrical in-tank fuel pump in jeopardy over time on many makes as the fuel plays a big part in keeping them cool and not overheating.

I don't recall that being mentioned in this particular thread, but it's a valid concern.

[Frank Lee]

I read that all the time and yet I've been running the tanks dry on my f150 for 20 years- electric pump in each tank- never had an issue.

Must be built Ford tough.

[davelobi]

I think most fuel pumps these days are housed in a plastic canister that holds enough gas to remove heat from the actual electric motor. Not positive heat kills them but why risk it or even risk running out of gas, what a hassle.
How much weight are you actually saving? Around 6 pounds per gallon, 5 gallons = 30 pounds. Lose your spare tires, one in the trunk and one inside your t-shirt.
I run on the top half of my tanks and find other ways to increase my mpg.

[user removed]

Don't think I'll be doing any partial fills on my 50cc 1965 Honda. It only holds 3 liters! I did pour all of my lawn mower gas in it the first time, still needed to use the reserve circuit.

regards
Mech