Before reading this post, please note this was my own fault and I take full responsibility...
However, if you have an S-max despite what Ford UK and Ford ETIS says the S-Max does not have a 'usaeble' 70 litre fuel tank.
From my last two tanks I have got 62.28 litres and 63.54 litres in the tank. On both occoasions, the fuel computer claimed I had about 10 miles left in the tank. Therefore from these tanks, I worked out that if I have a 70 litre tank as Ford state, when the fuel computer says I have zero miles left, I should actually have about 1 gallon left in the tank.
So yesterday evening, I needed to fill up and I know this cheap station that was about 7 miles further than my tank claimed I actually had. When I left work, fuel in tank remaining was 62 miles and where I actually wanted to go was 69 miles according to Tomtom. All through my journey, this difference of 7 miles remained fairly constant (apart from when going up hills and down hill when it did change), so I thought I'd get there no problem.
I missed the garage by about 500 yards!!!!
AA came out and just towed me to the garage, I filled up with diesel and primed the engine while I was still filling up to ensure that all the filters and pipes were filled with diesel. Total fuel put into tank - 65.86 litres, approx 1 gallon under the 70 litre claim.
My fault, I know but if they claim a 70 litre tank, I expect to put 70 litres in when its dry.
On a lighter note, it did deliver 45.07 average MPG on that tank, not bad for a big car that still has a tight engine.
It did claim it was actually 52.1 MPG according to the fuel computer though
Make a big note, when the tank says zero, it means it.
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There but for the grace of god........
I have gambled and sweated on the trip computer
I pushed it once to 50 miles beyond the "0 miles to go" point and lived, filling it to with 3 litres of manufacturer claimed capacity.
YOu never know how close you get or how your car maker lies till you tip it over the edge.
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TourVanMan TM < Ex RF >
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And boy did I tip it!!!! Only 2500 miles on the clock and stranded by the road!!!!
Like I said, my fault, maybe I should not play the orange light game like I could on my old beemer....
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The majority of my cars have been 3+ years old when I have bought them, often with high mileages. Am I being dozy in thinking that there are 'unknown deposits' accumulated in the bottom of the tank, which can be harmful if they get into the system. Presumably that is what the fuel filter is there for, but nonetheless I never let my tank go below a quarter full, and always carry a 5 litre can of 'new' fuel just in case it does hover over this mark!
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Out of curiosity, how much difference is there between stopping the first time the pump cuts out, and filling right to the brim - as we're advised not to, especially with diesel? And is this amount included in the maker's measurement of the tank's capacity?
The most I've ever got into my nominally 70-litre tank is 62.1 l - on the Cherbourg peninsula, when I was unwisely determined to fill up as near the Channel as possible and the orange feed-me light had been on an alarmingly long time. I very much doubt I had eight litres left.
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It maybe because it's diesel. My S-Type Jag states in the handbook that capacity is X but the car will shut down with around 5 litres in the tank in order to protect the pumps which need fuel flow to stay cool. Not pushed it to the limit yet but have come close several times!
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I dont have it to hand but I beleive my Focus TDCI manual says something like tank capacity 55 liters, usable fuel 50 liters (figures approximate). Similar to tr7v8's motor.
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I dont have it to hand but I beleive my Focus TDCI manual says something like tank capacity 55 liters usable fuel 50 liters (figures approximate). Similar to tr7v8's motor.
Ford claim 70 'useable' litres for the 70 max, therefore I assume the tank should actually be a bit bigger. I couldn't even get 66ltrs in.
With regard to how much it will take after the first cut-out. I normally get about another 4-5litres in the tank. This is not 'overfilling'. I don't ever spill fuel from the tank or see the fuel in the filler neck. I used to ride bikes and am aware of how dangerous spilt diesel can be.
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Does it matter that you can't get 70 litres in? With 65 litres you should have a massive range so why the tank-brimming fetish? ;o)
In terms of range I always play it safe after my Dads experience with the Alfa 166 he used to have, where it ran out of petrol when the computer said he still had 5 miles range; he did this on about 3 occasions before he decided he couldn't trust the computer!
On mine I am informed that when the range gets to zero there is a couple of miles safety factor but I've not risked it, the lowest I've gone is about 10 miles; but normally refill before 25 miles as thats my distance to work.
The handbook says the low fuel light comes on when there are 10 litres left, which gives 80-100 miles range.. I think its a bit silly, how can 100 miles range be considered low fuel, but I suppose it to warn against the 'tank deposits' getting sucked through.
I once ran out of petrol in my old Pug 405 and it went into a limp-home mode, where it would only crawl along at 5mph; it did this for about a mile but I still didnt reach a petrol station.. :o(
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I've conditioned myself to think that 1/4 of a tank is near empty. I always fill up when I get to that level, because I want a useful reserve just in case I get stuck in a jam or have to take a long diversion.
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Does it matter that you can't get 70 litres in? With 65 litres you should have a massive range so why the tank-brimming fetish? ;o)
You are right, it doesn't really make a great deal of difference now that I know!!! I do play the orange light game a bit too much and have now been caught twice in the past 5 years.
I think it is due to the fact I can't stand filling up with fuel and that I have to do it so often, I drive 40,000 miles pa. I figure if I can get another 50 miles out of each tank, thaat will save me 1 fill up in 12!!! Silly but there you go.
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Oh dear thats not a good success rate, its seems you are pretty poor at it.
Tried golf?
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TourVanMan TM < Ex RF >
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