Got a Question About My Truck

[baffled]

I have a '98 Chevy S10 that has run like a top with the exception of two fuel filter problems, but over 160,000+ miles, I'm pretty happy with how well the truck has served.

Anyway, earlier today, while waiting in line at the gas station, my truck... ran out of gas.

The only problem is that I was showing 1/4 tank left, so I figure, the gas gauge must be screwed up.

When I get to the pump, my 17 or 18 gallon tank only takes 11 gallons.

I'm not sure what would cause this. Maybe a vent?

I know far less about my truck than is acceptable and feel plenty of shame. Thanks to anyone who may have an idea about possible causes. I'm just trying to get an idea of things before I go to the mechanic in the morning since I trust them less than I trust Hebrew Hammer.

[Grandpa's Spells]

How do you know it ran out of gas, and what's the most you've ever pumped into the tank? I had a "20 gallon" tank that would take 75% of that when below E.

[Andy83]

Fuel pump loses suction. Gas guage assembly in tank malfunction. Float stuck. Good luck getting to it.

[TerryB]

I have a '98 Chevy S10 that has run like a top with the exception of two fuel filter problems, but over 160,000+ miles, I'm pretty happy with how well the truck has served.

Anyway, earlier today, while waiting in line at the gas station, my truck... ran out of gas.

The only problem is that I was showing 1/4 tank left, so I figure, the gas gauge must be screwed up.

When I get to the pump, my 17 or 18 gallon tank only takes 11 gallons.

I'm not sure what would cause this. Maybe a vent?

I know far less about my truck than is acceptable and feel plenty of shame. Thanks to anyone who may have an idea about possible causes. I'm just trying to get an idea of things before I go to the mechanic in the morning since I trust them less than I trust Hebrew Hammer.

I'm a mechanic.

What's your question.

[baffled]

How do you know it ran out of gas, and what's the most you've ever pumped into the tank? I had a "20 gallon" tank that would take 75% of that when below E.

It went full retard the way a truck does when it runs out of gas. It turns over no problem, and runs like a top. It may not have actually run out of gas, but like Andy said, could be an issue with the suction I guess, maybe a vent?

The most I've ever put in the tank is a little under 16. I think the fuel capacity is supposed to be in the 18.5 range. It's been pretty close, and I would guess I was on fumes at that point, but that's strictly a guess.

Andy,
Thanks for the input.

Proto,
Click this link for more info

[Kraj 2.0]

My guess is it's the sensor in the seat belt latch that makes the "bing bing" noise when you don't buckle up. Someone probably short-circuited it by getting a penny stuck in there and now it's screwing with your fuel injection system. If you have auto insurance now would be the time to torch that pile of junk and pretend that enviro-nazi vandals did it.

[baffled]

My guess is it's the sensor in the seat belt latch that makes the "bing bing" noise when you don't buckle up. Someone probably short-circuited it by getting a penny stuck in there and now it's screwing with your fuel injection system. If you have auto insurance now would be the time to torch that pile of junk and pretend that enviro-nazi vandals did it.

Possibly the best answer in this thread.

[Holland Oates]

Did it run right after you filled it back up?

[baffled]

Did it run right after you filled it back up?

Like a top.

[Holland Oates]

The sock filter could be stopped up or the plastic tube on the pick up could be collapsed.

Or it could be something as simple as the pump going out or trash in the line/filter.

[baffled]

I see. I'm praying for filters and tubes instead of the fuel pump. That shit is expensive to replace.

Of course, not as expensive as a new truck, but still.

Thanks EZ. Appreciate the input.

[Holland Oates]

I see. I'm praying for filters and tubes instead of the fuel pump. That shit is expensive to replace.

Of course, not as expensive as a new truck, but still.

Thanks EZ. Appreciate the input.

If it's the sock or tube you might as well change the pump since you've got to pull the tank anyway.

It ain't that big of a deal to change the pump if you've got some help.

[Protobuilder]

Did it run right after you filled it back up?

Like a top.

That means that it ran well, folks.

[TerryB]

I see. I'm praying for filters and tubes instead of the fuel pump. That shit is expensive to replace.

Of course, not as expensive as a new truck, but still.

Thanks EZ. Appreciate the input.

no problem

look, you've got a piece of shit S10

with 160,000 miles on it

even if it is the pump, STFU about how much its going to cost to replace it

you drive an S10

[baffled]

I see. I'm praying for filters and tubes instead of the fuel pump. That shit is expensive to replace.

Of course, not as expensive as a new truck, but still.

Thanks EZ. Appreciate the input.

no problem

look, you've got a piece of shit S10

with 160,000 miles on it

even if it is the pump, STFU about how much its going to cost to replace it

you drive an S10

Words hurt.