Longer starting with low fuel. Why?

[Popinski]

It's not a problem but I've always wondered why my car takes longer to start with only 1/8th tank of gas?

My car starts healthy around 4 turns. But when the gas gauge is at 1/8th of a tank and below, it starts at a healthy 6 turns.

Why? Ain't gas lines always primed? I wonder why it takes longer to start with low fuel?

 

[hate2work]

This sounds like something you've convinced yourself is happening, I doubt that it actually is. Unless every time you get low on fuel the temperature drops lol

 

[George7941]

If you park on a slope air might be getting sucked in to your fuel pump.

 

[mechtech2]

Less head pressure can mean less initial filling and priming.
So this is possible with some cars.

Now maybe someone can tell me why my idle goes up when I am really really low on fuel in my car?

 

[Paulson]

Fuel pump maybe going out?

 

[morris]

i NEVER let my fuel get below 1/2 tank.

 

[JZiggy]

My old Accord does this too, very consistently. It's never failed to start, though.

 

[R2d2]

Originally Posted By: morris
i NEVER let my fuel get below 1/2 tank.


Guess you don't drive that much.

 

[Samilcar]

Originally Posted By: JZiggy
My old Accord does this too, very consistently. It's never failed to start, though.


I had an old Honda Civic that also did this exact same thing. Would always start at the first touch of the key unless it was down to an eighth of a tank. Then it would take 1-2 seconds of cranking to start the engine. It did this without fail from when it was brand new.

 

[mechtech2]

My gas fill technique is all the way full to nearly empty.
All bases are covered, and advantages/disadvantages are evened out.

 

[mechanic380]

The tank level is lower and there is less pressure from the missing fuel. Your pump has to lift the gas without the added pressure of the fuel from a full tank.
According to physics this makes sense, but it should be engineered for. Also, the 6"-1' of fuel level shouldn't make that much difference.

 

[Nick R]

I can't imagine why it would make a difference. I mean, the fuel pump pulls fuel from the very bottom of the tank, so I don't know. But I personally often go till pretty much bone dry. I've gone down to "0 miles to E" once or twice, and I usually have another 20-30 miles worth of fuel actually remaining in the tank (I'll put in 12.5, it's a 13.5 gallon tank.

 

[wrcsixeight]

I think most every in tank fuel pump has a check valve in it. I know on my vehicle, if it fails, the first start of the morning takes forever, but if you turn the key on and off a few times first, then it will start normally.

There is an aftermarket fuel line check valve so you do not have to drop the tank to address the issue.

As I do not believe we are allowed to post links of products,
Copy and paste this into a search:
Fuel Line Check Valve for 5/16" Lines

Of course I do not know if you have 5/16" lines, but have a look see anyway.

I try to keep my tank above 1/4, just to keep the pump partially submerged and cooler so it lasts longer.

 

[jay929]

my civic didn't the same thing, usually started though.

 

[morris]

to: r2d2 "Guess you don't drive that much." yes thats right, iam retired. i can get to a filling station almost any time i need. i have a2001 dodge dakota v-6. it has bee a good truck. but its a little low on power