Driving Car Near Empty. (question)

[jordan]

I own the 2.4litre Alero. I would like to know if it is bad for the motor or any emission part or gas tank to drive my car near empty alot in the summer time? I was told yes by a GM dealership because you can loose pressure in the tank thus causing the check engine light after awhile. I need some other options or answers to this because that didn't make sense to me.

Thanks to all that help.
Jordan Romas

[misslindseysue]

Apparently gas is the lubricant for the fuel pump. So, no gas = no lube = bye bye fuel pump. Now, mine hasn't gone yet, and I must admit I wait for the light once in a while.

[ptrudel]

i squeeze every fume out of my tank every time...try to make it last as long as i can...no problem...yet :unsure:

[Redog]

I have the 3.4 but it's the same for every car.

I heard that is no good to let the gas go below 1/4 becuase the deposits from the fuel on the bottom of your tank will get sucked up into the pump and the motor. Over time, it will hurt both.

[alero168]

kinda OT but how many miles can you get after the light comes on?

[smokinAMD]

Originally posted by alero168@May 29 2004, 09:52 PM
kinda OT but how many miles can you get after the light comes on?
I've gotten about 30 before I filled up with the 3.4

[bigd6983]

also depending on your location, your gas tank can build up condensation when its real empty, the less full it is the worse it can get, ive heard you should not let it get below 1/4......but sometimes you just cant help it

[Sportalero]

Got my car in May of 2000. By the time I got to September, the trash from the gas that builds up got sucked into my fuel injectors and clogged them. Luckily, it was still under warranty. If you gonna do it, i recommend going with Techron or buying some stuff to pour in your gas tank that helps clean it out.

[bigd6983]

hey sportalero you ever gone and got your injectors cleaned professionally........i wanna do it, I have a poor idle that I think is cause by clogged injectors and want to know if its worth it

[jonez]

Originally posted by 2000_olds_alero@May 30 2004, 02:02 AM
i squeeze every fume out of my tank every time...try to make it last as long as i can...no problem...yet :unsure:
Same here and I almost got a 100,000 and no problems

[ptrudel]

i've got over 120 000 kms and only prob i've had was ignition..

[Sportalero]

Originally posted by bigd6983@May 30 2004, 04:00 PM
hey sportalero you ever gone and got your injectors cleaned professionally........i wanna do it, I have a poor idle that I think is cause by clogged injectors and want to know if its worth it
Yeah, but i took it to the dealership because of the warranty. If you're asking what the full "professional" price would be from a shop, i couldn't tell, but i'll bet it's cheaper than a dealership.