Rav 4-3 Reserve Tank

January 12, 2009

I do not often run my tank low on diesel, but in the present age when pump prices can vary by up to 10p per litre, big savings can be had by pushing your Rav 25 miles to a cheaper outlet. I recently ascertained that the Rav 4-3 has a 60 litre capacity, and today ran about 4 miles on my low fuel warning. I filled up, and trickled the last few litres in on a stop go routine, but could only get 49 litres into my tank. On that basis there was 11 litres left in my tank, sufficient to cover 120 miles; which incidentally would have represented half a tank full on my first motor back in the Middle Ages. So guys, what is the furthest you have driven on your warning light. and is it worth checking it out by carrying a spare can, or is it a problem restarting a diesel that has run out of fuel ?

Yours John

January 12, 2009

I do not often run my tank low on diesel, but in the present age when pump prices can vary by up to 10p per litre, big savings can be had by pushing your Rav 25 miles to a cheaper outlet. I recently ascertained that the Rav 4-3 has a 60 litre capacity, and today ran about 4 miles on my low fuel warning. I filled up, and trickled the last few litres in on a stop go routine, but could only get 49 litres into my tank. On that basis there was 11 litres left in my tank, sufficient to cover 120 miles; which incidentally would have represented half a tank full on my first motor back in the Middle Ages. So guys, what is the furthest you have driven on your warning light. and is it worth checking it out by carrying a spare can, or is it a problem restarting a diesel that has run out of fuel ?
Yours John

I done the same some weeks ago , had the light come on then filled up ,

only to find i could fit 12 litres in . which is a lot :blink:

Have never let it run dry before so wouldnt know if would hurt re-starting

January 12, 2009

Most I did in my 4.2 RAV was about 20 miles on low fuel light. and too say I was :wacko: :wacko: :wacko: :wacko: :wacko: Cacking myself hoping no splutter would come from the RAV....Playing Russian Roulette with the fuel light is a risky thing...Fun but also scary.....

Also local BP in past week has put up Diesel again by 3p litre back upto £1.01.99ppl :censor: :censor:

January 12, 2009

John

Running out of diesel is more of an inconvenience but I wouldn't encourage you to do it. When it does it you won't get any warning - on a common rail the pressure will drop and it will just stop wherever you are, in a junction, on an island or maybe in a dangerous spot. Your way of checking it is reasonably reliable. The gauge is less reliable and affected by Battery voltage (although it is stabilised) and temperature etc. The switch for the low fuel light is fixed and providing you are on reasonably level ground it is consistent. To allow for different driving conditions I would reduce that range from 120 miles to 100 miles by which time you should have reached a garage with sensible prices and if not just put a tenner in or something to keep you going!

If you do run out you will have to add some more fuel then prime it through. Lift the bonnet and pump the little black plunger on top of the fuel filter;

It will start off slack but after a minute or two will start to get hard to pump (stop it you lot!). At this stage you have filled the system and can start the engine. It may cough and sputter a bit but it will go eventually.

I have done 70 or 80 miles on a number of occasions with the light on.

January 12, 2009

John
Running out of diesel is more of an inconvenience but I wouldn't encourage you to do it. When it does it you won't get any warning - on a common rail the pressure will drop and it will just stop wherever you are, in a junction, on an island or maybe in a dangerous spot. Your way of checking it is reasonably reliable. The gauge is less reliable and affected by battery voltage (although it is stabilised) and temperature etc. The switch for the low fuel light is fixed and providing you are on reasonably level ground it is consistent. To allow for different driving conditions I would reduce that range from 120 miles to 100 miles by which time you should have reached a garage with sensible prices and if not just put a tenner in or something to keep you going!
If you do run out you will have to add some more fuel then prime it through. Lift the bonnet and pump the little black plunger on top of the fuel filter;
It will start off slack but after a minute or two will start to get hard to pump (stop it you lot!). At this stage you have filled the system and can start the engine. It may cough and sputter a bit but it will go eventually.
I have done 70 or 80 miles on a number of occasions with the light on.

Thank you Anchorman, sound advice

January 13, 2009

John
Running out of diesel is more of an inconvenience but I wouldn't encourage you to do it. When it does it you won't get any warning - on a common rail the pressure will drop and it will just stop wherever you are, in a junction, on an island or maybe in a dangerous spot. Your way of checking it is reasonably reliable. The gauge is less reliable and affected by battery voltage (although it is stabilised) and temperature etc. The switch for the low fuel light is fixed and providing you are on reasonably level ground it is consistent. To allow for different driving conditions I would reduce that range from 120 miles to 100 miles by which time you should have reached a garage with sensible prices and if not just put a tenner in or something to keep you going!
If you do run out you will have to add some more fuel then prime it through. Lift the bonnet and pump the little black plunger on top of the fuel filter;
It will start off slack but after a minute or two will start to get hard to pump (stop it you lot!). At this stage you have filled the system and can start the engine. It may cough and sputter a bit but it will go eventually.
I have done 70 or 80 miles on a number of occasions with the light on.

Looked under the bonnet and I don't have one of those.....why ? Oh, I know - cos I don't have 5 doors ! :lol: :lol: :lol:

Seriously, I think all the UK RAVs have a tank with a capacity 58-60 litres - am I right?? Petrol or diesel. I believe the tank is the same on both 4.1s and 4.2s. The pump might vary but the basic tank is the same. A good thing for those 4.1 owners who may need a replacement tank due to corrosion - you can pick up one from a younger car! And yes, they do corrode!