P38A Petrol 2000....how much unusable fuel?

Had the joy of filling up Gadget last night. I managed 305 miles before the fuel light came on.

Lesson no.1. Pay more attention when choosing the pump....I casually glanced around the forecourt whilst I filled the tank...knowing I would have time to let the moon go through several phases before I needed to stop.
When I looked at the pump I saw it going through something horrible on the cost but still normal literage. I was filling with premium unleaded. I laughed......

Looks like I used 77 litres/17 gals for the 315 miles total at fillup so a reasonable mpg at 18.5?

Question is...that left me 5 gallons....how much of that is unusable? Just in case I find myself stretching the nerves one day.

PS. What a lovely car.....190 k plus in a defender makes you appreciate vehicles like this.

One time in my 2001 4.6 Vogue I could not find a petrol station while coming home from a day out and when I finally got to one in Thurrock it took 99 litres to fill it up. As it has a 100 litre tank I think that was a close shave. Only done that the one time.

Lone_Wolf said:

it took 99 litres to fill it up

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95 if you'd knocked the ignition off

Most I ever got in mine was 80ltrs and the gauge was on the stop by that time. Late night ferry to France and missed the first garage only to find the next one was in Belgium!
When I filled it I realised I probably could have done another 50 miles but wouldn't want to risk it as a matter of course!

Wazzajnr said:

Most I ever got in mine was 80ltrs and the gauge was on the stop by that time. Late night ferry to France and missed the first garage only to find the next one was in Belgium!
When I filled it I realised I probably could have done another 50 miles but wouldn't want to risk it as a matter of course!

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Nah, it'll just suck crap off the floor of the tank!

Lone_Wolf said:

One time in my 2001 4.6 Vogue I could not find a petrol station while coming home from a day out and when I finally got to one in Thurrock it took 99 litres to fill it up. As it has a 100 litre tank I think that was a close shave. Only done that the one time.

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I came closer to that back in the 'nineties. Driving a WW2 Dodge through Belgium in the wee small hours, gauge knocking on the empty stop, I finally spotted a service station but the engine cut out just as I hit the start of the off ramp so I coasted to the pump feeling chuffed only to find the place hadn't opened. I waited half an hour then used my emergency jerry-can (18ltrs.) which just got me to my destination outside Antwerp in time for breakfast. Happy days

So basically keep on filling it up......and carry a reserve can. Will do.

Revititllclear said:

So basically keep on filling it up......and carry a reserve can. Will do.

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Even a small can (5ltrs.) is better than none. Make sure you secure it though or it will become a projectile in the event of a heavy crash.

Yes....I told the mother in law she "was the weight of a small elephant if we crashed at 30 mph so put your belt on".....if looks could kill.

In an impact it's not the can weight but the fact it can fracture and spray petrol and fumes all about the motor.

I would never carry a spare can and only make the shortest journey when I need fuel for the mower.

Revititllclear said:

Yes....I told the mother in law she "was the weight of a small elephant if we crashed at 30 mph so put your belt on".....if looks could kill.

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Tact not being your strong point then