What's up with my tank?

[Mac2Night]

Okay, so a couple of weeks ago I posted about getting poor gas milage on my recently acquired '76 Sport, but now I realize that it's not a mileage issue really, but a capacity problem. During the holidays I realized that when filling up my rear gas tank (the auxillary has been removed and I have not reconnected the new replacement Santa brought me), it will only accept (6 or 7) gallons of gas any time I fill it up once the tank runs dry (I know it's dry cause I ran out of gas twice in a week testing this thing). I thought the gauge might be off (the needle seems to work fine), so I kept driving once it hit "E" thinking that I had another 5 gallons or so (11 gallon stock tank), BUT I ran out of gas within 4 or 5 miles.

What's up? Has anyone had a similar experience? My tank is stock, so why would it only hold so little gas? I've not dropped the tank yet (she's my daily driver) as I wanted to see what you guys thought.

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[broncolove]

My guess is the pick-up tube on your sending unit is rotted off or not down to the bottom of your tank, not allowing it to pick up the gas in the bottom of the tank.

 

[71 SPORT]

THIS MAY NOT BE YOUR PROBLEM, BUT A FRIEND OF MINE BAUGHT A CAR FROM A POLICE AUCTION HE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM HE DROPPED THE TANK. TURNS OUT HALF THE TANK WAS BLOCKED OFF AND FILLED WITH SEALED PACKAGES OF COCAINE,HE CALLED THE FEDS THEY PRETTY MUCH GAVE HIM A WHOOPS!!

 

[Mac2Night]

Wow, maybe mine is filled with drug MONEY!

 

[68beast]

Make sure the tank is getting full at the station, a lot of times the pressure of the fuel going in is too much and the pumping machine will automatically turn off. This is a common problem which many people solve by pumping their gass with the nozzle upside down, it may sound stupid but this makes the gas flow in slower and doesnt build up in pressure to turn the pump off. What I always do is hold the nozzle out away from the tank so that it doesnt seal against the filler neck, this way I can be sure I get a full tank; but be carefull not to get any on your leg .

 

[Mac2Night]

I understand. Each time I fill it up though, it runs until it starts leaking (overflow tube????). I have waited after it does this a couple of times and SLOWLY tried to add just a little more gas, but it continues to drip like it is filled to capacity.

 

[zanderman03]

Mine was doing the same thing, I have a 76 Bronc. I couldn't figure it until I crawled underneath and checked the straps. The tank had actually tilted itself up in the front (how I have no idea). I replaced the tank and the straps and now it works perfectly. I don't know if this will help, but I figured I would try. Goodluck!