How far does the reserve fuel last?

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Justin
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How far does the reserve fuel last?

Post by Justin » 22 Jul 2009 04:28 pm

Does anyone know the exact distance in miles a Volvo 340 1.4 will go once the yellow fuel reserve light has come on before it's completely run out?

Im assuming when the light comes on it means there's a gallon left?
1988 340 1.4 DL

(I suffer with O.C.D. which makes me obsessed with fine detail)

(Diagrams or photos are far more helpful to me when it comes to cars)

sven360
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Re: How far does the reserve fuel last?

Post by sven360 » 22 Jul 2009 05:38 pm

No idea but not a good idea to run it too far unless it's an emergency,you'll suck up all the crud and chance to gum up the carb.

1.4 carbs seem to have inherent problems anyways without adding to them-just my 2cents worth, like. :?
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kaos
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Re: How far does the reserve fuel last?

Post by kaos » 22 Jul 2009 07:36 pm

dont hold me to this, but the minute the red light came on till i ran out of fuel in mine was always 30 miles...

I had a stage at college where £5 of fuel was just over the light. and i used tot he do the 30 miles to college on £5 and then fill up the £5 for the journey home, as i found mine alway guzzled 10£ quicker. but then i was a student and money was tight.
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Speedy88
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Re: How far does the reserve fuel last?

Post by Speedy88 » 22 Jul 2009 10:58 pm

I think it's approximately 5 litres in mine. I have a 1.7 but the fuel tank should be the same size.
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trabitom99
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Re: How far does the reserve fuel last?

Post by trabitom99 » 23 Jul 2009 09:55 am

Most 300 models have a delay mechanism so that the light only goes on when the specified "reserve" amount (your handbook will tell you how much it is, something like 6 or 7 litres IIRC) is left in the tank. I'd really visit the next petrol station as soon as possible, after 20 plus years a lot of rust and other deposits can accumulate in the fuel tank, and clog up carb / injectors when the last few litres of fuel are pushed through the system. Running out of fuel in older cars is bad news!

The oldest versions of the V300 didn't have this "delay" so the fuel light starts flickering when you're going round a corner or braking hard, even if you've got 20 litres or so left in your tank ...

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Justin
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Re: How far does the reserve fuel last?

Post by Justin » 23 Jul 2009 03:57 pm

Thanks everyone for the great advice, I will avoid running it on the yellow reserve light from now on, I've recently had my carb completely refurbished aswell so cant afford to take any risks!
1988 340 1.4 DL

(I suffer with O.C.D. which makes me obsessed with fine detail)

(Diagrams or photos are far more helpful to me when it comes to cars)

dub loon
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Re: How far does the reserve fuel last?

Post by dub loon » 25 Jul 2009 11:47 am

obviously it does depend on how your driving or if your on a motorway or something but mine is the same as yours and mine did 44miles before i couldnt risk it no more and filled again
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Re: How far does the reserve fuel last?

Post by V6 Man » 25 Jul 2009 02:08 pm

Whatever you do don't trust Foggy to answer this one accurately.............
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Re: How far does the reserve fuel last?

Post by MJ » 27 Jul 2009 04:17 pm

Oh, I'd have thought he'd have a lot of experience in the area ;)
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Dendorssers
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Re: How far does the reserve fuel last?

Post by Dendorssers » 28 Jul 2009 09:36 am

You can always just do the test yourself!
Fill up a can of gas, put it in the trunk and drive till you run out of fuel! 8)
Then you'll know exactly how far you can go!

I figure it also depends on the car, i have noticed that in some 340 the warning light comes on far before the 'reserve fuel' is reached so...
I might do the test myself shortly, just so i know for my own 340!

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littlered
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Re: How far does the reserve fuel last?

Post by littlered » 28 Jul 2009 03:33 pm

only problem with that test has been mentioned,running your fuel till empty = any crap in the bottom of your tank goes straight into your engine!
better to just invest in a plastic fuel can in the boot

Justin
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Re: How far does the reserve fuel last?

Post by Justin » 28 Jul 2009 03:37 pm

Does anyone know exactly how much fuel a 1.4 tank will hold? Im guessing 40 litres?
1988 340 1.4 DL

(I suffer with O.C.D. which makes me obsessed with fine detail)

(Diagrams or photos are far more helpful to me when it comes to cars)

jikovron
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Re: How far does the reserve fuel last?

Post by jikovron » 28 Jul 2009 11:23 pm

mine used to runout about 30 miles after the light came on,,,,,,,,however i used to that practically weekly as if the light flickered after stopping abruptly then in my mind there was still something in it and a trip to the pez station wasnt necessary ,,,and i never used to carry a petrol can either,,,,,,,so i now have 6

i also reckon fitting a inline fuel filter is FTW on these
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kaos
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Re: How far does the reserve fuel last?

Post by kaos » 29 Jul 2009 12:16 am

Justin wrote:Does anyone know exactly how much fuel a 1.4 tank will hold? Im guessing 40 litres?
from memory the tanks same as the 1.7 but from the book i have IIRC its 9.9 gallons.
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Justin
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Re: How far does the reserve fuel last?

Post by Justin » 29 Jul 2009 02:17 pm

Whats that in litres?
1988 340 1.4 DL

(I suffer with O.C.D. which makes me obsessed with fine detail)

(Diagrams or photos are far more helpful to me when it comes to cars)

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