I drive a 2011 6.7L diesel F-250 crewcab short bed. Got it almost two years ago and ever since I've had a question no one can answer, not even the Ford guys, so I thought I'd try my luck on TexAgs.

The truck is supposed to have a 26 gallon tank. My old '05 did, my dad's '04 and '08 both did, and this one is supposed to. Internet says it does, owners manual says it does, Ford guys say it does, etc. However, I have yet to put more than 21 gallons in this truck. I have run it until my computer says I have 0 miles to empty, literally, and it didn't die and I was only able to put 21 gallons in. On my '05 I was able to put over 25 gallons in a couple of times. The new Ford's tell you how many miles you've gone in a trip, how many gallons of fuel you've used, and how many miles to empty, as well as the standard old needle gauge. They're all consistent in their readings. Computer says I've used 20-21 gallons and I have 5 miles to empty. Then I fill it up and sure enough put 20-21 gallons in. Needle is also on red when this happens.

When I ask the ford guys through chat on the ford website they just respond with "I'm sorry you're unhappy with your fuel economy." That's not it at all.. very happy with the fuel economy (17 mpg avg over a tank). I'm not happy with my range. I have to fill up every 300-350 miles, where I routinely got 400 out of my old truck.

The only things I can think of are my computer is messed up (but I've had it reset) or that they leave a "cushion" or safety factor. I really find it hard to believe though that they'd leave you 5 gallons (almost 100 extra miles if you have 17 mpg).

I've thought about loading up a 5 gallon tank and putting it on the back and running my truck until it quits, but given that it's a diesel I haven't had the balls to do it with fear of not being able to get it started again.

This really isn't too big a deal, but something that has just been bugging me ever since I got the truck and wanted to see if I could get some insight.

Thanks and Gig'em.

FWIW, I have the same issue but I carry n extra 45 gal tank so doesnt rell bug me. Min is also a 2011

The new 2011 is so dang good in every way that I may keep it well past my normal 100 K miles

I absolutely agree. I keep thinking to myself... if this is the worst, actually the only, problem I have with the first year model with a new engine then I'm doing pretty dang good.

I ran a Bully Dog programmer on my '05 and this one runs just as good or better stock.

When those trucks first came out, the "buffer" was a lot smaller. We had several trucks come in that ran dry even when the trip computer said they had 10-20 miles to empty. The problem is with the fuel tank sending units. They vary resistance based on fuel level, so a small error could result in running out of fuel.

Outside of the inconvenience of running out of fuel, SIGNIFICANT damage to the high pressure fuel pump results from running the truck out of fuel (running water or gasoline through them is a no-no as well). The transfer pump on the back of the high pressure pump sits in an aluuminum housing and is lubricated solely by the diesel fuel running throgh it. When you run it dry it sends small aluminum metal flakes all through the fuel system and they damage injectors and the hpp.

I just had a 50 gallon tank put on my 2012 F250 diesel. It was a replacement tank. That sure does extend the range.

It's probably like an idiot light. Their way of keeping people from running their trucks dry. You probably have 4 gallons left as a reserve. Also, some fuel pumps are in the fuel tank and use the fuel to keep them cool. If you run it dry, it can overheat the pump causing damage over time. Just my 2 cents.

My 2004 Dodge does the same thing. When it reads 0 miles left it takes 22 gallons to fill it up even though it's a 26 gallon tank. I've run it another 30 miles after it hit 0 before and filled it up with 25 gallons.
My only guess is that it's a way to help keep people from waiting until they're running on fumes to fill up, which also help reduce the amount of debris the fuel system picks up at the bottom of the tank when it's run dry.

My 2011 f150 can go at least 60 miles past the "0 miles to empty" and I know it has a 26 gallon tank.

Grow some balls and drive it for more than normal.

That's probably it. Just wish those guys would come out and tell me that. I usually fill it up when my computer tells me I got 50 miles to empty anyway... so I guess now I got 150 miles to empty and I'm filling up.

Only for now

his dilemma /= your dilemma. you can get a can and fill up. he is probably out $1000.

not sure its an issue if growing balls

Interesting read from Agmechanic. I assume the same small buffer applies to 2009 moels. I have an 09 F250. When I first got it, I ran it smooth out of diesel when my computer said I had 27 miles left. Ever since, I head to fuel station as soon as I get to the 50 mile warning.

That is your question ? You are not a mech. obviously(sorry if i misspelled that) Keep it full an you won't have problems sorry to sound so blunt but.......

[This message has been edited by jaseev (edited 9/13/2012 12:14a).]

You already got an answer but yeah, it's a 26 gallon tank that's designed to be stupid proof. They do that by making it run out of gas at 21 gallons so you are forced to fill up before hand to avoid everything agmech said.

Guys I misread the OP. The issue I was describing actually applies to the 08-10 6.4L.

However, all current model diesel eninges will suffer some kind of damage when run dry. It is hard to run a 20k psi pump without any kind of fluid in it.

If running your tank dry on occasion ruins a pump, then Ford needs to re-design their system.

I'm not advocating running your tank dry every other day, but if you happen to do so - it's not going to kill your pump either. And if it does, then the design flat sucks.

What kind of diesel are you driving?

I thought all Ford HPOP (for creating diesel injection pressures) use engine oil (the"O" in HPOP), thus most parts are unaffected by loss of fuel. My experience with 7.3L units were only an aggravation if ran out of diesel, no damage.

I drive a Ford diesel sunchaser.

OP go talk to 1Ags if you havent already on the automotive board. That guy is pure genius when it comes to anything Ford.

You could get a tape measure and get a rough idea of the tank's volume. Probably precise enough to resolve a 5gal difference.

The diesel exhaust fluid system might have something to do with it...the '08-'10 only had the DPF, no DEF in conjunction with it.

Is this really a big deal? I mean, they have gas stations on every corner now days...and frankly, rather than ford redesigning a system, its probably easier just to not be a retard when it comes to planning trips and getting fuel.

That's what I do. I have a 6.0, and i am not sure what happens when I run out of fuel, but I really have no excuse to do so with the gauges, lights, beeping, etc.

These arent exactly your daddies old diesel.

[This message has been edited by BrazosDog02 (edited 9/13/2012 3:31p).]

The obvious answer is you have a 4 gallon drug mule tank.

I have a 2011 and the most I have had to put in when it said I had 50 miles to go was 21 gal.

Now, I had a 2004 F-250 short bed prior to this 2011 that had a 29 gallon tank. After the fuel clicked off, I could spend another 5 minutes or so, milking the tank and ended up putting 34 gallons in the tank.

My 2011 does the exact same thing. I never looked at the book to check the tank size. I always assumed that the tank was smaller to accommodate room for the DEF tank. I guess I was wrong. However I have definitely considered gettin the after market 50 gallon tank. My only concern is ground clearance.

Ford stopped using high pressure oil in the injection system in 2008.

Yes it damages the pump running it out of fuel.

My F250 is an extended cab and has a 38 gallon tank. I pay more attention to the fuel gauge as opposed to the digital. If I fill up with about 1/8 of a tank it's going to be around 28 gallons.

If you get a bad batch of diesel and they have to pull everything from the water separator under the drivers seat to the fuel tank sender....you can verify that the tank really holds 38 gallons. I assure you there are cheaper methods.

My '06 Silverado Duramax did the same thing. 26 gal tank, never put more than 21 gal in it. EVER.

I think part of the issue is that foamy low-sulpur crap Uncle Sugar is making us run now... but that's not all of it.

Now, on my '10 Ram 1500 4x4 with a 26 gal tank, at bone dry by the DTE sensor, I put in 24.5-25 gal.

"Today, we showed the resolve of the United States. Today we made a statement to the world... That you can hit us, you can knock us down, but we're gonna get up. And when we do, we will find you and kick your ass!"
- Robert E Clark II, Cpt USN, Commandant of Midshipmen May 1, 2011

Sounds like I have my answer. Thanks Ags.

And Brazosdog, no it really is not a big deal if I'm just driving around town because like I said there is nothing wrong with my fuel economy so it's not like I'm spending more on diesel or anything, just having to buy it more frequently.

The only thing thats a problem is that just about 3/4 weekends I'm making road trips that are 350 miles one way. The last 90 miles going and the first 90 miles coming have no gas stations. Fortunately I can pretty much park my truck for the weekend and use one of our ranch trucks. In my old 6.0 I would just rob some farm diesel (truck ran better on that anyway) and head on back. Given that the trucks since '08 will crap out on anything other than low-sulfur diesel, I'm pretty limited now.

In sum... I'm not retarded. I know how to put diesel in my truck without letting it run out. In fact that makes it worse, because I hate letting it get that close to empty. I usually fill up when my computer tells me I have less than 75-100 MTE, which means I really have about 150 MTE (because of the idiot factor) and so I'm typically filling up every 300 miles. An inconvenience relative to the 400-450 miles I would get out of a tank on the 6.0.

Anyway, thanks for the insight guys. Puts my mind at ease that my truck isn't out of the ordinary and I'll just continue to fill up at 19-20 gallons.

Nfx, didn't mean to imply YOU were retarded. It was a general population "you". In fact my whole post was a blanket statement. Your question is a valid one.

No worries. I'm just glad to have an answer. I seriously have asked multiple guys at Ford dealerships and they look at me like they have no clue what I'm talking about. I would even ask them point blank if it's just an idiot-proof deal or if it was the DEF tank or what and they would just be like, hmm... I dunno that's weird. Guess they didn't want to tell the truth.

Oh well, time to start shopping for a bigger tank.

Get a 50 gal Titan replacement tank and stop worrying about it. I usually go about 750 miles between fillups and have 9 gal left when the gauge is sitting on empty.

I thought all super dutys came with a 38 gallon tank or larger.