Car will barely start/run when fuel gage hits 1/4 full?

OK guys!

Symptom:
I've calculated I only have 7.5 or 8 gallons of "useable"
gas. Turning the ignition will start the car 1/4 full and
below but the engine won't run over 500RPM, usually dies
before I can shift into drive. Shift into drive and I can
barely crawl to the closest gas station. Fill'er up and
no problem. Crank 'er up and I'm off to the races.


The Particulars:
2000 SL1, 113K miles, factory fuel system equipment. I
know....replace the fuel filter dummy....but this can't be
filter related.....could it? BTW-do I need any special
tools to change the fuel filter? Is this filter a
standard "auto parts house" part?

Any help very much appreciated!!!
Nik

 

Make sure the gas tank isn't dented.

Could be bad pump, improperly positioned pickup, a leaky pickup
tube, etc.

 

I agree partially. Sounds like the pick-up tube is damaged in some way.
Maybe even deteriorated somehow.

Can you run it to empty or does it eventually not run at all? That would
indicate that the pick-up doesn't work at all at some point.

Regardless, that would be my first guess and my first fix right after
dumping a can of SeaFoam gas treatment into the tank at the next fill-up.
Part # SF-16 from NAPA stores. Awesome stuff. Better than Stabil and does
more than most "dry gas" and "carbon remover" treatments.

Cured my 1986 Kawasaki Motorcycle of it's hesitation after sitting and
"gumming" for 3 years unridden in some guy's garage with Stabil. Also fixed
my stuck rings on the 1988 Camry I used to drive. I'll be using it on my
SL2 over the next few weeks to try and unstick the rings here... Report
pending.

Regards,
Joe - VROC #8013 - '86 VN750 - joe @ yunx .com - 973.571.1456 24/7

Ask me about "The Ride" on July 31, '04:
http://www.youthelate.com/the_ride.htm

4 bedroom house for sale in NJ: http://GoneHome.com/62236

 

Almost sounds like a dent in the tank or sediment.
Joe

 

My '99 SW1 did the same thing... replaced the fuel pump to fix it.