Fuel evaporation

[7212Mopar]

I have a new SS gas tank and nearly full tank when I parked the car a few months back. Few days ago, I was following another member and inserted a wire in the tank trying to free up the float of the sender. Surprisingly I found the tank is nearly empty. There is no fuel leaks. Is it possible that much fuel can evaporate in such a short time. Car is inside the garage and a locking fuel cap is on. We don't get too hot here either but we do have the CA gas blend. Looks like this is another mystery for me to solve. Thinking about getting a video cam inside. I bought some Gates Barricade fuel line and will be replacing the new rubber lines I installed last year.

[303 Mopar]

Assuming you have an 18 gal tank, I would find it hard to believe that much fuel evaporated in a few months let alone a few years.  Are you 100% positive on the amount of fuel that was in the tank when you parked it? How much you drove the car after the last fill-up? And 100% sure the fuel did not leak out somewhere?

[Cuda Cody]

When you topped off the tank with new fuel how much did it take?  The tank is not very tall so if you're using a wire to see how much fuel it might look low when there's still a lot in there? 

[7212Mopar]

After I installed the engine, I poured 5 gallons in the tank twice. I did ran the engine a few times checking things  and drove around the block once. I say no more than 30 minutes run time. Later for the test drive, I filled the tank up and I think it took another 6 gallons or so. the fuel gauge is not working but I can hear the gas coming up the filler tube. I then drove no more than 5 miles before my trans blew up and then it was parked.

I am thinking may be the wire I inserted did not get to the bottom of the tank? I think I will try open the sender side and check from there. I agree no way that much fuel get evaporated. I am just a nervous wreck with the car this year.

[Racer57]

I suspect your gauge is not working properly.

[Katfish]

I suspect your gauge is not working properly.

I agree, most that you could have lost might have been 1/2 gallon to evaporation.

[Daveh]

Tap on the bottom of the tank and see if it sounds hollow or not. 

[kawahonda]

A coat hanger (full length) that is inserted in the fill tube that "hits" the bottom with 10 gallons of fuel should lead to a significant amoutn of fuel on the hanger...around half of it should be wet.

If it ain't much wet, then you don't have much fuel in there!

[Chryco Psycho]

Do you have kids & do they know where the keys are ??

[7212Mopar]

CP, good try. My son is 12 and he knows better. Besides the only mopar that peek his interest is the Viper.

[kawahonda]

Pfffftt! In time 7212, in time.....

[nsmall]

Dont worry about the fuel.  If its not leaking...you are fine or your neighbors stole some gas, no biggie.  Get that tranny all hooked up, take it easy and get that beast/multi year project running buddy.

[ZEN357]

I would check for leaks, I can't imagine that much fuel evaporating.

[Chryco Psycho]

Lock ring could be leaking that would drop the level down to about 1/2

[RUNCHARGER]

Very good point Psycho, a common issue.