Why am i not getting 4 gallons?! - Motorcycle-Journal Forums

texan_z · 05-13-2008, 06:27 PM

I have a boulevard C50 and the records indicate it is a 4.4 gal tank. But around 120 miles i start to sputter so i go to the gas station and it only fills up 3 gallons? Where is my last gallon and why can't i use it?

Thundurburd · 05-13-2008, 06:35 PM

Check your manual. Your tank probably has a reserve capacity of about a gallon that you switch to when the main tank runs out. Look for the gas shut off valve. The manual should give you the capacity of the full tank plus how much of it is reserve.

texan_z · 05-13-2008, 06:40 PM

THE BOULEVARDS DON'T HAVE A RESERVE SWITCH THE LAST GALLON IS THE RESERVE BUT IS BUILT INTO THE TANK. NO SWITCH....

Thundurburd · 05-13-2008, 06:56 PM

Well, you'll have to wait for one of the C50 riders to help. I've got a S50 and my reserve is I think the down position of the gas line valve.

Someone should come along soon I'm sure.

BTW, welcome to the forum. There are lots of Suzuki riders here.

robertc729 · 05-13-2008, 07:13 PM

My fuel tank is 4.1 gal., what is your riding style? Is your tire pressure correct? The soonest my light has come on is at 140 miles, no sputtering, and I usually put right around 3 gal. in it at that time.

frostbitevinnie · 05-13-2008, 07:29 PM

Seems like you should be getting better than 120. I can go 120 and my bike is a bit of a hog. Last fill 118 mi. topped off at 3.02 gal. My tank is 3.7 gal. C90T

cvillechopper · 05-13-2008, 07:30 PM

These bikes are fuel injected. There is no reserve. If you're stumbling it's got to be something other than low fuel. The fact that only 3 gallons fill the tank is further indication that it's not low fuel. You're still under warranty. Take her into the dealer with the tank at the stumble point and make them fix it. No sense beating yourself up trying to figure it out.

Good luck.

tallannie · 05-13-2008, 09:35 PM

on C50 there is no reserve. I have never felt mine 'stumble' and also suggest this is an issue for dealer. I get about 135 mi before the light flickers and then fill up with about 3 or 3.2 gal... I have gone 165 mi with the light on steady for a long time...so on my C50 you can use all 4 gallons if needed !

Annie

Quote:

Originally Posted by cvillechopper

These bikes are fuel injected. There is no reserve. If you're stumbling it's got to be something other than low fuel. The fact that only 3 gallons fill the tank is further indication that it's not low fuel. You're still under warranty. Take her into the dealer with the tank at the stumble point and make them fix it. No sense beating yourself up trying to figure it out.

Good luck.

texan_z · 05-13-2008, 09:46 PM

I wish i could take it in but because it is a 2005 there is no warrenty left

tallannie · 05-13-2008, 09:49 PM

well ok then.... the solution is to have a few less margaritas... less margaritas / less stumble !!

Quote:

Originally Posted by texan_z

I wish i could take it in but because it is a 2005 there is no warrenty left

Kooter · 05-13-2008, 09:50 PM

My light starts to flash usually around 120 miles as well. I'm sure it's how it's being rode and the fact that I'm a larger guy. I usually put in around 3 gallons at that point as well. I have no idea how far I could go because once that light starts blinking, I start worrying.

texan_z · 05-13-2008, 10:59 PM

Thanks for the help, I will have to figure it out because when i fill up i still see about a gallon in the tank......

Kodatech · 05-13-2008, 11:08 PM

is it under warranty?...take it to the dealer...but it could be a pinhole in the fuel pump pickup line.

Once the fuel level drops below the pinhole the pump sucks in air instead of fuel. I have seen this happen on quite a few cars/trucks.

wildwolf · 05-14-2008, 10:43 AM

Quit buying cheap gas.

Seriously, though, try filling up at a different station for the next three fillups (buy same grade you've been buying, which should be 87 octane) and see if that helps the mileage.

Also as others said, check your tire pressure and condition of your air filters. All will play a roll in mileage.

texan_z · 05-14-2008, 02:17 PM

The mileage is not the problem it is the fact that i can not use the last gallon in the tank. i get great mileage

Quote:

Originally Posted by wildwolf

Quit buying cheap gas.

Seriously, though, try filling up at a different station for the next three fillups (buy same grade you've been buying, which should be 87 octane) and see if that helps the mileage.

Also as others said, check your tire pressure and condition of your air filters. All will play a roll in mileage.

Thanks for the great suggestion!

Thanks Kodatech that is a great suggestion, i will try that

wildwolf · 05-14-2008, 03:42 PM

If you are empty after 120 miles...that's only 40 miles per gallon if you're only using 3 gallons. That bike should be good for nearly 50 mpg, if not 55.

Hodado · 05-14-2008, 05:05 PM

I think the fuel light on the 2005 is not real accurate.I always wanted to run my tank out to see just how far I could get.Last time I figured about 45mpg.But I know what you mean the light comes on before it is really needed.If I had my druthers I'd have a gauge instead

frostbitevinnie · 05-14-2008, 05:49 PM

Put a g-tank in that sucker.

cvillechopper · 05-14-2008, 06:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by texan_z

I wish i could take it in but because it is a 2005 there is no warrenty left

Doh! My bad. I read your signature wrong. Thought it said 2008 C50.
It is possible that the pick-up for the fuel sending unit/pump is clogged not allowing it to pull from the bottom of the tank. 40mpg is pretty low for these bikes so there is definitely something not right (unless you drag race from every stop light). I've even heard of larger debris getting into a tank when you're not looking (leaf blew into one guy's tank) and it causes issues only when the fuel gets to a certain level.
You can try pulling the tank and dropping the fuel pump to see if it's clogged. Do you have a shop manual yet? If not, time to get one. Easily worth the $$.

Also, give us a download on any mods to your bike, maintenance history, etc.

Good luck.

Kodatech · 05-14-2008, 08:36 PM

Just a thought here....I was looking at the C50 specs...and on the 2006-2008 fuel capacity is listed as 4.1 gallons. On a few bike models, fuel capacity is a little less for a "california legal" bike due to a little bit of emissions equipment in the tank. Is it possible that your bike was originally a calfornia model and holds a little less fuel than the rest of them?

I dunno...just a thought.

One more thought....maybe you are getting vapor lock....next time it starts sputtering and you think you need gas, stop on your way to get gas, remove the fuel cap and then put it back on....see if the problem goes away.

05-13-2008, 06:27 PM	#1 (permalink)
texan_z Where Am I ? Joined: May 2008 Bike: 2005 SUZUKI BOULEVARD C50 Location: San antonio, TX Posts: 31	Why am i not getting 4 gallons?! I have a boulevard C50 and the records indicate it is a 4.4 gal tank. But around 120 miles i start to sputter so i go to the gas station and it only fills up 3 gallons? Where is my last gallon and why can't i use it?

05-13-2008, 06:35 PM	#2 (permalink)
Thundurburd Sprocket Pilot Joined: Jul 2007 Bike: 2007 Black S50 Location: SE Wisconsin Posts: 816	Check your manual. Your tank probably has a reserve capacity of about a gallon that you switch to when the main tank runs out. Look for the gas shut off valve. The manual should give you the capacity of the full tank plus how much of it is reserve. __________________ The rubber parts are supposed to be on the bottom.

05-13-2008, 06:40 PM	#3 (permalink)
texan_z Where Am I ? Joined: May 2008 Bike: 2005 SUZUKI BOULEVARD C50 Location: San antonio, TX Posts: 31	No Reserve THE BOULEVARDS DON'T HAVE A RESERVE SWITCH THE LAST GALLON IS THE RESERVE BUT IS BUILT INTO THE TANK. NO SWITCH....

05-13-2008, 06:56 PM	#4 (permalink)
Thundurburd Sprocket Pilot Joined: Jul 2007 Bike: 2007 Black S50 Location: SE Wisconsin Posts: 816	Well, you'll have to wait for one of the C50 riders to help. I've got a S50 and my reserve is I think the down position of the gas line valve. Someone should come along soon I'm sure. BTW, welcome to the forum. There are lots of Suzuki riders here. __________________ The rubber parts are supposed to be on the bottom.

05-13-2008, 07:29 PM	#6 (permalink)
frostbitevinnie No Significant Other Joined: Jul 2007 Bike: 07' C90T 76' MT250 Location: 3rd house NW of the Depot Posts: 2,265	Seems like you should be getting better than 120. I can go 120 and my bike is a bit of a hog. Last fill 118 mi. topped off at 3.02 gal. My tank is 3.7 gal. C90T __________________ Go sit on a egg!!

05-13-2008, 07:13 PM	#5 (permalink)
robertc729 M-J.Com Master Poster Joined: Mar 2006 Bike: 05 Boulevard C50 LE, 06 S40 (wife's bike) Location: Lexington, KY Posts: 3,760	My fuel tank is 4.1 gal., what is your riding style? Is your tire pressure correct? The soonest my light has come on is at 140 miles, no sputtering, and I usually put right around 3 gal. in it at that time.

05-13-2008, 07:30 PM	#7 (permalink)
cvillechopper Clunked into first gear Joined: Jun 2007 Bike: '07 Suzuki M50 Limited, '73 Honda CB550 Location: Charlottesville, VA Posts: 234	These bikes are fuel injected. There is no reserve. If you're stumbling it's got to be something other than low fuel. The fact that only 3 gallons fill the tank is further indication that it's not low fuel. You're still under warranty. Take her into the dealer with the tank at the stumble point and make them fix it. No sense beating yourself up trying to figure it out. Good luck. __________________ It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it. Aristotle '07 Suzuki M50, Corbin Dual Tour with Backrest, Kuryakn SwingWings, 2 1/2" lowering bones, Jeff's Riser Spacers, NGK Iridium Plugs, Amsoil Synth 10w30

05-13-2008, 09:46 PM	#9 (permalink)
texan_z Where Am I ? Joined: May 2008 Bike: 2005 SUZUKI BOULEVARD C50 Location: San antonio, TX Posts: 31	I wish i could take it in but because it is a 2005 there is no warrenty left

05-13-2008, 09:50 PM	#11 (permalink)
Kooter Where Am I ? Joined: May 2008 Bike: '08 Suzuki C50T Location: Cottage Grove, MN (Twin Cities) Posts: 48	My light starts to flash usually around 120 miles as well. I'm sure it's how it's being rode and the fact that I'm a larger guy. I usually put in around 3 gallons at that point as well. I have no idea how far I could go because once that light starts blinking, I start worrying. __________________ If you haven't got a smile on your face and laughter in your heart, then you're just an old sour fart!

05-13-2008, 10:59 PM	#12 (permalink)
texan_z Where Am I ? Joined: May 2008 Bike: 2005 SUZUKI BOULEVARD C50 Location: San antonio, TX Posts: 31	Thanks for the help, I will have to figure it out because when i fill up i still see about a gallon in the tank......

05-13-2008, 11:08 PM	#13 (permalink)
Kodatech Handlebar Consultant Joined: Sep 2005 Posts: 614	is it under warranty?...take it to the dealer...but it could be a pinhole in the fuel pump pickup line. Once the fuel level drops below the pinhole the pump sucks in air instead of fuel. I have seen this happen on quite a few cars/trucks.

05-14-2008, 10:43 AM	#14 (permalink)
wildwolf Wants Better Weather Joined: Jan 2006 Bike: 1999 vs800 intruder, wife has a 1994 vs800 Location: Meridianville, AL Posts: 656	Quit buying cheap gas. Seriously, though, try filling up at a different station for the next three fillups (buy same grade you've been buying, which should be 87 octane) and see if that helps the mileage. Also as others said, check your tire pressure and condition of your air filters. All will play a roll in mileage. __________________

05-14-2008, 03:42 PM	#16 (permalink)
wildwolf Wants Better Weather Joined: Jan 2006 Bike: 1999 vs800 intruder, wife has a 1994 vs800 Location: Meridianville, AL Posts: 656	If you are empty after 120 miles...that's only 40 miles per gallon if you're only using 3 gallons. That bike should be good for nearly 50 mpg, if not 55. __________________

05-14-2008, 05:05 PM	#17 (permalink)
Hodado Newbie Joined: Apr 2008 Bike: c/50 Location: Michigan Posts: 14	I think the fuel light on the 2005 is not real accurate.I always wanted to run my tank out to see just how far I could get.Last time I figured about 45mpg.But I know what you mean the light comes on before it is really needed.If I had my druthers I'd have a gauge instead

05-14-2008, 05:49 PM	#18 (permalink)
frostbitevinnie No Significant Other Joined: Jul 2007 Bike: 07' C90T 76' MT250 Location: 3rd house NW of the Depot Posts: 2,265	Put a g-tank in that sucker. __________________ Go sit on a egg!!

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)

05-14-2008, 08:36 PM	#20 (permalink)
Kodatech Handlebar Consultant Joined: Sep 2005 Posts: 614	Just a thought here....I was looking at the C50 specs...and on the 2006-2008 fuel capacity is listed as 4.1 gallons. On a few bike models, fuel capacity is a little less for a "california legal" bike due to a little bit of emissions equipment in the tank. Is it possible that your bike was originally a calfornia model and holds a little less fuel than the rest of them? I dunno...just a thought. One more thought....maybe you are getting vapor lock....next time it starts sputtering and you think you need gas, stop on your way to get gas, remove the fuel cap and then put it back on....see if the problem goes away.