Ran out of gas, put some gas in my van but did not start. Changed the fuel filter but still did not start. Hear the fuel pump working but no start.
Jul 19, 2022 at 5:02 PM
Will not start after running out of gas?
1998 DODGE CARAVAN
ART6336
- MEMBER
- 1 POST
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Before you go looking for the hard stuff, put in at least five gallons of gas, then try to start the engine.
The fuel pickup screen sits in a small bowl to prevent fuel from running away from it when going around corners when the fuel level is really low. When the level is high in the tank, fuel spills over into the bowl to keep it full. When you get down near empty, the fuel returning from the fuel rail washes up a ramp around that bowl, then back into the bowl. That rushing fuel draws in more fuel from the tank, also to keep the bowl full.
In the case of my '88 Grand Caravan, after running it out of gas, when adding some, it exited the filler tube and dumped right into that bowl. A quart was more than enough to restart the engine. In my '94 Grand Voyager, the fuel missed that bowl and went right into the tank where it couldn't reach the pickup screen and tube. It took a minimum of five gallons before it was high enough to spill over into the bowl, then the engine could be restarted. At that point, the fuel returning from the fuel rail on the engine kept the bowl full while the level in the rest of the tank dropped.
Let me know if that gets you going. If it doesn't, the next step is to see exactly what we have for fuel pressure. Here's a link to an article that shows how we do that:
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator
You can usually borrow a fuel pressure gauge from an auto parts store that rents or borrows tools.
The fuel pickup screen sits in a small bowl to prevent fuel from running away from it when going around corners when the fuel level is really low. When the level is high in the tank, fuel spills over into the bowl to keep it full. When you get down near empty, the fuel returning from the fuel rail washes up a ramp around that bowl, then back into the bowl. That rushing fuel draws in more fuel from the tank, also to keep the bowl full.
In the case of my '88 Grand Caravan, after running it out of gas, when adding some, it exited the filler tube and dumped right into that bowl. A quart was more than enough to restart the engine. In my '94 Grand Voyager, the fuel missed that bowl and went right into the tank where it couldn't reach the pickup screen and tube. It took a minimum of five gallons before it was high enough to spill over into the bowl, then the engine could be restarted. At that point, the fuel returning from the fuel rail on the engine kept the bowl full while the level in the rest of the tank dropped.
Let me know if that gets you going. If it doesn't, the next step is to see exactly what we have for fuel pressure. Here's a link to an article that shows how we do that:
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator
You can usually borrow a fuel pressure gauge from an auto parts store that rents or borrows tools.
Jul 20, 2022 at 10:03 AM
Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.