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cold bladder?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Fuel Economy' started by barbaram, Oct 26, 2006.

  1. barbaram

    barbaram Active Member

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    Only 3 pips left- driven only about 250 miles on NJ turnpike in windy conditions, not my best tank but surprise! it showed full with only about 5 gallons! I know, I know, lots of pumping issues...

    but is it likely now that it has dropped into the 40's and 50's here that the badder does not expand as well as when it is 70 or above?? so an actual "full tank"may only be 10 gallons or less?????
     
    #1 barbaram, Oct 26, 2006
  2. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    I just refuelled with one bar (not blinking). 717 kms and 32.117 litres (roughly 8.5 gals US) and it's 50°F here
     
    #2 Tideland Prius, Oct 26, 2006
  3. Proco

    Proco Senior Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(barbaram @ Oct 26 2006, 09:00 PM) [snapback]339001[/snapback]</div>
    I think that is indeed the case. I'm starting to notice a definite drop from the summer. To make things worse, I don't have a garage. So my car will be about as cold as a car can be. I had to scrape my windows for the first time this morning! :eek:

    On this tank, the MFD is telling me I'm getting around 52, but I have a hunch my hand calcs will be lower. I just dropped to my 5th pip after about 225 miles. When it was warmer that didn't happen until around 275.
     
    #3 Proco, Oct 27, 2006
  4. dreichla

    dreichla New Member

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    It sucks getting cold.
     
    #4 dreichla, Oct 27, 2006
  5. john1701a

    john1701a Prius Guru

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(barbaram @ Oct 26 2006, 08:00 PM) [snapback]339001[/snapback]</div>
    That's awful soon to refill. I know that it's very hard to break the traditional gauge habit, but the digital pips are setup to tell you to refill when they are gone. In other words, last one about to blink is around 8 gallons. That's a normal amount. Before that, is unnecessary.

    In other words, use mileage. 250 miles is also an indication of gas not needed yet. You've still got another 100 miles, at least, before refilling.

    As for the bladder shrinking, that effect does not begin until temps drop below freezing. And you really won't notice a big difference until it colder than about 15F.
     
    #5 john1701a, Oct 27, 2006
  6. barbaram

    barbaram Active Member

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    I guess I'd rather fill up at a favorable gas station than be stuck in the middle of what saying "why didn't I get gas????"

    can't afford to run out on my way to work.......
     
    #6 barbaram, Oct 28, 2006
  7. jmpenn

    jmpenn New Member

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    Yes it seems to make a big difference. I was down to the one blinking PIP this past weekend. During the summer that would mean 9.5 - 10 gallons on fill up. This time around 8.5 gallons.
     
    #7 jmpenn, Oct 30, 2006
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