The fuel system is not designed to properly operate with only a gallon in
the tank. You are trying real hard to destroy the fuel pump and you will
succeed. The tank inlet is in a bit of a sump and the return goes to it to
help keep the pump inlet flooded.

As for the gauge reading differently with the new alternator the gauges are
feed from a regulator on the instrument panel that provides ~10 volts to the
gauges. Back in the old days a vibrator was used. This helps keep the gauges
unaffected by varying system voltages.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Kim Springer
Sent: Tuesday, June 15, 2010 12:50 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Low Fuel Engine Dies

Volks,

I recently had some engine work done and they also replaced the alternator.

Got the truck back and it had a new symptom: The engine quit when it was
between cold and warm up (about one minute post cold start and 5 minutes of
running time). It did this consistently.

Funny thing is it only does this when low on fuel. Full tank, even half
tank, no issue.

I also ran out of gas because the gauge reads differently with the new
alternator (or cleaner contacts as has been posted on the list in the past),
but I thought it stalling was due to the symptom. But it was happening, even
with a gallon plus (about 30 miles worth) of fuel still in the tank.

My question is: is this symptom indicative of a fuel pump ready to die or a
dirty fuel filter?

Does anyone's WBX stall when low on fuel and warming up, even though there
is still a gallon of fuel in the tank?

I now it's a weird one, but feedback appreciated,

Kim

'88 Tristar #7