What does the cruising range number indicate how many miles to empty on the 2014 GS350

 

Yes, theoretically. I have pushed it a few times, but I don't recommend it. It's harder on the fuel filter and who really wants to walk when you can ride in a Lexus RX 350? ; ) I have been about 20 miles past the cruising range of "0" twice. Filling up revealed just under 2 gallons in the tank if the rated capacity is accurate.

 

 

Who wants to ride in a Lexus RX 350 when you can ride in a Lexus GS 350?

 

 

The filter in the tank is just a pre-filter, commonly called a sock. It keeps the big bits out. Unless your tank is old or you've left it open to the elements for a long time, there should be very little in a car less than 10 years old.

In an old car, running the tank very low will cause the gunk (rust scale and decades of debris) to adhere to the sock, which will block fuel from passing into the pickup. Filling it back up will release the gunk back into suspension.

The gunk is there whether the tank is full or empty and is always settled in the bottom after sitting.

 

I've always wondered what the real range was when the low fuel light comes on. I know with my old Camry LE V6 when that light came on you had an easy 40+ miles to get gas... but on the GS I've never tempted fate that much and never gone beyond 25 or so when the light comes on. (and its rare that I even let it get that low to begin with... ) usually im filling up right around the 280-300 miles on a tank range and have a quarter or more left.

-Mike

 

I just took a trip last week, all highway going about 85mph on cruise control the entire time, (Through flat Kansas) I got 330 miles out of a tank and it said 25 miles left to go. Usually, mixed driving, I get about 280-300 miles.

One of my only complaints about this car... my old car had a 5.5L V8 and got better gas mileage and a 500 mile range.

 

This is a myth. Think about it. The fuel pickup is at the bottom of the tank, and so is any gunk/residue/trash/crap.

 

Fuel filter is less of a concern, it's the fuel pump that could burn out because it's cooled by the fuel itself if you keep running the tank dry.

 

Yeah, but there's a big difference between "running it to a couple gallons left in the tank" vs "running it out". I think everyone agrees running it dry would be bad.

-Mike

 

You should have between 2 and 3 gallons left when the cruising range gets down to 0.

 

Yes, running it low shouldn't be an issue as the fuel flowing through it will keep it cool enough. By the time you've reached 1/4 tank, the entire pump is fully exposed on most vehicles. I can't find a good shot of the in-tank unit on a Lexus but it looks pretty standard.

Running it out will allow it to free run and probably overheat if you keep the key on.

 

How many fuel pumps have you ever heard about being burned-out for any reason?

 

I can attest to that, I have both!