12 replies to this topic

[x.Millie.x]

I'm guessing it varies at least a bit depending on the year of manufacture and the model, but what is the average fuel tank capacity of a Mini?

Mine is a 1994 1.3 spi and the gauge gets very close to the red after about 15 litres! I'm under the impression that there's usually 5 litres left when it gets to the red, so does my fuel tank really only hold 20 litres?

I know I could run it to empty and refill it from the petrol can to find out, but I'm interested to know what your capacities are too, as well as see if anyone has any general thoughts/advice on the matter!

And yes, I could also check the manual, but it's more fun this way

Cheers!

[Cooperman]

The standard tank holds 33.4 litres.
Gauges are very inaccurate.
Early Minis had 24.5 litre tanks, that's the Mk 1, Mk 2 and early Mk 3. I don't know from when the bigger tank was fitted, but any early 80's onwards will have the 33.4 l tank.

[newdawn1st]

Gauges are inaccurate, I just found out where the real empty is on my gauge

[MRA]

Hi,

Your Spi should have a capacity of 7.5 gallons......... 4.55 litres per UK gallon means that you should have a capacity of 34 litres

Don't be tempted to "empty" the tank by driving to see how much it should have as this will suck all the sediment from the bottom of the tank and damage your pump, block your filter etc....

All saloon tanks where similar in size apart from the width so if you measure your tanks width this will confirm the capacity

It is not unheard of for the sender unit to be a mile out either

[jimmyH]

My 1997 MPI can run under the red line (empty), I can then put £10 in it and get it a fraction above the red line. Ran it empty a few times, putting 33 liters in too the tip top.
But doesn't last very long

[shorty]

The standard tank holds 33.4 litres.
Gauges are very inaccurate.
Early Minis had 24.5 litre tanks, that's the Mk 1, Mk 2 and early Mk 3. I don't know from when the bigger tank was fitted, but any early 80's onwards will have the 33.4 l tank.

my 1989 flame has a 5.5gallon (24.5/25 litre) tank in it

[MRA]

The standard tank holds 33.4 litres.
Gauges are very inaccurate.
Early Minis had 24.5 litre tanks, that's the Mk 1, Mk 2 and early Mk 3. I don't know from when the bigger tank was fitted, but any early 80's onwards will have the 33.4 l tank.

my 1989 flame has a 5.5gallon (24.5/25 litre) tank in it

You must have the "special light weight" version......... Your 1989 Mini should have a 7.5 (UK) gallon tank fitted

[daemonchild]

The standard tank holds 33.4 litres.
Gauges are very inaccurate.
Early Minis had 24.5 litre tanks, that's the Mk 1, Mk 2 and early Mk 3. I don't know from when the bigger tank was fitted, but any early 80's onwards will have the 33.4 l tank.

my 1989 flame has a 5.5gallon (24.5/25 litre) tank in it

The strapping system is dfferent on the Mk3 and before.
It's a metal strap over the top of the tank, whereas the new tanks use the welded on bracket.
I've got my big tank out of my Flame running my '73 at the moment as the tank it came with is rusty beyond rusty (on the inside sadly).
Not sure how I'll strap it in place for MOT, so may need to source a smaller tank.

Unless anhyone can suggest how to clean out the rust from inside a tank?

[THE STIG]

The strapping system is dfferent on the Mk3 and before.
It's a metal strap over the top of the tank, whereas the new tanks use the welded on bracket.
I've got my big tank out of my Flame running my '73 at the moment as the tank it came with is rusty beyond rusty (on the inside sadly).
Not sure how I'll strap it in place for MOT, so may need to source a smaller tank.

Unless anhyone can suggest how to clean out the rust from inside a tank?

i have some good 5.5 gallons tanks need rid of where going on ebay

only other thing is petseal tank sealant is avalible from loads of places

http://www.mandp.co....ra-Tank-Sealant


the spi and mpi tanks hold slighty less due to the fuel pump etc in the tank but is minimal about 1/2 litre would say

[x.Millie.x]

Cool, cheers guys. Considering mine is 1994, it seems likely to have the 34 litre tank then. Looks like my gauge has been lying to me, and 'red' is actually closer to HALF!

[daemonchild]

Cool, cheers guys. Considering mine is 1994, it seems likely to have the 34 litre tank then. Looks like my gauge has been lying to me, and 'red' is actually closer to HALF!

Still, look on the bright side - you'd never have run out of fuel...

[minisilverbullet]

Cool, cheers guys. Considering mine is 1994, it seems likely to have the 34 litre tank then. Looks like my gauge has been lying to me, and 'red' is actually closer to HALF!

Exactly the same situation for me, when on red i can only fill it with afurther 15-16 litres also an spi from 96.

its a bit of a pain not knowing exactly how much is left, seems like am always filling (topping) it up.

[StayDrunk]

The standard tank holds 33.4 litres.
Gauges are very inaccurate.
Early Minis had 24.5 litre tanks, that's the Mk 1, Mk 2 and early Mk 3. I don't know from when the bigger tank was fitted, but any early 80's onwards will have the 33.4 l tank.

my 1989 flame has a 5.5gallon (24.5/25 litre) tank in it

You must have the "special light weight" version......... Your 1989 Mini should have a 7.5 (UK) gallon tank fitted

i have a feeling mine is the same, i looked in the tank and it was just under a 1/4 full, filled her up to max and got 13 litres out of the pump! mines a 91' rover 998


P.S thread from the dead i know but i found it on google!

Edited by StayDrunk, 30 January 2013 - 08:59 PM.