I've run down to about 1/8 tank and was scared that it would start sucking air in the pump.

However, when I filled up, it was only 14.5 gallons. How many gallons does the tank hold? I thought it was about 17.

(I usually fill up at 1/2, which is 11 gallons)

 

15 gallons. newer ones have 16, i think 98 up.

 

i have a 97 z i always fill up on fridays with the gauge just above 3/4 of a tank and it takes about 11 gal a few times i have gone almost to E and it took just under 16 gal when full i can go back and forth to work all week wich is about 15 miles each way but as soon as that gauge goes below the 3/4 mark that gauge drops real fast

 

Wow, only 15. I was really close to empty. I'm thinking fuel cell!

 

So what exactly is the fix? Is it the float or the gauge itself?

 

neither, its the shape and angle of the tank, its wider at the top and is almost on end so as the level goes down it goes down faster.

 

Ahh, so no fix? I havent picked my car up yet, but the seller says he runs out between a 1/2 and 1/4 tank???

 

running out above 1/4 i would suspect the pickup or the float is not working correctly. could be a bent float arm from a previous pump install. if the bottom of the pickup canister gets plugged i would think it would run out with quite a bit of fuel still in the tank.

 

I think mine may have a dif fuel tank, mine did 17.5 when it was close to empty. That wasnt with the pump locked either, i always hold it the whole time. I just looked at how much was in there and was like "wtf?" I didnt spill out, leak nor stopped filling at any point....

 

99-02 tank is 16.9 93-98 is 15.5 i would say you were very very close to running out or you have a aftermark tank of some sort. or the station is ripping people off. wouldnt be the first time.