[Billr]

Earlier in this thread, someone mention topping off the tank(s)(in our case). While I have found that the DIC is generally accurate, I also have seemed to note that the fuel temperature when pumped, and how much I coax all the foam out of the tank can make a large difference in both the calculated by hand and the DIC readings, sometimes more than several MPG. This also seems to affect the gallons used figures which would logically follow. While this may seem academic to some, we are out west where the fuel points, and the reasonable fuel costs, are very far apart. We sometimes push our maximum range with the 56 gallons we carry and 1 or 2 mpg, and a warm fuel load can drastically reduce how far you are going to get. We have noted almost a 100 mile difference in supposedly full tanks.

And contrary to what most people think, fuel temperature is NOT compensated for in California when you the buy the stuff. It's delivered temperature compensated but at the pump its at what ever the ground temperature is. Most dealers get several hundred (extra) gallons that is pure profit on every tanker load due to this. A recent offer by the main maker of Ca. fuel pumps to furnish free in new pumps, temperature compensation valves was quietly shelved recently. I suspect that fuel temperature (density) is a major culprit as it can vary by almost 20%. With fuel prices @ $4, a warm fuel temperature can cost you as much as 80 cents a gallon. Oddly enough, temperature compensation is by law in Canada. Does anyone have any information on this in other states?
Bill