The yellow Tech Manual for the Mondial t (on page A-10) lists the petrol (gas) tank capacity at 22.5 U.S. gal. A Reserve is also listed at 5.28 U.S gal. (see pic) Does this mean that, if completely empty, the tank would hold 27.78 gal. ? Or perhaps its the case when the fuel gauge shows empty, there is still 5 + gal. in the tank?
No, It should say "the total capacity is 22.5 U.S. gal. of which 5.28 U.S. gal. is considered the reserve" (i.e., the low fuel warning light comes "on" at about 5 gal remaining).
Exactly, the reserve is the remaining volume of gas that triggers the warning light. It's not an additional volume of gas beyond the given capacity of the fuel tank. On my vintage Ferrari it is a red light on the gas gauge.
I have tested the capacity of several cars of that period but not a Mondial. A. It is as Steve said. B. It is probably the most accurate data in the book.
At 1/3 fuel showing on the gauge of the Mondial t, the low fuel light began to come on and off. A fill-up topped it off at 17 gal. Yes, 22.5 gal seems correct for the car. On other cars I've owned, I would carry a gallon gas can and run the tank dry, just to see where the gauge was when really empty. Have not done this with the Ferrari, however.
Thinking of gas and gasoline milage, the same tech manual lists city driving at 13.7 MPG, highway at 21.5. Assuming I have 5+ gal when the low fuel light comes on, I have between 70 - 110 miles to travel until empty in the Mondial t. Good to know.
I did run out of fuel with my Mondial QV once on a level roads due to a fast developping CIS problem. The tank took 83 litres (22 gal); the owner's manual states 87 litres (23 gal). The reserve of 18 litres (4 gal) is clearly within the total capacity, and the yellow light, once it's steady on, is very accurately stating the start of the last 18 litres.
