I have 1990 F150 with the 5.0 and the 5 speed. It's a fairly new pickup (to me anyway), I've only put 250 miles on it. I find that I get anywhere from 7-11 miles to the gallon. What can I do to increase this? I know that I'm not gonna get much, but I believe that to be pathetic. I'd appreciate any help.
A full tune-up:
Spark plugs
Spark plug wires
Oxygen sensor(s)
Air filter
Breather filter
PCV valve
PCV hoses and grommets if needed
Check tire pressure
Also tire size has something to do with it as well. If it has over-sized tires that can affect milage,
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1996 F150 Regular cab, SWB, 4.9. 5speed.
- Life is like a roller coaster, Live for the ups.
- Negativity begets hate, hate begets ignorance, ignorance begets stupidity. Don't be stupid.
- If you have to ask "Will this hurt?" do not proceed!
how big of a pain is it to replace the oxygen sensor? What exactly does it do? How much do they run? What kind do I need to get?
I apologize for the questions, I've been looking for some time at them and wondering if it could make my truck run better. Other than my breather filter, I've replaced it all....
keep the o2 sensor OE, it is probably rusted in place. It's in front of the catalytic converter in the y-pipe.
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1996 F150 Regular cab, SWB, 4.9. 5speed.
- Life is like a roller coaster, Live for the ups.
- Negativity begets hate, hate begets ignorance, ignorance begets stupidity. Don't be stupid.
- If you have to ask "Will this hurt?" do not proceed!
The O2 sensor controls the lean/rich setting of the engine. They are supposed to be replaced every 30,000 miles. Cost is around $50, depending on model.
If your O2 sensor is bad or very old, gas mileage can be terrible. On the other hand, there are many other things that can give you terrible gas mileage.
Have you pulled codes from the engine? That would be the place to start. Steve88 can tell you how with a jumper wire, or if you are uncomfortable with jumper wires then buy a codereader. WalMart has a blinking LED version for about $30, codereader.com has a digital one for $70, extension cable and shipping included. Obviously the most expensive one is the easiest to use.
Ok I'll replace that, I had wondered about it. The guy said he hadn't changed the fuel filter in about 70,000 so I'm pretty sure it still has the original O2 sensor.
I put in new plugs, new wires, the distrubitor cap and rotor had been replaced within 2K. I'll have to find a breather filter, I should replace the entire hose as it tends to slip off the filter. Thanks for the help, I'll pick one up and see what happens.
Most autoparts stores sell the same sensor that Ford uses. They can tell you if it is.
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1996 F150 Regular cab, SWB, 4.9. 5speed.
- Life is like a roller coaster, Live for the ups.
- Negativity begets hate, hate begets ignorance, ignorance begets stupidity. Don't be stupid.
- If you have to ask "Will this hurt?" do not proceed!
OE = original equipment (The parts Ford put on your truck at the factory)
OEM = original equipment manufacturer (Ford, Motorcraft, Ate, Sterling, Bosch - whatever company made the OE parts)
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