Turn off the OD to get better mileage?
#1
Turn off the OD to get better mileage?
Will it hurt the transmission in my '99 OffRoad to run it with the overdrive off for long distances? I drove it a little yesterday with the OD off, and it sure makes the 4.6L more fun. The main reason that I did it and am thinking about doing it some more is to see if my gas mileage goes up. I know that it sounds stupid, but lately I've got 14, 14, 15, and 15.5. The 14 mpg is from city and backroad driving, and this is where I'm wanting to run it without OD. Dad has a '78 F-150 4WD with a 351M and a 4-sp, 3.50 gears, and 33's, and it gets 13-14 steady. When I had my '88 F-150 4WD, 351W and a C6, 3.55 gears and 32's, it got 13 whether I drove it like a boy or an older fella. With the OD on in my '99 and driving in the city or backroads, it seems like the 4.6L is bogging along all of the time. With the OD off, it's got some life to it and the RPM's are where they feel like they should be to an old school guy like me, around 2000 RPM. Still, I don't want to try this if it's going to hurt my transmission.
#3
Originally Posted by balingwire
Will it hurt the transmission in my '99 OffRoad to run it with the overdrive off for long distances? .... Still, I don't want to try this if it's going to hurt my transmission.
you're building excessive heat in the tranny. A definate short cut to tranny troubles. And yes, in this type of driving you will get better MPG with no OD.
#4
Originally Posted by wmcnally
You will be helping your transmission last longer by locking out the OD in some situations. If the "back roads" you're driving are hilly and have many curves and climbs, causing the engine to bog down, or causing many shifts in and out of OD
you're building excessive heat in the tranny. A definate short cut to tranny troubles. And yes, in this type of driving you will get better MPG with no OD.
you're building excessive heat in the tranny. A definate short cut to tranny troubles. And yes, in this type of driving you will get better MPG with no OD.
Agree.
The only time OD will get you more mileage is sustained steady driving at 50 mph or faster. It won't hurt to try it. If it works or not, let us know!! Rob
#5
It is my opinion (and only and opinion) that engines have a sweet spot and if you are outside of the sweet spot it may be possible to get better MPG and also lugging and engine is never a good thing.
I remember years ago when Datson (now Nisson) built a very very cheap vehicle with a 5 speed that was under powered. Consumer Reports wrote that the vehicle got better MPG in 4th gear than in 5th gear.
So give it a try and let us know.
I remember years ago when Datson (now Nisson) built a very very cheap vehicle with a 5 speed that was under powered. Consumer Reports wrote that the vehicle got better MPG in 4th gear than in 5th gear.
So give it a try and let us know.
#7
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Yeah I always turn my OD off while in the city, mine would kick into OD if I was going 35 and let off of the gass all the way. Then when I hit the pedal it would have to downshift. Should help your trans in town. I can't imagine that you could get better gas economy if going over 50MPH consistently, because your engine will be turning more RPMS= more fuel.