How do I Improve MPG?
 

I'm currently getting 14mpg in town and 16mpg on the highway.

Any suggestions how to improve my mpg w/out trashing my engine?

Thanks,

Lee

Year, model, engine, trans, tire size, gear ratio, any lift, any mods already done, all helps to inform people what your working with.

Your fuel mileage is close to what most others getting, personally I get around 15 & 18. Every truck is a little different and IMO there is no silver bullet for improving mileage except having a light right foot.

I am a believer that your foot is the best MPG saver. I get around 14 in town, but 18 on the hwy. But then again, these motors don't like to be babied all the time either. Double edged sword IMO. My solution: I let the wife baby it and I drive the snot out of it LOL

Also depending on what part of the country you live in will play a part on your fuel mileage in the winter. In the winter my average rural driving gets me about 15 even when using a cetane booster. Come summer that figure goes up to 17+ but on the interstate I get 20 running empty. Make sure your tires have the proper air fill.

Look at my sig. I get 20mpg at 65-70

Strange thing about diesels. You increase the horsepower you will get better gas milage. You might want to buy a custom tuner but that may cost you $400 and will only improve MPG by 1-2. This essentially saves you $.01 - 0.02 per mile. If you drive the average of 20,000 per year it will take you about a year and a half to get back your money. Or you pick up a peice of scrap 2X4 and put it under your gas pedal when ever you drive! :-X10

That all that can be said really.

This is something that really gets me because it is misleading. Tuners(for the most part, unless you use a custom tune to detune the engine, some do, but most don't) are power enhancers first and foremost. If you get any mileage, that's great be happy, but don't expect it. Hotter tunes have had better results, however, like on a stock truck, it is all proportional to the activity of the right foot.

Even then, all the variables that go into calculating mpg for all vehicles period will play a part and you may not see any mpg gains period. I also wouldn't go by the computer at all if you are using that to calculated mpg, because the computer is really going to be fooled with the overfueling that tuners do. If I could trust the computer, I would be getting 21 mpg versus the 12.9 that I regularly get.

A 2x4 under the pedal works:-missingt

My computer reading is always within 1/2 mpg compared to calc. mileage but I am 100% stock. I do however use the computer reading to alert me if something is changing. Side note: So far I am extremely happy with the new TSB 09-24-3 flash released in November. Seems to be quieter with a little smoother power and possibly a little better mileage.

Well, I do think there are things we can do to make our engines/drive trains more efficient, and thus increasing MPG. For example, removing or by-passing the EGR will not allow spent gases to be re-introduced into the combustion cycle. This will improve efficiency. Using the right tires for your gearing, inflated to the proper PSI will improve efficiency. IMproving intake (zoodad, etc.) , removing the cat and adding an un-restricted exhaust system improves efficiency. Optimal tuning, although primarily a power ennacer, can also improve efficency. All these things can add up.

I have my doubts about 1/2 of your statements.

Thanks Buckman. I was hoping that would get a laugh.:-X06

Sorry, but as 69cj states I don't agree either. Especially the zoodad mod. Unless you are pushing way more power, the stock intake is good. You are just exposing the intake to more road debris and moisture (rain/snow). I've seen the filters on those and when the first two inches are wet as a dish rag, I can't see that helping. Mine is dead stock and in the winter I get 17 mpg on the highway, summer it's around 20. Yes, that's measured. Usually drive at 68 mph (110km/hr) with cruise set. After that it tanks. The exhaust I can see making a little difference, however you would have to see a far more massive increase in efficiency to justify the cost. Diesel World - More MPG for Your Super Duty have a read through this article and you can draw your own conclusions.