V8 vs V6

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Oct 27, 2010 | 04:20 PM

#16

chasd

Freshman User

Joined: Jan 2003

Posts: 29

Likes: 0

From: Tucson, AZ, USA

I agree that if hauling heavy loads, one should turn off the OD unless on the flats. I was referring to situations not involving hauling heavy loads.

Oct 28, 2010 | 04:23 PM

#17

mtnlovrs

Junior User

Joined: Jun 2007

Posts: 56

Likes: 0

From: Kansas

Quote:

Originally Posted by chasd

I agree that if hauling heavy loads, one should turn off the OD unless on the flats. I was referring to situations not involving hauling heavy loads.

Hello again, This is taken word for word from the 1997 Explorer owner's manual:

USING OVERDRIVE

Overdrive is the normal drive
position and will stay on
automatically until deactivated.
The overdrive function allows
automatic upshift to second, third

and fourth gear.
Deactivating overdrive

To deactivate overdrive, press the
control at the end of the gearshift
lever. The "

O/D OFF" will illuminate.
Deactivate overdrive when:

I just returned home from a 5000 mile trip through mountainous terrain and averaged 21mpg. While going up and down steep grades I set my cruise and my 302 V8 had no trouble holding it at the set speed with OD turned off. I have tried leaving it turned on in the past and the tranny constantly down-shifts going up hill and won't hold the set speed on the cruise going either up or down hill. My point being that it's just easier on the engine and trans to leave OD off while traveling through hilly or mountainous terrain and it seems to improve gas mileage a bit.