Fuel Guzzler
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Fuel Guzzler
I have a 99 f-150 XL sport (6 cyl, 4.2) It only has 68k on it and is in great shape. I drive mostly around town and I am averaging only 300 miles a tank. Why is that? Oil is changed every 5k, tires have good tread and inflated properly and engine is in great mechanical shape. I am not hard on the truck either. Could anyone please comment on what the issue is. I am just assuming I should take it in for a tune-up? Thanks, Dave
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You do not mention whether the CEL is on. It's possible that you have some codes stored, and the light doesn't work.
I hate to say it but, might be the time to have it put on a diagnostic computer, when it's stone cold (the truck), and monitor everything as it warms up. I had a '00 E-250 w/4.2, and I got around 16 mpg in general driving, 2-3 less at warp speed.
Dave
I hate to say it but, might be the time to have it put on a diagnostic computer, when it's stone cold (the truck), and monitor everything as it warms up. I had a '00 E-250 w/4.2, and I got around 16 mpg in general driving, 2-3 less at warp speed.
Dave
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Pretty low miles for a 12 year old truck, and that's not always a good thing. Vehicles that sit around a lot tend to have more issues with corrosion, seized parts, hard/cracked rubber lines/seals.
For instance you are pretty used to the truck, and minor issues, over a period of time might not raise any red flags. However, added all together, could easily cost you 3-4 mpg.
Dave
For instance you are pretty used to the truck, and minor issues, over a period of time might not raise any red flags. However, added all together, could easily cost you 3-4 mpg.
Dave
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That's not what galaxie is talking about.
You need to fill up your tank (don't top it off). Get in and reset the trip meter. Drive it as you normally do. When tank is near empty, fill it up again. Take your current trip mileage and divide it by how much gas you used.
Do this over a few tanks and you should get a fairly accurate fuel economy reading for your truck. Reason being is you may be getting 300 miles to the tank, but there could be 4 gallons left, and the gauge is slightly off, or there could be 2.1 gallons in there, there could be anything, so you have to calculate the actual mileage unless you're actually using ALL the gas in the tank to get the readings.
With that said, come back in a few weeks and let us know the mileage over the period of a few tanks.
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I have the same truck, except w/4.6, and the fuel tank is 25 gal., and when the low fuel light comes on, if I stop right away to fill up, I have 2.5 in the tank ( 22.5 gal to fill it up again ). If his figures for miles per tank are pretty close, he's a little over 13 mpg. Not that great for an empty ( payload ) truck.
Dave
Dave
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Ok, so just to clarify Dave.......I am not getting good gas mileage and I should have it checked out?
Another question for the expert: I have very squeaky brakes and they are only a few months old. They are some type of ultra quiet titanium or platinum something. I am willing to bet that all I needed was Ford's recommended Motorcraft pads. What do you think?
Another question for the expert: I have very squeaky brakes and they are only a few months old. They are some type of ultra quiet titanium or platinum something. I am willing to bet that all I needed was Ford's recommended Motorcraft pads. What do you think?
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I guess that's where you are at, regarding any further ideas on your mpg. I think you would notice anything really causing problems.
I'd hook up the truck to a diagnostic computer. Checking everything from cold start to fully warm. Simple/cheap stuff that can rob gas are vacuum leaks, partially plugged air filter, 2 sensors located in the air cleaner duct work ( just clean them), plugs/plug wires ( although based on mileage they are probably good, based on years though, at least the wires may be an issue), see how long it takes to reach fully warm ( faulty thermostat will prolong warm up) . Most of all have him (her) check for any stored code in the trucks computer.
As for your brakes, most of the premium pads/shoes are a longer wearing type, and are great for hard use, like towing, lots of stop and go type driving. The linings are quite hard, and do not fade much at all if/when they get heavy use. They do however tend to squeak or squeal more. Not really a problem as much as a trade off for longer/better braking.
Dave
I'd hook up the truck to a diagnostic computer. Checking everything from cold start to fully warm. Simple/cheap stuff that can rob gas are vacuum leaks, partially plugged air filter, 2 sensors located in the air cleaner duct work ( just clean them), plugs/plug wires ( although based on mileage they are probably good, based on years though, at least the wires may be an issue), see how long it takes to reach fully warm ( faulty thermostat will prolong warm up) . Most of all have him (her) check for any stored code in the trucks computer.
As for your brakes, most of the premium pads/shoes are a longer wearing type, and are great for hard use, like towing, lots of stop and go type driving. The linings are quite hard, and do not fade much at all if/when they get heavy use. They do however tend to squeak or squeal more. Not really a problem as much as a trade off for longer/better braking.
Dave