Mpg dilemma?
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 6,096
Likes: 28
From: Mesa AZ
Really? I always thought the odometer calculated miles based on direct data from the speedometer.
Back in the "old days" when they were run via a cable the speedo needle was driven by a magnet spinning around the base of the needle and the odometer was a direct mechanical gear driven set up. The spring tension on the needle affected the reading by quite a bit after enough use. My '02 ranger is off by about 1/10th in 3 miles with the tires on it now but the speedometer is very close according to the roadside radar detectors.
That is why I questioned the newer computerized systems and how they are calibrated
Back in the "old days" when they were run via a cable the speedo needle was driven by a magnet spinning around the base of the needle and the odometer was a direct mechanical gear driven set up. The spring tension on the needle affected the reading by quite a bit after enough use. My '02 ranger is off by about 1/10th in 3 miles with the tires on it now but the speedometer is very close according to the roadside radar detectors.
That is why I questioned the newer computerized systems and how they are calibrated
Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 804
Likes: 0
From: Staten Island,hamilton ny
as tugly has explined previously in detail,all systems must be running right,ae scans to see if anything is off,leaking up pipes rob fuel mlieage,and in my case when i dropped the tank there was no foot on the fuel pickup and was lying to me as to when i was empty,and wasnt
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 105
Likes: 0
Anybody that says they get 20 mpg or greater in a 7.3 4x4 is either lying or does not understand the concept of calculating mpg's. I drive a 2x4 auto dually and 16.8 is tops. I had a 3/4 ton 6 speed 2x4 and 19.5 or so is tops. One tank does not tell the story because there is no way to really tell if you put the same amount of fuel in unless you 30 minutes and fill it to the neck. Sorry if I have offended anyone but anyone who has driven these trucks since 1999 like I have will understand what I'm saying. Yes I know there are extreme examples of people who are hyper milers like Dave Whitmire but I'm talking about the average joe who gets on here and says my buddy has a chip and he's getting 25 mpg in a lifted 4x4 w/ 38's blah blah......Okay I'll get off my soapbox and stop ranting.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 804
Likes: 0
From: Staten Island,hamilton ny
i just replaced my injectors last week with 160cc single shot remns i got from riff raff and a dp tuner f6,i drove 275 miles from syracuse to nyc filling til i could see the fuel in the neck and in stock modified tune got 16.4 miles to the gallon calculated by filling the tank to the same point and dividing into the number of miles the number gallons.Made the same trip back,same exact route fueling the same way and in 80hp econo tune got 17.6 mpg,my uppies are leaking at the donut and i was told fixing this could provide another 1 mpg,i have to change them and see for sure
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,910
Likes: 2
From: Hat Creek Ca
As far as MPG goes I recently had all of my boots replaced - along with UVCH and glow plugs (not an MPG thing) and first tank was 18+ MPG. As stated can't be sure about compete fill up but at the same pump with a slight grade on the up-hill side so pretty sure it was full. I was told that the old boots were pretty much shot and two of them nearly blown through so not surprising. So far so good on this tank, ~ 85 miles and still pegged on the full mark. I know - no way to figure mileage that way, but my gauge is fairly accurate and tracks well so I will see in the long run.
is a BAAAD MAN
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,738
Likes: 5
From: Winston Salem NC
Anybody that says they get 20 mpg or greater in a 7.3 4x4 is either lying or does not understand the concept of calculating mpg's. I drive a 2x4 auto dually and 16.8 is tops. I had a 3/4 ton 6 speed 2x4 and 19.5 or so is tops. One tank does not tell the story because there is no way to really tell if you put the same amount of fuel in unless you 30 minutes and fill it to the neck. Sorry if I have offended anyone but anyone who has driven these trucks since 1999 like I have will understand what I'm saying. Yes I know there are extreme examples of people who are hyper milers like Dave Whitmire but I'm talking about the average joe who gets on here and says my buddy has a chip and he's getting 25 mpg in a lifted 4x4 w/ 38's blah blah......Okay I'll get off my soapbox and stop ranting.
My auto 4x4 Excursion gets a best of 18.5 mpg.
More Turbo
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 504
Likes: 1
From: Cameron, Ok
I've been averaging around 14 mpg. I'm fixin' to install dorman uppipes and rebuild my turbo and ebpv....hoping that will help.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 1,123
Likes: 1
From: Ontario, Canada
Anybody that says they get 20 mpg or greater in a 7.3 4x4 is either lying or does not understand the concept of calculating mpg's. I drive a 2x4 auto dually and 16.8 is tops. I had a 3/4 ton 6 speed 2x4 and 19.5 or so is tops. One tank does not tell the story because there is no way to really tell if you put the same amount of fuel in unless you 30 minutes and fill it to the neck. Sorry if I have offended anyone but anyone who has driven these trucks since 1999 like I have will understand what I'm saying. Yes I know there are extreme examples of people who are hyper milers like Dave Whitmire but I'm talking about the average joe who gets on here and says my buddy has a chip and he's getting 25 mpg in a lifted 4x4 w/ 38's blah blah......Okay I'll get off my soapbox and stop ranting.
I'll try and not take offense to being called either a liar or stupid. Clearly mine must be powered by unicorn horns and rainbows.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 105
Likes: 0
Take it anyway you like, but I'm smart enough to know that a 4x4 7.3 powerstroke will not get over 20 mpg day in day out.
Veteran/Sheepdog
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 6,047
Likes: 110
From: Western AR
Damn close to it, though...I've been on several trips in mine and achieved consistent mid 19 mpgs at 68 mph on an 80e program , until my fan clutch decided to lock up and knock me down to 16 hwy. With NO FAN INSTALLED, I got 21.1 on a short 200 mile trip all hwy. If your mileage is in the basement, and you can't figure out why...check your fan clutch as a contributor to the problem.
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 684
Likes: 1
for the last few years i have been using a program i created/modified to calculate average mileage for the whole year, i put in a starting mileage and every time i add fuel i grab the odo reading to add to the sheat, that way even if i dont fill it a few times, the next time i actually fill the reading is damn accurate. so it shows total mileage for the year along with every drop of fuel.
on my 01 ext cab 8ft manual 4x4 i average around 17-17.5 (winter does hurt) in the summer i did get a consistent 21.5-22 for 4 fill ups, but it is also a 6sp so when coming to the stop sign in town i dont use the brake, those are all free engine rotations.
it is all about the condition of the truck, and self control (i do have a problem with that), be easy with that foot, if peaple want to pass because your not do 70 straight from a stop then let them waste their money.
on my 01 ext cab 8ft manual 4x4 i average around 17-17.5 (winter does hurt) in the summer i did get a consistent 21.5-22 for 4 fill ups, but it is also a 6sp so when coming to the stop sign in town i dont use the brake, those are all free engine rotations.
it is all about the condition of the truck, and self control (i do have a problem with that), be easy with that foot, if peaple want to pass because your not do 70 straight from a stop then let them waste their money.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 1,123
Likes: 1
From: Ontario, Canada
This is what I said.
My personal best was 20.7 mpg driving at 68 this was my average over the 1300 miles from TX to NY. I've never been able to duplicate that, however I did average 18.5 mpg from ontario to florida and back with 7 people and luggage for a week.
My odometer is very close I was out 0.1 mile over 21 miles compared to my gps.
I started tracking my fuel economy on fuelly.com and since june 14 I've averaged 15.9 mpg over 2183 miles. My high was 18 mpg and my low was 13.4
My odometer is very close I was out 0.1 mile over 21 miles compared to my gps.
I started tracking my fuel economy on fuelly.com and since june 14 I've averaged 15.9 mpg over 2183 miles. My high was 18 mpg and my low was 13.4
stinson 108-1
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,015
Likes: 8
From: south jersey
I only calculate mpg when I make a trip to my place in WV. Its 610 miles round trip, same route every time. My best ever on summer blend was 19.6 and probably had a tail wind bothways. I did get close to 23 once with my 95 psd with a stick. Oh well, progress.
Edit. Most of the time its 16-17 like everybody else.
Edit. Most of the time its 16-17 like everybody else.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 105
Likes: 0
When I think in terms of mpg I don't think in terms of one tank or one time I drove 60 mph and coasted down a hill. I just get frustrated when people say I'm getting 22 mpg in my 4x4 auto. Sorry if I offended anybody but I guess I'm the only dumba$$ on here getting 16 mpg in my 7.3 Ford Powerstroke!😉