Mpg dilemma?
Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 1,123
Likes: 1
From: Ontario, Canada
I know the speedometer can be out +-2 mph. The odometers must be mostly accurate or Ford would have got it's own class action like Honda did.
My odometer was only out 0.1 miles over the 21 miles when I checked it. That's perfect in my opinion.
Junior User
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 71
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.
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 18,849
Likes: 179
From: Puget Sound
You were drafting and at the bare-naked minimum RPM (assuming auto in OD). Believe it or not, you might have been able to keep that MPG up to about 60 MPH while drafting. The sweet spot for MPG and speed is about 55-60 MPH. It has to do with the efficiency of the engine at specific RPMs. The common rule is don't go over 2000 RPM, that's where the MPG falls off a cliff. I think it has as much to do with the wind resistance at the speeds encountered with 2000 RPM.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,685
Likes: 374
From: Fallon,NV & Bainbridge OH
I just re-read and you are referring to distance covered and yes that would be pretty accurate if you are positive on the 21 miles.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 4,738
Likes: 15
From: Temperance, MI
From a guy who has an 8" suspension lift 38x15.5" extremely aggressive tires and drive the way I do with Speedo calibrated to my tires I get an average of 14 mpg if I baby the crap outta the truck I got a best record 16.24 mpg. I believe that that says a lot for these old 7.3s in efficiency. Lets compare an equal size gasser with similar power levels and then compare mileage...
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 29,380
Likes: 118
From: Central Coast of CA
From a guy who has an 8" suspension lift 38x15.5" extremely aggressive tires and drive the way I do with Speedo calibrated to my tires I get an average of 14 mpg if I baby the crap outta the truck I got a best record 16.24 mpg. I believe that that says a lot for these old 7.3s in efficiency. Lets compare an equal size gasser with similar power levels and then compare mileage...
Stewart
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 18,849
Likes: 179
From: Puget Sound
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Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
It seems in my truck i get worse mpg on the highway going about 70 and rpms at about 2300. You qould think with all that fresh air into the intake would help alot with things seeing how i have a big zoodad mod with a scoop behind my grill to catch the air and a custom intake where it keeps all the engine heat outta my filter
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 18,849
Likes: 179
From: Puget Sound
It seems in my truck i get worse mpg on the highway going about 70 and rpms at about 2300. You qould think with all that fresh air into the intake would help alot with things seeing how i have a big zoodad mod with a scoop behind my grill to catch the air and a custom intake where it keeps all the engine heat outta my filter
Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 1,123
Likes: 1
From: Ontario, Canada
That is a great idea, I always throw out my dead horses and get new ones every time I need them, keeping them makes more sense.
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,910
Likes: 2
From: Hat Creek Ca
i have a big zoodad mod with a scoop behind my grill to catch the air and a custom intake where it keeps all the engine heat outta my filter
I hope it is not direct to the air filter, you may be scooping in more than air when it rains.
I hope it is not direct to the air filter, you may be scooping in more than air when it rains.
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 18,849
Likes: 179
From: Puget Sound
Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 1,123
Likes: 1
From: Ontario, Canada
MPG update I was able to hit a new personal best today, Not a long trip just under 200 miles there and back set the CC @68 I got 20.75 mpg. That's a whopping 0.05 mpg better than my personal best. Yep that's an extra $0.10 in my pocket.
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