How does everybody like fords inline 6 motors? 300s? etc. What kind of mpg do these have?

 

never heard a ford 300-6 owner complain about the durability of the motor ( i own one, and it has been just fine).

they get better mileage than the 460, 351, and 302, but dont expect miracles ... they are propelling a vehicle that weighs 4500 lbs or more, and has the aerodynamics of a large brick.

 

I've had one in my truck for 16+ years, and it has done everything I ever asked it to, and plenty of stuff it shouldn't have been able to do.
After exceeding 150K trouble free miles during my time of ownership, it has started to get noisy. I suspect cracked piston skirts, not that uncommon after this many miles.
MPG was never spectacular, but couldn't complain, as it tended to be in the mid teen's.
I will soon be replacing it with the only engine I feel to be superior to a gas I-6. A diesel I-6. I have acquired a low mile 1st gen Cummins 5.9L 12V that will soon be making it's way under the hood, mated to a yet-to-be sourced 5 speed.
Better torque, even more durable, and suspect MPG to be in the 30 range. It got close to that in the original chassis, mated to a non-OD equipped auto........

 

The 300 is liked for its good low-rpm torque, durability, and somewhat better gas mileage. Gearing will dictate your mileage, manual overdrive giving the best results.
When new mine would get around 21 mpg, mostly highway, but 30 years later it gets around 17.

 

Bingo! ~275 LB/FT of torque @ 2000 RPM in it's weakest stock tune, is hard to beat. I should not have been able to tow a 4500LB truck on a 2500LB trailer, considering the 2.75 rear axle ratio, yet it didn't even whimper while doing it.

Gasoline was much better back then. These days it's watered down with ethanol and other chemicals to the point that nothing is going to get as much MPG as it would on the "good" stuff.

 

Keep in mind that a 300 powered truck won't win any races, and you won't make it to the top of the hill first when towing, but you will make it.


Recently my F-150 was running really bad, on only 4 cylinders, and I HAD to tow a 10' trailer with a gas EZ Go golf cart on the trailer. Even though my truck has a 5 speed manual and 2.73 rear gears, I was able to cruise at 60 mph towing this load (could have gone faster but the speed limit was 60) even though the truck was 2 cylinders down.

 

My wife had a Bronco with a 300 6 and I really missed it when she moved on to something else. I know have an 83 F250 with a 300 6 and am glad to have one back in the family.

 

I have a low mileage '95 F150 with the 300 and am very unimpressed. Always heard good things about them and I am rarely in a rush but it is so slow it's unenjoyable to drive. I consider it dangerously slow. It can be down right scary trying to merge into traffic, especially on an incline. I get right at 13 mpg all around.

If you are considering purchasing one I'd try to take an extended test drive, like a few days if possible. It might seem livable until you actually have to live with it. I know alot of people like them tho and I should point out I don't tow anything. I wouldn't even consider one without lower gearing, mine has 3.55s and it has barely had the power to get through a few trouble spots my other trucks would have zipped through.

No offense to all who like this engine, just thought I'd give you my experience because buyers remorse is no fun!

 

SumB, I'm guessing there's some sort of unresolved issue with how your truck is running (and, no, you don't necessarily need a check engine light to have an issue). ~Bill

 

I agree, sounds like something isn't right with the engine! Oxygen sensor? Sticking brakes? Etc.

When mine was still stock with the little 1bbl carb, I had 3.00 gears and that thing could really move.

 

I agree with the posts above. Mine has 2.75 rear axle ratio, and I seldom need to go beyond 1/4 throttle, even towing. If it were "slow as heck", I would have done something about it in the 16 years I've had it.......

 

my 89 300-6 has 175k miles on it. to my knowledge it has never had any upgrades or rebuilds done to it. i have never felt it to be underpowered, though it's true that it's not going to win any races . i have driven slower vehicles (ford tempo) ... merging is about knowing your vehicle and watching out for the half-wits more than it is about power.

your truck probably needs to be checked out.

 

Well, I have check mine over and would be surprised if there is anything wrong with it. I even had my friend who is the head mechanic at the local dealership check it out. He is very experienced and has a nice F150 with a 300 also. I actually was hoping there was something wrong. I am no mechanic and anything is possible but like I said, I'd be surprised.

 

What is your normal driving style, SumB?

 

My main driving style would be classified as very light duty. I mostly use it for running errands, hunting and scouting. The PO who owned from new used it to get to work during bad weather and to pull his fishing boat on weekends.