what to expect
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Junior User
Joined: May 2014
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what to expect
Hey guys and gals. im looking at buying a 96 f250 2wd ext cab with a 8' flatbed. its running 265/75r16 all terrains, 7.3 powerstroke, and 5 speed manual. the guy said he believes it has 4.10 gears but he couldnt tell me an estimate on fuel milage because he said he just used it to go to the feed store a couple times a month and would stay parked in a barn with the bed loaded with feed. the truck has 230,000 miles that im assuming came from the owner before him or hes just full of pookie. anyways im just curious what kind of fuel milage i should expect out of this truck? assuming everything on the motor is bone stock. and is there a way to bump up the fuel milage?
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 20,419
Likes: 197
From: AZ
There is a list of what to look for in a new purchase around here someplace. I've heard some wild statements on fuel mileage that I never get. I get 6.5 to 9 mpg pulling what you see at 70 mph. Without a load I get 13 mpg. I have a lead foot but some claim up to 20mpg.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 17,795
Likes: 99
From: Ashland City, TN
I'm running 4.10's and 5 speed.
I get 15-20.
But its all in how you set your truck up.
i'm quite fortunate.
I got around 15 until I hit 300k. then it got up to 20+ a lot more often while driving.
My truck is SUPER picky about fuel.
I get great mileage on good fuel.
I get 15-20.
But its all in how you set your truck up.
i'm quite fortunate.
I got around 15 until I hit 300k. then it got up to 20+ a lot more often while driving.
My truck is SUPER picky about fuel.
I get great mileage on good fuel.
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: AZ
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Tuned
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 318
Likes: 7
My truck also has 4.10 and a 5spd and is bone stock at the moment. Since doing my fuel tank vent mod and I know i am getting the tank filled the same amount each time calculating mileage has gotten much more accurate. I drive pretty conservative also, keep it at 55 mph and shift around 1800-1900 rpm. last tank I got 18.7 mpg, that was kind of a mix drive in the rural country side, not really any stop and go. I have seen as low as 14 and the 18.7 was my current high.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 17,795
Likes: 99
From: Ashland City, TN
Stations quality, not winter/summer.
I got a station where I can fill up and always get 20+ MPG, or i can go here to the loves around the corner and get 15-18.
Quality of the fuel, purity, additives. blah blah.
Diesel fuel is a byproducts.
Thats why military vehicles run on JP, Which jet fuel is just super refined diesel fuel.
I got a station where I can fill up and always get 20+ MPG, or i can go here to the loves around the corner and get 15-18.
Quality of the fuel, purity, additives. blah blah.
Diesel fuel is a byproducts.
Thats why military vehicles run on JP, Which jet fuel is just super refined diesel fuel.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 17,795
Likes: 99
From: Ashland City, TN
Biggest thing i can say to tell if your getting good vs bad fuel is this.
Blue fuel = good
anything not blue = bad.
The only place i cannot find blue fuel is kentucky. They dont seem to dye their fuel.
But the fuel when its gold is usually old/stale or dirty.
I'll put in 10 dolalrs to get me to the next station to check.
BP, for me anyways, always seems to have some of the best diesel fuel.
Flying J and Loves have mediocre fuel.
I refuse shell fuel unless I have too.
The others are as needed if in busy area.
Always avoid diesel fuel at a station that isn't something that would sell a lot of diesel fuel.
Think about it.
Diesel fuel can grow Algae.
That means the **** can break down and become less effective when sitting for long periods.
Blue fuel = good
anything not blue = bad.
The only place i cannot find blue fuel is kentucky. They dont seem to dye their fuel.
But the fuel when its gold is usually old/stale or dirty.
I'll put in 10 dolalrs to get me to the next station to check.
BP, for me anyways, always seems to have some of the best diesel fuel.
Flying J and Loves have mediocre fuel.
I refuse shell fuel unless I have too.
The others are as needed if in busy area.
Always avoid diesel fuel at a station that isn't something that would sell a lot of diesel fuel.
Think about it.
Diesel fuel can grow Algae.
That means the **** can break down and become less effective when sitting for long periods.
Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 10,590
Likes: 382
From: Texas
I second the finding fuel form a station that sells a lot of it. I have had good luck with fuel from truck stops on long road trips, but we don't have any close to me. It's kind of a bummer because I like the roominess and the amenities such as good squeegees, etc... call me weird.