Big Blue
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FTE Legend
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 32,875
Likes: 48
From: Northeast, OK
Well, even I missed it the first time on this iPad. Got down to the R's and knew I'd missed something.
But, I refuse to use the mobile view. Since I use a variety of gadgets I keep the view the same - full.
But, I refuse to use the mobile view. Since I use a variety of gadgets I keep the view the same - full.
Old School Hot Rodder
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 6,472
Likes: 11
From: Exmore, VA
Jim, it may have started in 1990 when a number of other changes were made, like high pressure in-tank pumps instead of the frame mounted pump, changing the oil pressure gauge to an oil pressure indicator, relocation of the TFI module from the distributor to the inner fender.
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FTE Legend
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 32,875
Likes: 48
From: Northeast, OK
Jim, it may have started in 1990 when a number of other changes were made, like high pressure in-tank pumps instead of the frame mounted pump, changing the oil pressure gauge to an oil pressure indicator, relocation of the TFI module from the distributor to the inner fender.
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FTE Legend
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 32,875
Likes: 48
From: Northeast, OK
Big Blue went on a 172.3 mile trip today. We ran mostly 60 - 65 MPH on main highways around central OK, and it took 14.061 gallons to fill it completely Full when we got home. That's 12.3 MPG. 
Having said that, I wasn't sure it was going to take any gas. You see, when we pulled in to fill up on our way out of town the gauge showed we had about 1/8 tank. I put 16.9 gallons in, which put the gauge right square on Full. It stayed there for the first 50 mikes or so and then started dropping. But after a few more miles it started going up and ended up at about 1 1/8, meaning past Full. So, I assumed we were making gas.
Anyway, the truck performed flawlessly. It never once failed to crank, although I know that problem is still lurking. And the fuel lines didn't leak where the rear tank would connect. Yes, it still has the wiring problem with the left turn & dash lights. And there's serious wind noise on the passenger's side due to a lack of a window run. But, the steering is the best of any 80's truck I've driven in a long, long time. And the engine pulls like a locomotive. So, what's not to love.
Having said that, I wasn't sure it was going to take any gas. You see, when we pulled in to fill up on our way out of town the gauge showed we had about 1/8 tank. I put 16.9 gallons in, which put the gauge right square on Full. It stayed there for the first 50 mikes or so and then started dropping. But after a few more miles it started going up and ended up at about 1 1/8, meaning past Full. So, I assumed we were making gas.
Anyway, the truck performed flawlessly. It never once failed to crank, although I know that problem is still lurking. And the fuel lines didn't leak where the rear tank would connect. Yes, it still has the wiring problem with the left turn & dash lights. And there's serious wind noise on the passenger's side due to a lack of a window run. But, the steering is the best of any 80's truck I've driven in a long, long time. And the engine pulls like a locomotive. So, what's not to love.
Junior User
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
Glad to hear that Gary. Mine is very strong (4.9) and a similar problem with the gauge , I put in 5 gals. and it reads full, I drive a short distance and put it away, the next day it reads empty so I run it a few miles and it reads near 1/2 tank. I carry a can with 1-1/2 gallons in it. My left turn signal stopped working but if I lift up slightly on the handle it starts working again. I hate the thought of replacing that switch so I'll live with it for now.
Barry B. (86 flareside 6 light blue and cream inserts)
Barry B. (86 flareside 6 light blue and cream inserts)
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Old School Hot Rodder
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 6,472
Likes: 11
From: Exmore, VA
You need to put one of your electronic voltage regulators on the gauges. Not bad for a standard length MT 460, Darth has gotten 12.5 on a nice long run to WV and seems to do better at higher speeds, like 65-70, probably a factor of the rear gear and OD 4th in the E4OD 55 mph = 1500 rpm.
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FTE Legend
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 32,875
Likes: 48
From: Northeast, OK
I don't think it is the ICVR. The oil pressure gauge is working, and is quite steady and moves perfectly with the mechanical oil pressure gauge. So, I think it is the sender. However, I suppose it could be the gauge itself. Anyway, I'll take some readings with my DVM at different levels of fuel and see if I can determine where the problem is.
But, I agree with you that it isn't bad MPG. In fact, I'm pleased with it. Dad's truck got 10.3 when I got it, and it is lighter and didn't have nearly the power. But with Rusty's engine and the ZF5 it got almost 15 in conditions like yesterday. And I think Big Blue can get 14 with the ZF in those conditions.
So, BB is now in "useful" mode. (Maybe I should have named him Onesimous.
) So I'll be driving him and, once I get the shop cleaned, turn my attentions to Dad's truck. Yes, I'm sure there will be things I need to do to BB along the way, but for now I want to see if the oil leaks dry up. 
But, I agree with you that it isn't bad MPG. In fact, I'm pleased with it. Dad's truck got 10.3 when I got it, and it is lighter and didn't have nearly the power. But with Rusty's engine and the ZF5 it got almost 15 in conditions like yesterday. And I think Big Blue can get 14 with the ZF in those conditions.
So, BB is now in "useful" mode. (Maybe I should have named him Onesimous.
) So I'll be driving him and, once I get the shop cleaned, turn my attentions to Dad's truck. Yes, I'm sure there will be things I need to do to BB along the way, but for now I want to see if the oil leaks dry up.
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 5,006
Likes: 72
From: Roseville, MN
So should we be calling you "Paul"?
edit to add:
There really is Nothing Special about me. Any "something" I have is just a gift (right now I wish that was where I got the idea for my screen name, but it wasn't, it just fits here too)
edit to add:
There really is Nothing Special about me. Any "something" I have is just a gift (right now I wish that was where I got the idea for my screen name, but it wasn't, it just fits here too)