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MPG Indicator vs Math

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Old Oct 24, 2017 | 04:08 PM
  #16  
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Originally Posted by Mark Kovalsky
The trip computer calculates mileage over the last 1,000 miles unless you reset it. Are you resetting it each time you fill the tank?
I run my mileage on trip 2 and reset it every fill-up. I don't hand calculate anymore but I did every fill-up for a while. I always got anywhere from .3-.5 MPG less with my hand calculations.
 
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Old Oct 24, 2017 | 04:46 PM
  #17  
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Nimrod,
Yes, I do reset Trip2 (not Trip 1 - totals from purchase). BUT I also just installed a TransferFlow 60 gal tank to replace the 34 gal factory tank. I understood that the factory tank still had about a 5-7 gal reserve when registering empty. The new tank is deeper (removed the skid plate) and longer, SO when registering empty on this first tank full with the original gas gage, I was wanting to calculate the fudge factor and drive it near empty. Hence, the MPG calculation. I do think the average MPG is calculated off the gas gage which is now rather inaccurate. OH WELL, the full use of the first full 60 gal tank will tell the real story. More later when I run through this first tank.
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2017 F-250 Ultimate Lariat CCSB
 
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Old Oct 25, 2017 | 06:36 AM
  #18  
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The reset is for fuel economy, not trip one or two. The average is over the last 1,000 miles, or since the last time the fuel economy was reset. Resetting the trip odometer does not reset the fuel economy.
 
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Old Oct 25, 2017 | 07:23 AM
  #19  
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I believe that the fuel volume used is calculated by using the integral of the signal pulse width(time) sent to the injectors so it should be very accurate.
 
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Old Oct 25, 2017 | 10:39 AM
  #20  
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Thanks Mark Kovalsky, I will just trust the AVG MPG readout and keep testing the best way to see when the 60 gal tank nears empty. I could always run it dry, carry about 5 gal of diesel in a container and that would tell me exactly how far after the gage registers empty.


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Old Oct 25, 2017 | 10:46 AM
  #21  
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Originally Posted by rangermc
Thanks Mark Kovalsky, I will just trust the AVG MPG readout and keep testing the best way to see when the 60 gal tank nears empty. I could always run it dry, carry about 5 gal of diesel in a container and that would tell me exactly how far after the gage registers empty.


rangermc
Not a good idea.
 
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Old Oct 25, 2017 | 10:58 AM
  #22  
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Originally Posted by Tact
Not a good idea.
Tact, is there a better idea on how to know when a 60 tank will really be empty? Since the new transfer flow 60 gal tank is both longer and deeper with the same fuel gage from the 34 gal tank, the reserve past empty will be significantly larger.
rangermc
 
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Old Oct 25, 2017 | 11:02 AM
  #23  
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Originally Posted by rangermc
Tact, is there a better idea on how to know when a 60 tank will really be empty? Since the new transfer flow 60 gal tank is both longer and deeper with the same fuel gage from the 34 gal tank, the reserve past empty will be significantly larger.
rangermc
I'm not sure what the best way is, but running an engine completely out of fuel makes my skin crawl. I would not be comfortable with what might occur to injectors or fuel pump, but I'd be surprised if those would not be affected.
 
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Old Oct 25, 2017 | 01:00 PM
  #24  
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Originally Posted by eberlestock
Ford tries to make you think you are getting better mileage than you are!
That's funny because my hand calculated is always higher then the display. Guess that theory is wrong.
 
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Old Oct 25, 2017 | 02:29 PM
  #25  
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Originally Posted by dsladdict
I believe that the fuel volume used is calculated by using the integral of the signal pulse width(time) sent to the injectors so it should be very accurate.
That is correct. It is a very accurate calculation unless someone modifies it, such as using a tuner.

Originally Posted by rangermc
Thanks Mark Kovalsky, I will just trust the AVG MPG readout
Why don't you want to reset the fuel economy calculation? While the display is showing fuel economy, press and hold the OK button. That will reset it.
 
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Old Oct 25, 2017 | 02:39 PM
  #26  
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I record all my fill ups and mileage in Fuel Buddy. For the first four tanks it's calculated MPG for, it's easily been within 1 mpg - probably closer to 1/2 mpg.

My daily commute is about ~55 miles each way. I filled up at my usual station this AM, which is about 1 mile from the expressway (and about 4 miles from home). My work is about 2 miles off the expressway at the other end. So all but ~3 of these miles were on the expressway. I decided to chug along at 65 mph this AM. Too bad it's not always like this:

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Old Oct 25, 2017 | 02:51 PM
  #27  
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Originally Posted by roadpilot
I record all my fill ups and mileage in Fuel Buddy. For the first four tanks it's calculated MPG for, it's easily been within 1 mpg - probably closer to 1/2 mpg.

My daily commute is about ~55 miles each way. I filled up at my usual station this AM, which is about 1 mile from the expressway (and about 4 miles from home). My work is about 2 miles off the expressway at the other end. So all but ~3 of these miles were on the expressway. I decided to chug along at 65 mph this AM. Too bad it's not always like this:

Attachment 248210
This makes me excited about getting a PSD. I usually drive 60-65mph so anything close or above 20mpg is excellent!
 
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Old Oct 25, 2017 | 03:30 PM
  #28  
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Originally Posted by madsen203
This makes me excited about getting a PSD. I usually drive 60-65mph so anything close or above 20mpg is excellent!
Yes, but that is was almost exclusively highway. No way that holds up when you mix in some city driving. I'll wait to go through another half dozen tanks (and the engine breaks in more) before really commenting on real world MPGs.
 
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Old Oct 25, 2017 | 03:56 PM
  #29  
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Originally Posted by Tact
I'm not sure what the best way is, but running an engine completely out of fuel makes my skin crawl. I would not be comfortable with what might occur to injectors or fuel pump, but I'd be surprised if those would not be affected.
Owners manual for my 2017 F250 6.7l Diesel CCSB says on page 188, "You may want to cycle the ignition from off to on several times after refueling to allow the fuel system to pump the fuel from the tank to the engine. On restarting, cranking time will take a few seconds longer than normal. With Keyless ignition, just start the engine. Crank time will be longer than usual." It also states that when refueling, normally 1.06 gal of fuel is enough to restart, more if on a slope. SO I just read the manual and assumed that Diesels start better than the older models.
 
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Old Oct 25, 2017 | 04:00 PM
  #30  
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rangermc: Are you referring to restarting a vehicle after it was run out of fuel?

Running an EFI vehicle out of fuel, be it diesel or gas, is much worse than running an old carbureted vehicle out of fuel. It doesn't really have anything to do with fuel type. It has to do with EFI vs carbureated and the high vs. low pressure systems (and all the parts).
 
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