Hah!

I took my truck on a 100 mile trip yesterday. I filled up right before I left, reset the odometer, took the trip, filled back up, and did the MPG math according to how many gallons I put back in. It came out to 18.8 - that's with 30 minutes of stop & go driving with A/C and 75MPH the rest of the way. Not bad.

I was also using the stock intake with an STP air filter. Flowmaster Force II catback.

I'm thinking a Velocity Tube might help a bit, but this is pretty cool.

I'm convinced it's all in the new O2 sensors...

XXL

 

I got about that on a portion of my trip from Maryland to Florida. I did find that the MPG drops after 80mph though. Two fillups through 5 states and 1000 miles.

 

I agree with you Dave, I was 17.5 on my trip from Indiana to Florida and back; until I got into the 70MPH speed limits (where I was going 75-85). Still I averaged 15.9 overall, with an average speed of 73.5 MPH.

 

Matt,
How hard is it to replace the O2 sensors and whats the going price (I know there's four of them) thanks

 

Well, it's a PITA the first time around. Now I'm confident that I could replace them in under an hour. Keep in mind, I only replaced the upper 2 - the lower 2 pretty much just make sure the cats are working ok.

The EOG 2.0 is going to have a great article on O2 sensor replacement. Now if only I could find some time....

XXL

 

Yikes! I should hope so!

I'm amazed these beasts can even go 80MPH!

I find that 73-74MPH is a good compromise between getting there in a reasonable amount of time and saving gas.


XXL

 

Geez...I wish I had a spot to go 70 for more than a mile.

Well...then again...

 

Amazing, I get 10 mpg around town and 12 mpg on a 200+ mile trip at 72mph. How in the world is this possible?

 

Give me all the specs on your rig (engine, odometer reading, etc.) and I guarantee I can help you squeeze some more MPG out of it.

XXL

 

Hey Matt,

I have a 2000 Eddie Bauer 4x4 Exped., all stock with 5.4 engine and Michelin LTX M/S tires. Truck has 43k miles, tires have about 2k on them now. I have NEVER got more than 12.5 mpg in this truck, and I have owned it since new!

 

Is this an open invitation to anyone? If so, my dad's got a 2003 Expedition EB that's not doing too well. 5.4 V-8. About 26,000 miles. His mix driving gets around 14ish MPG. Cruising at 70ish might bump it to 15, if lucky. All stock, except for mud guards & Vent Visors. (I crawled under to replace the fuel filter thinking it might help too, but couldn't find the darned thing). If you have any thoughts, I sure would appreciate it.

 

Congratulations Matt.
I have to admit though, it almost seems impossible-unless your trip was all downhill, wind on your back, or being sucked in the wake of a convoy of 18-wheelers!
Seriously, I'm with these other guys.
My wife's EXPY hasn't seen anything over 13 MPG (combo hwy + city)
Any and all tips would be extremely appreciated.

Thanks for sending the EOG.

Haven't had time to try anything yet

 

Uh oh...look what I started... Just kidding - no problem at all.

For your truck, all I can think of is tire pressure, alignment + air filter. Get a high-end air filter, FWIW. Make sure the tire pressures are up to snuff to lower rolling resistance (mine are set at 35 all the way around). If any of the tires are wearing on the edges, have the alignment checked out.

Some manufacturers suggest replacing the O2 sensors between 35 - 50K. I didn't replace mine until about 70K. O2 sensors can have a huge affect on gas mileage.

It did just occur to me - all my fluids, with the exception of the engine oil, are synthetic (Mobil1). Although Synthetics technically lower friction in the driveline (thus increasing MPG), I don't think it's a real drastic difference.

I also have a shift kit (less gear hunting + shifting "downtime") and an exhaust (which probably helps a bit.

Can't think of anything else right now - but then again, it's 2am, I'm tired, and I have to complete a paper for my stupid Greek Lit class (Due Tues).

EDIT: The fuel filter is along the driver side frame rail, tucked away up top. Located about 2 feet left of the Transfer case. You need a special tool to remove the hoses ($6 at Advance Auto Parts).

Take care!

XXL

 

Check my response to Haroutd.

Other than that, she may have a bit of a leadfoot but she'll never admit to it

XXL

 

Let me know when you get a DYI on replacing the O2 Sensors, I am geting 7.9 mpg. For ever 50 miles to empty I use, I really only travelled about 30 or less miles.

So for starters an Air Filter is good to bump the MPG, what about those Cold Air Intake things, that look like should be in a Honda or something. They claim to suck in more air for more MPG!

I took off my aggressive tires and now I am riding on street type tires but still getting the crappy MPG.