Improving MPGs???
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
From: Miami USA
Improving MPGs???
Gentleman,
I just returned from my first extended trip in my F250 CC (550 miles). I averaged 18 mpg. As suggested, I mantained my rpms to under 2000, to achieve the optimal mpgs (a/c on at all times).
My question is, I remember reading that the mpgs would improve after the breaking in period. I'm curios to know what your experiences have been. How much did your mpgs improve and after how many miles did you notice this happening. Many thanks, Magnum1029
P.S. I'm really thankful for this forum, I wouldn't know who could better answer my questions.
I just returned from my first extended trip in my F250 CC (550 miles). I averaged 18 mpg. As suggested, I mantained my rpms to under 2000, to achieve the optimal mpgs (a/c on at all times).
My question is, I remember reading that the mpgs would improve after the breaking in period. I'm curios to know what your experiences have been. How much did your mpgs improve and after how many miles did you notice this happening. Many thanks, Magnum1029
P.S. I'm really thankful for this forum, I wouldn't know who could better answer my questions.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 281
Likes: 0
From: McDonough US
Improving MPGs???
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 13-May-02 AT 09:13 AM (EST)]"Break in period" is hard to define and many disagree. In boating, old salty dogs don't consider a diesel engine "broke in" until 100 hours and 2 oil changes. Manufacturers tell you to run them 20 hours varying RPMs... so don't expect anyone to set a definite mileage either, 1000, 5000, 15000?
Personally, I think diesel engines have done 90% of their breaking in between 5000 to 10000 miles. Exactly when depends on driving conditions. Also keep in mind, new manufacturing processes have decreased the break in period as well... so 500 miles might do the trick... but I ain't buyin it.
Most will agree here... at least I think they will... that for about the first 1000 miles you should vary your engine RPM's frequently. I think the manual says 500 miles. So don't buy a new truck with 6 miles on it, then take a 1000 miles road trip at 1800 RPMs for hours on end.
What was the question again? Oh, mileage, right...
Basically, make sure everything is in good order, oil, fluids etc... and all seems normal, no smoke, leaks or rattling noises. Then, ignore your mileage for about the first 10,000 miles.
My truck is now approaching 5000 miles, I track the mileage because I'm in the habit of doing so. So far, I've seen dramatic swings at different times, as low as 10MPG and as high as 16MPG with my generally daily driving. It's tending toward 14 or 14.something at the moment. I expect fuel quality, engine breakin, chassis breakin etc... is causing the fluctuations. But I ignore them, I won't care about mileage until 8000 miles or so, after 10k I'll consider it a gauge for engine health and fuel quality.
What do I expect in the end?
Towing, about 10 to 12 depending on the length of the trip... at least towing what I'm towing. I will even see 8 if I get caught in stop and go traffic or make short trips.
Daily driving, about 14 to 15 on average. Though I'm not going to worry about anything over 13. I may drive a little harder one day than the next.
Long distance and empty, anything above 16. I think 18 is entirely probably but 22+ is an illusion. Don't worry about those out there getting over 22mpg highway on a 7.3PSD, something is either causing it to be wrong, or they are driving a very light truck with a 2: 72 rear end at 50mph down hill with a tail wind the entire time. That's my opinion and I'm sticking to it until I drive one and see it for myself. Out of 4 F350's of my own and a few dozen F2/350's I can touch belonging to friends and acquaintances I've yet to see anything over 20 and then only very empty on long runs.
I'm sure I'll get flamed for that, but I feel it's unfair to post these incredible mileages as if they are normal. If you're getting a PSD to give you over 22mpg... well by dang it, you're truck is a true sipper.
Maybe the new '03 6.0L will do better.
Robert
Personally, I think diesel engines have done 90% of their breaking in between 5000 to 10000 miles. Exactly when depends on driving conditions. Also keep in mind, new manufacturing processes have decreased the break in period as well... so 500 miles might do the trick... but I ain't buyin it.
Most will agree here... at least I think they will... that for about the first 1000 miles you should vary your engine RPM's frequently. I think the manual says 500 miles. So don't buy a new truck with 6 miles on it, then take a 1000 miles road trip at 1800 RPMs for hours on end.
What was the question again? Oh, mileage, right...
Basically, make sure everything is in good order, oil, fluids etc... and all seems normal, no smoke, leaks or rattling noises. Then, ignore your mileage for about the first 10,000 miles.
My truck is now approaching 5000 miles, I track the mileage because I'm in the habit of doing so. So far, I've seen dramatic swings at different times, as low as 10MPG and as high as 16MPG with my generally daily driving. It's tending toward 14 or 14.something at the moment. I expect fuel quality, engine breakin, chassis breakin etc... is causing the fluctuations. But I ignore them, I won't care about mileage until 8000 miles or so, after 10k I'll consider it a gauge for engine health and fuel quality.
What do I expect in the end?
Towing, about 10 to 12 depending on the length of the trip... at least towing what I'm towing. I will even see 8 if I get caught in stop and go traffic or make short trips.
Daily driving, about 14 to 15 on average. Though I'm not going to worry about anything over 13. I may drive a little harder one day than the next.
Long distance and empty, anything above 16. I think 18 is entirely probably but 22+ is an illusion. Don't worry about those out there getting over 22mpg highway on a 7.3PSD, something is either causing it to be wrong, or they are driving a very light truck with a 2: 72 rear end at 50mph down hill with a tail wind the entire time. That's my opinion and I'm sticking to it until I drive one and see it for myself. Out of 4 F350's of my own and a few dozen F2/350's I can touch belonging to friends and acquaintances I've yet to see anything over 20 and then only very empty on long runs.
I'm sure I'll get flamed for that, but I feel it's unfair to post these incredible mileages as if they are normal. If you're getting a PSD to give you over 22mpg... well by dang it, you're truck is a true sipper.
Maybe the new '03 6.0L will do better.
Robert
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 713
Likes: 0
From: C H I C A G O
Improving MPGs???
I have a 2002 Excursion with the PSD. When i forst got the truck , i was at a average of around 13MPG. Now with around 6000 miles on the truck i can get anywhere from 16-20MPG depending on how i drive. I know most people won't agree with me , but the Big Sucker air intake i bought of the online store seemed to make a difference...
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
From: Miami USA
Improving MPGs???
I appreciate your input guys. I'm pretty satisfied with the mileage I got this weekend. Even if it doesn't improve I can live with 18 highway and 14-15 city. I'm with you in that it's hard to conceive an F250 with all it's weight delivering 22mpg. We may be wrong, but its hard to believe. Thanks again to Robert and Joeboost. Magnum1029
