MPG's declining
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Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 39
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From: Miami USA
MPG's declining
Gentlemen,
I have a 2002 CC 4WD 7.3 F250. It now has approx 34,000 miles. The last few times I've filled up, I've noticed the the MPG's are declining. When I first got the truck (I'm the original owner) it would do about 13.5-14 mpgs in the city. I understand that to be normal by what I've read here in the past. I've also read here that after the engine would break in that the MPG's would increase slightly. But the opposite seems to be, with my vehicle. I'm puzzled.
I have a 2002 CC 4WD 7.3 F250. It now has approx 34,000 miles. The last few times I've filled up, I've noticed the the MPG's are declining. When I first got the truck (I'm the original owner) it would do about 13.5-14 mpgs in the city. I understand that to be normal by what I've read here in the past. I've also read here that after the engine would break in that the MPG's would increase slightly. But the opposite seems to be, with my vehicle. I'm puzzled.
Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,773
Likes: 0
From: Bonney Lake, WA
Being in Miami, you might not get winter fuel as much as we do in Seattle, but once September rolls around, they start blending the fuel for sub-freezing weather, and in so-doing, the mpg goes down. In the spring, about April, the blend goes back to the summer blend.
Is yours a seasonal thing, or is it gradually dropping over an extended period?
Is yours a seasonal thing, or is it gradually dropping over an extended period?
Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,773
Likes: 0
From: Bonney Lake, WA
There are two things I'd suggest to maximize your mpg. First would be to replace the fuel filter. Over time, they'll slow down the flow of fuel, requiring a little more pedal to achieve the same result. I change mine every 10K miles.
I'd also recommend a good fuel additive. I use Stanadyne, and it helps my mpg by about 1.0-1.5mpg, and delivers better performance. Others have had good results with Diesel Kleen, too.
To clean the injectors, here's what I've heard a lot of people do:
Remove the fuel filter lid, remove the old fuel filter, and drain out the remaining fuel by draining the water separator. Fill the canister 1/2 way with straight Stanadyne. Install a new filter, replace the cap, and fire 'er up. You'll be running virtually straight Stanadyne through the injectors at start up, and this will clean the injectors.
That might just bring your mpg back.
Good luck.
I'd also recommend a good fuel additive. I use Stanadyne, and it helps my mpg by about 1.0-1.5mpg, and delivers better performance. Others have had good results with Diesel Kleen, too.
To clean the injectors, here's what I've heard a lot of people do:
Remove the fuel filter lid, remove the old fuel filter, and drain out the remaining fuel by draining the water separator. Fill the canister 1/2 way with straight Stanadyne. Install a new filter, replace the cap, and fire 'er up. You'll be running virtually straight Stanadyne through the injectors at start up, and this will clean the injectors.
That might just bring your mpg back.
Good luck.
