I'm new to Ford trucks and would appreciate any imput. My '89 supercab truck currently has a pop-up camper on it, which will stay there. It weighs about 1,400 lbs. On my first trip, I averaged about 7.7mpg. I've been reading some things about EGR systems and O2 sensors. How much can these influence mpg? I have some slight surging while driving, and I've heard that this might be the EGR, so that might be the problem. Anyway,what might I hope to get from this rig? Anyone out there who drives something similar? With prices headed toward $2/gal. I'm getting a little desperate for any mpg gains. Thanks!

 

10 mpg would be a reasonable goal. A major tune-up may be in order, but I wouldnt expect a miracle.

Nathan

 

You don't say what engine/tranny combo you have, but I'd expect to get at least 10-12 mpg even with the camper on. Automatic tranny's cost you about 1-2 mpg, but so nice to drive. If you don't have a manual for your truck, get either a Haynes or Chilton's...should run you about $40 for both. Then do a tuneup, plugs, wires, dist. cap, rotor, check coil. Next step is learning to read engine codes off the check engine light on the dash...Haynes manual will explain this. Codes will tell you which fuel, emissions and other components (sensors) may need changing. Regardless of codes, on the fuel side have your fuel pressure checked...a bad/old/worn fuel pressure regulator will cause your beast to drink gas like a drunk. On emissions, make sure your egr valve and smog devices are working properly. Sensors that affect mpg include O2, Engine Coolant temperature (ECT), Air Charge Temperature (ACT), Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP), and the air bypass valve, too. These aren't hard to check/diagnose with a good voltage/ohm multimeter ($20 to $80), nor are they are hard or expensive to change yourself.
Course, if you're not mechanically inclined, you could take it to a shop that you know/trust after doing the tuneup and ask them to scan/check codes for you.