MPG Sux!
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 8,786
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From: Northern California
Originally Posted by 1983_f100
how much do O2 sensors usually run?
I buy the bosch brand O2 sensors which are OEM.
hope this helps.
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2005
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Miles divided by gallons. I left my truck at an airport 90 miles away so my in-laws can drive it home. They are coming to visit. I didn't top off the tank so I had to guestimate. If they don't top it off until they return it, I will have a more precise measurement.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 8,786
Likes: 28
From: Northern California
Originally Posted by OzarksFord
Am I correct in thinking my engine does NOT have a oxygen sensor since it is carbed and not fuel injected?
Not exactly.
A computer controlled Feedback Carb, has a fuel mixture control solenoid. The computer tells the carb how rich or lean to run, from the readings it gets from an O2 sensor.
If you don't have computer control, or a feedback carb, then your engine doesn't have one.
The Computer can throw the fuel mixture way out of whack on the Feedback carbs, (or EFI for that matter) if they are defective, plugged or worn out.
Can POSSIBLY increase your mileage by 5 MPG just by changing a defective one, if applicable.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 8,786
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From: Northern California
Originally Posted by 85-300man
I have an 85 300 3-spd (hate it) with 3.55 and i am lucky to get 13 on the highway.
What tires are you running, may I ask?
I'd guess that the RPMs are around 2500 at 55MPH with that setup. Give or take 100.
I'd think 15 MPG would be the best you could hope for in that configuration. Actually I'm surprised you get 13 with that. IMO.
I agree with srercrcr, except I'd put a T-18 or NP 4 speed in it, with 2.75 gear.
the granny gear will make up for the high ratio, and in fourth it will alow the rpm's to drop so you can have better gas mileage. Around 1900 RPM at 55 MPH.
All my opinion of course.
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2002
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From: Chandler,Arizona - USA
If you have the Duraspark II ignition, then your truck should not have an O2 sensor. I am quite certain that O2 sensors were used starting in 1984 with the TFI ignition. I had an '83 F100 w/ the 300-6, and it did not have an O2 sensor.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 8,786
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From: Northern California
Originally Posted by PaulzF150
If you have the Duraspark II ignition, then your truck should not have an O2 sensor. I am quite certain that O2 sensors were used starting in 1984 with the TFI ignition. I had an '83 F100 w/ the 300-6, and it did not have an O2 sensor.
I have a 1981 F-150, and my truck has a Duraspark II and a O2 sensor. It also has a Feedback carberator, and a Microcomputer control unit (MCU). First year of the computer controlled sixes as well. Lucky me. :P
Came from Ford like that.
You can look in my gallery for confirmation.
If it has a Feedback Carb then it has to have an O2 sensor, and computer.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 330
Likes: 1
From: Chandler,Arizona - USA
81-F-150-Explorer:
California vehicles had much stricter smog requirements than other states, and did have an O2 sensor. I bought my truck, brand new in Texas in 1983. It was just a regular DS-2 ignition, no O2 sensor. I think Ozarks Ford is from Missouri, so his truck should not have the O2 sensor. I sold the '83 to a friend of mine, who still has it. I'll give him a call.
California vehicles had much stricter smog requirements than other states, and did have an O2 sensor. I bought my truck, brand new in Texas in 1983. It was just a regular DS-2 ignition, no O2 sensor. I think Ozarks Ford is from Missouri, so his truck should not have the O2 sensor. I sold the '83 to a friend of mine, who still has it. I'll give him a call.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 8,786
Likes: 28
From: Northern California
Oh I agree with you there, California Smog is the most strict in the entire nation.
I'll also agree that Ozarks engine does not have an O2 sensor, but not because he has a Duraspark II ignition system, it's because he doesn't have a Feedback Carburator.
What you posted earlier about "If you have a Duraspark II, then your truck should not have a O2 sensor," is not acurate since 1000s of people have Duraspark II ignition systems, with O2 sensors, and Feedback Carbs.
The Feedback Carburator has to have a O2 sensor to operate. It tells the computer how to control the air fuel ratio on the feedback solenoid on the carb.
Computer Contols that can be found on Ford vehicles...
EEC I - 1978 "Pinto"
EEC II - 1979 "Various cars"
EEC III - 1980 "Various Cars"
MCU version 1 - 1981 "Various Cars, and the first year for trucks. California Equipped 300 I6s
MCU version 2 - 1982 "Various cars and trucks with 300 I6. or V6 engine. some additional sensors and different fuel mixture ratios"
MCU version 3 - 1983 "same as 1982 but with more sensors, controls, different fuel mixture ratios
EEC IV - 1983 with TFI-IV Ignition
EEC V - 1996 also known as OBD-II
I'll also agree that Ozarks engine does not have an O2 sensor, but not because he has a Duraspark II ignition system, it's because he doesn't have a Feedback Carburator.
What you posted earlier about "If you have a Duraspark II, then your truck should not have a O2 sensor," is not acurate since 1000s of people have Duraspark II ignition systems, with O2 sensors, and Feedback Carbs.
The Feedback Carburator has to have a O2 sensor to operate. It tells the computer how to control the air fuel ratio on the feedback solenoid on the carb.
Computer Contols that can be found on Ford vehicles...
EEC I - 1978 "Pinto"
EEC II - 1979 "Various cars"
EEC III - 1980 "Various Cars"
MCU version 1 - 1981 "Various Cars, and the first year for trucks. California Equipped 300 I6s
MCU version 2 - 1982 "Various cars and trucks with 300 I6. or V6 engine. some additional sensors and different fuel mixture ratios"
MCU version 3 - 1983 "same as 1982 but with more sensors, controls, different fuel mixture ratios
EEC IV - 1983 with TFI-IV Ignition
EEC V - 1996 also known as OBD-II
