Ideas for Improving Engine
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New User
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 13
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Ideas for Improving Engine
I am a new user who has a 1986 F150 4X4, 4spd manual with 300/6. The engine has 106000 miles on it. It lacks power going up hills and gets only about 12 MPG. Assuming the plugs, air filter, distributor and timing are fine what can be done to give it some get up and go? Are these engines known for low power or does the carb need rebuild or if changed what carb would be better to use? Would carbon cause it to lack power? It has never been driven hard. Do you take the head off to get rid of any carbon? I welcome any suggestions or ideas on this. I am not building a show truck or anything fancy. Just seems like the truck doesn't have the power it should. Thanks.
Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 3,135
Likes: 0
From: Canada
Ideas for Improving Engine
12 mpg seems low! i get near 18-20 with mine. is there a lot of black/blue smoke under start up and accelleration? are the plugs gapped correctly? when the plugs are replced are there build up of sediments or oil on them?
the 300 6 has a lot of low end torque 229FT LBS and 114HP roughly.
the real weak spot is the carter 1 barrel. that really restircts the power.
maybe try rebuilding the carb or think about getting a 2 or 4 barrel if you want the extra power
the 300 6 has a lot of low end torque 229FT LBS and 114HP roughly.
the real weak spot is the carter 1 barrel. that really restircts the power.
maybe try rebuilding the carb or think about getting a 2 or 4 barrel if you want the extra power
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 2,358
Likes: 3
From: Nebraska
Ideas for Improving Engine
Check and see if your catalytic converters are plugged. I drove mine for two years thinking it was just a dog and nothing could improve it, then I replaced the exhaust. Now it runs like a 300 should. 
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[font color="green"]1995 F-150 Supercab XLT longbed 4x4 302 M5OD [/font]31x10.50's
[font color="green"]1986 F-150 4x4 300 I6 NP435 [/font]Warn hubs, DeeZee bed caps, '96 XLT bench seat, new paint job
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[font color="green"]1995 F-150 Supercab XLT longbed 4x4 302 M5OD [/font]31x10.50's
[font color="green"]1986 F-150 4x4 300 I6 NP435 [/font]Warn hubs, DeeZee bed caps, '96 XLT bench seat, new paint job
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 291
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From: Ephrata USA
Ideas for Improving Engine
I only get like 14.5 with mine.....but thats alot of town driving i guess, i make like 3 trips a day form the college into town, haha. on the freeway going 70 i am lucky to get 13 mpg, but if i cruise at 60 its a solid 21 or higher.....weird huh?
Mike S.
1979 F-100 302
1995 F-150 4.9L 4x4
Mike S.
1979 F-100 302
1995 F-150 4.9L 4x4
Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
From: USA
Ideas for Improving Engine
i had the same problem in my bronco with a 300, check the plugs and start useing super-unleaded or prem-unleaded, yea its pricey but it will help a bit. but really ya just got to do your own tests.
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More Turbo
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 655
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Ideas for Improving Engine
Okay a tune up would not hurt. What tires are you turning? The closer you stay to stock the better the miles per gallon. It is easier to turn a stock tire than a snow tire..... The 300-6 in 4wd is also geared slightly differant that a 2 wd. You want MPG almost the cheapest way is to leave it be and buy an alternate commuter car.
Bob
Bob
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Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 3,135
Likes: 0
From: Canada
Ideas for Improving Engine
also depends on aryodynamics. these trucks aren't desgined with that in mind. put a topper or a tonner cover on,stock tires, tune up, make sure it's running rihgt and you're off
