Is there any tricks to getting better gas milage out of i300-6, its a stock 1980 f150 with nothing special done to it. It has lots of power, though it hesitates if u give a healthy shot of gas. I'm only getting maybe 12 mpg. I was wondering what is the proper way to tune up the carburator. (just a basic single barrel)

 

Well Brian I would definitely give the engine a tune up first. If you are only getting 12 mpg then the engine probably needs a tune up. Here is a list of things you can do!

1. Get a Chiltons manual for your truck. A very good thing to have! A good reference for answering questions and other general information!

2. As usual check your spark plugs for fouling, gap, and see if the electrode is worn away. If the electrode is worn than replace your spark plugs. Try going one step hotter. Hotter means the plug reachs deeper into the combustion chamber.

3. Check your timing. If your timing is way off this will hamper gas mileage. If I remember correctly you will want to be in the 5-7 degree range BTDC(before top dead center of the #1 piston). I run EFI so I am making an educated guess.

4. As you mentioned tuning your carburetor will help out too! Make sure you idle isn't set to high. You can set you idle speed via the idling screw. Also make sure the butterfly opens all the way at wide open throttle. I don't know how to tune this type of carburetor, but it can't be much different from any other one. Check out this webpage for help: http://users.deltanet.com/~stroud/carbtune.html
By the way if your carburetor is original and it has alot of miles on it, look into rebuilding it, cleaning it really good or upgrading to a 2 barrel carb. This will give you more power and little more mpg.

5. Check out MSD's 6200 6A ignition system. It's a multi-spark discharge system that hits each cylinder with multiple sparks during the power stroke. This insures a more complete fuel burn with increased mpg and some extra power! If you do get a MSD unit you will need spiral wound spark plugs. Accel's 300+ series do really good!

For now I can't think of much else. If you have any questions just drop another message and I'll get back to ya!

 

thanks, i'll try this

 

Hey Brian,

I have Ford's 240 L6 in my 67 Ford F-100. It's just a three speed on the tree, but it does all-right.

Like you, I'm in the quest to get better gas milage. So far, there are a few things that have helped.

First, ever driven with the tail gate down and notice the difference in how your car handles on the freeway? For me at least, it almost feels like I'm towing something because of the drag that is caused when the downswooping air from off of the back of the cab hits a closed tail gate. Try getting a cargo/gate/net thing, or some sort of toneau cover for you bed.

Second, I used the original Carter carb for years, until recently I decied to get a fully "Holly rebuilt" 1bbl carb. and boy what a difference that made. I don't know about MPG per se, but the acceleration was MUCH smoother as well as the idle. Check them out and don't mess with the rebuild kit. I highly recomend one.

FYI: the holes for the studs off my manifold were too close together, so I took smothing like a "moto-tool" and rounded out the soft aluminium. perfect fit.

Third, like the other guys said get some decent spark plungs. I used Autolite for years becasue they were cheap. Then I tried Bosch plugs and was amazed at the difference I could feel in performance. You wouldn't think a plug could have such an effect but it does. I will NEVER buy Autolite again. They are what they are...Cheap. (BTW: for any skeptics out there, the old Autolites were about 6 months old and clean when I took them out. so there. :-b)

Forth, check your timing. and make sure you have you carb adjusted properly. It's not hard to do.
And you might even try bigger tires if they'll fit.

With all of that I get about 14MPG city/freeway mix.

Last thought: If you have a clutch radiator fan, make sure it hasn't siezed up on you. We're talking major drag there. :-)

For what it's worth,
Brian

 

Here's an easy one, applicable to any engine: Install a vacuum guage, then drive to the biggest number on that guage you can; bigger number=smaller throttle opening=less gas used.
Short shift as early as you can, 1400-1600 RPM if you can do it without lugging; again, less RPM=less throttle opening etc.
If you have a manual, kick it out of gear and coast with the engine idling when you're coming up on a stop.
Last, run the posted speed limit, again to hold the RPM down.
This all really sucks to do, but it will boost fuel mileage.
Eddie

 

Brian I have found out a few other things you can do to help increase gas mileage.

1. Check and see if you brake pads might be riding the wheel drums. Brake pad springs may have worn out and are allowing the pads to ride the drum to much.

2. Check the wheel bearings on your front wheels. They could probably use a new greasing!

3. Check all of your vacuums. Make sure they are at the correct vacuum.

4. Check cylinder compression. You might have a little blow by. If you do then either get another engine or rebuild the one you have!

5. Check to see if any of your engines pulleys/accessories are worn out. A bad A/C compressor can cause a little drag.

5. Being your engine is a six cylinder you should be getting around 15 to 16 mpg. I believe your engine needs a good tune up more than performance add ons.

 

i own an 85 F-150 300 I6 with a C-4 and 2.47 final drive. the motor only has 5,000 miles on it and the tranny only has 3,000 miles on it. in town i get 13mpg and the only time i have taken it on a long trip so far i got 15-16mpg. this was cruising with the A/C on the whole time as well as averaging about 70-80mph the whole time(i've got a lead foot!). this was also going through the hill country of central/west Texas.

David
85 F-150 300 I6