mileage dropped quick

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Feb 3, 2008 | 06:36 AM

propertycare

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Joined: Nov 2007

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mileage dropped quick

I have an 03 350 DRW , bought it used, it was originally showing mpg of 19-20 on level roads but recently dropped to 14-15. It started after an oil change (Rotella). Checked tire pressure, ok. Anyone have suggestions? I have K&N intake will clean filter in hopes that might be contributor.

Feb 3, 2008 | 08:13 AM

utahtom

Posting Guru

Joined: May 2004

Posts: 1,366

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From: Northern Utah

Welcome to the FTE

Quote:

Originally Posted by propertycare

I have an 03 350 DRW , bought it used, it was originally showing mpg of 19-20 on level roads but recently dropped to 14-15.

14-15 average is about right for a DRW although on the highway you might be able to get higher mpg. A lot of 6.0 owners run 5W40 oil which seems to help mpg (doesn't hurt). Also, winter blend fuel with cold temps can reduce mpg... and so will a heavy right foot

Last edited by utahtom; Feb 3, 2008 at 08:20 AM.

Feb 3, 2008 | 09:15 AM

Mustangbru8

Senior User

Joined: Sep 2006

Posts: 186

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From: Upstate NY

maybe when you first got it, it was warm out and you were using summer fuel and then there was winter fuel. A dirty air filter would hurt the mileage too, my guess it is a combination of those things and tire pressure.

FYI most people here will tell you to put the stock air filter unit back on it is better than basically all of the aftermarket ones.

Feb 3, 2008 | 09:34 AM

BobsF350

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Joined: Apr 2004

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i have the same truck.14-15 is average.

did it show that high when you bought it on the lieOmeter and you restet it and now shows 14-15 or did you calculate it at 20mpg and then recently calculate again and lost 5-6 mpg?

Feb 4, 2008 | 10:10 PM

salesman112

Senior User

Joined: Jun 2007

Posts: 124

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From: brighton, ill

just read a thread in the superduty forum about the auto hubs not unlocking like they should. did you recently use the 4wd.

Feb 5, 2008 | 12:00 AM

propertycare

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Joined: Nov 2007

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thanks guys for all the input... the intake was on when i got it so replacement isnt an option. Being new to the deisel world , wasnt aware of the fuel/seasonal issues. I drove for the first 5000 miles ( about a month for me) mostly highway and the console read in the high teens mostly, put on a Leer cap in october and it ran aroun 19-20 until it got cold. As winter set in it dropped. All console mileage that is i havent done the manual calc.

Feb 5, 2008 | 08:59 AM

BobsF350

Elder User

Joined: Apr 2004

Posts: 614

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THE-O-METER as its known

i have ran down the highway with a 32 foot trailer loaded and looking for fuel reading 0miles till empty
i have also ran out of fuel with it saying 40 some miles till empty

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Feb 5, 2008 | 09:28 AM

Brother Les

Cargo Master

Joined: Oct 2007

Posts: 2,712

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From: BoCoMo

When I run my '01, Crew-Cab, on High Proformance Super Chip and the 'Highway'... the console meter says I can average 31 MPH....reality says nope...Looking at the console meter too much will mess with your mind. I can drive around town and have '20MPH'....burn the tires real good and then look at it and it will say 6MPH....What is it telling me...don't burn the tires!...but it is so much fun.

Check your mileage for a while the old fashion way...if you can aford the 100 dollar bill at every fill up. that will give you a better 'average'

Welcome to the family

Brother Les