low engine temp
Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
From: Ely, NV
low engine temp
Hello, new to the powerstrokes, been driving my old 7.3 IDI forever. Just bought a 97 f350 the fuel mileage kinda sucks compared to 'ol blue (16-18 mpg) and the engine temp barely gets to the N on "normal", Just wondering if these 2 things have anything in common. Do powerstroke's up the fuel if the engine is not up to operating temp? averaging 13 to 14 mpg, 4.10 gears E4OD and a light foot.
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 8,606
Likes: 13
From: Belair md
4.10's eat a little more fuel, what truck do you have, those numbers sound right if you have a crew cab long bed or a dually, if its a std cab then they should be higher....etc etc.
thermostat may be sticking if thats all the higher it gets, plus the cooling system is very efficient on our trucks. the trucks run best if you get them hotter, instal a 203* t-stat
thermostat may be sticking if thats all the higher it gets, plus the cooling system is very efficient on our trucks. the trucks run best if you get them hotter, instal a 203* t-stat
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 8,606
Likes: 13
From: Belair md
how much lift? what size tires? if they are larger tires dont forget to recalibrate the speedo... it will throw your mileage numbers way off. going from stock to 35's is a 5-6 mph difference.
i avg 18-19 in my extended cab long bed on 35 inch tires and 4.10's
i avg 18-19 in my extended cab long bed on 35 inch tires and 4.10's
Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
From: Ely, NV
4 in lift with 33 12.5 bfg AT's. I like those numbers you are getting alot more than mine! Has the stock cat and muffler, looks like someone instatted a down pipe though. I heard the stock down pipe was not round.
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 8,606
Likes: 13
From: Belair md
the cat a stock pipes will kill your economy, change the exhaust and intake for a noticeable difference
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Elder User
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 943
Likes: 0
From: North East, MD
Numbers sound about right. I got about 14/15.5 stock. A chip will help also but is up to you. I was getting about 18.5 highway with intake exhaust and chipped. Some how I gained about 1mpg when i went to stage 2s. Havnt' figured that one out yet.
1)Start adding some lube to the fuel. Since the sulfer was taken out the fuel doesn't lube the way it should in these older trucks. I switch between 2 stroke oil (1oz/gallon fuel) and diesel clean. Was good for about 1-1.5mpg increase on my truck
2)Take the cat out and replace with a "test pipe" and do the 6637 intake. You can get it from NAPA or fleefilter. Fleetfilter is like $28 compared to $50 at NAPA for exact same filter.
3) get the 203* stat. I never calcuated the milage difference but it has to help. Before my truck would never get above the line that marks teh bottom of normal range. After the stat it goes to between the "r" a "m" and doesn't move even towing in the heat. It geat in the winter I get hot air with in 5 min and 8-10min its completly up to temp. Used to take 20 min or so warm up all the way
1)Start adding some lube to the fuel. Since the sulfer was taken out the fuel doesn't lube the way it should in these older trucks. I switch between 2 stroke oil (1oz/gallon fuel) and diesel clean. Was good for about 1-1.5mpg increase on my truck
2)Take the cat out and replace with a "test pipe" and do the 6637 intake. You can get it from NAPA or fleefilter. Fleetfilter is like $28 compared to $50 at NAPA for exact same filter.
3) get the 203* stat. I never calcuated the milage difference but it has to help. Before my truck would never get above the line that marks teh bottom of normal range. After the stat it goes to between the "r" a "m" and doesn't move even towing in the heat. It geat in the winter I get hot air with in 5 min and 8-10min its completly up to temp. Used to take 20 min or so warm up all the way
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Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 12,835
Likes: 3
From: Silver Lake Dunes, MI
On the temp thing, the stock temp gauge on these trucks is less than accurate. Chances are good that your temps are fine for a stock stat but the 203 is a good way to go as well as an after market temp gauge if you really want to know what temp you are running. I have heard of too many people overheating and never knew it till there was coolant puking out the system so I feel its a must upgrade but that is just me. Like Joe said the cooling system is very efficient.
