Crummy mileage...

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Oct 31, 2009 | 07:17 PM

CobraGT40

Thread Starter

Tuned

Joined: Mar 2005

Posts: 493

Likes: 13

From: Aurora, Iliinois

Crummy mileage...

I have noticed in my 98 Explorer Sport that the mileage is worse than my 2000 Superduty. I know it has the 17.5 gal tank and I'm getting 12 mpg with it on average....its actually worse on the highway.

I bought it a couple weeks ago and it runs well...maybe a little rough, but the check engine soon light comes on and goes off intermittantly. I haven't done a tune-up on it yet, or changed the oil/filter, or air filter yet. I can't see that making the little truck get such crappy mileage though.

Anyone have any tips ?

Thanks !

Scott

Oct 31, 2009 | 08:29 PM

scucci

Senior User

Joined: Oct 2005

Posts: 180

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Get the codes scanned. If lean codes it could be lower intake gaskets. Check for vacuum leaks. Change plugs- (I use Autolite double platinums) and wires-(use motorcraft or magnetic suppression wires). Change fuel filter and air filter. Possibly clean the MAF. I do a full tune up when I buy a used vehicle. My 98 sport gets 14 city and 18 highway.

Oct 31, 2009 | 08:39 PM

steve(ill)

Hotshot

Joined: Jul 2005

Posts: 11,931

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our 96 and 2002 get around 19-20 on the highway. both have V6. They have to be tuned up, plugs, filters, oil as mentioned. No codes.

Oct 31, 2009 | 08:49 PM

CobraGT40

Thread Starter

Tuned

Joined: Mar 2005

Posts: 493

Likes: 13

From: Aurora, Iliinois

Thanks guys, I'll see if I can get all that done sometime this week, if the weather holds. My Expy Sport has the 4.0 Litre SOHC engine, does the OHV and SOHC engines use the same plugs/wires/fuel filters, etc. ? I know they use a different oil filter. As far as performance goes, the little Expy has a LOT of pep, very responsive...just poopy mileage, even if I baby the accelerator.

Other than that, its a great little truck for $2,500...I'm pretty sure it has every option but leather seats. I had a black one exactly like it, but the ex-wife took it in the divorce 5 years ago...and totalled it, of course.

Thanks again !

Scott

Oct 31, 2009 | 11:55 PM

scucci

Senior User

Joined: Oct 2005

Posts: 180

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OHV and SOHC use the same plugs and filters.
Oil Filter - Mobil M1-301
Oil - Mobil-1 Extended -15,000
Oil Capacity - 5Qts w/filter
Oil Drain plug 13mm wrench - 17-22 LB Ft

Trans Capacity - 9.5Qts. - 5r55e

Transfer Case - 1.5 Qts.

Front Axle - 3.5 Pts. 80W-90
Rear Axle - 5.8 Pts. plus (4 oz.) of additive friction modifier C8AZ-19B546-A, 75W-140
rear diff cover Gasket-Felpro RDS 55341

Coolant - 7.8 Qts
Air Filter - FA-1658 Wix-46253
Fuel Filter - FG-872 Wix-33296
Oil Filter(OEM) - FL-1A Wix-51515
Plugs - AGRF-22P Autolite Double Platinum-Part Number: APP103
Motorcraft - Ignition Spark Plug Wire Set Part Number: WR5944