How do I Improve MPG?

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Jan 29, 2010 | 06:30 AM

#31

zhilton

Logistics Pro

Joined: Mar 2007

Posts: 4,604

Likes: 4

From: Claremore, OK

Quote:

Originally Posted by Packard V8

I'd love to see 20 MPG on the highway on my '04. Unloaded, with a light foot, the absolute best I've ever calculated was 17.4 and usually around 17.1.

It's a big, wide, tall truck weighing three tons (you big dogs are four tons!). Unless the laws of physics are repealed, nothing I've seen makes much difference.

thnx, jack vines

I'm usually around 18-19 mpg, but have I have seen 20-21 a couple of times running down the super slab. Had a freak 24 mpg back in Jan '08 and I haven't been able to figure out how I did that (must have been a really nice tail wind). I wish there was a way to just blow air across the defroster without cycling the compressor...that would help. There are tricks you can do (fold the mirrors in, run without a/c, etc) that will help some...but then you make yourself uncomfortable just to save $3-$4 over the length of a trip. Is it really worth the discomfort? Speed does kill the mileage on these trucks for sure.

Jan 29, 2010 | 10:08 AM

#32

mohle

More Turbo

Joined: Jun 2007

Posts: 537

Likes: 3

From: Carvel, AB, Canada

Check out this link.
Diesel World - More MPG for Your Super Duty

Obviously there are certain upgrades you can make, problem is how much does the upgrade cost vs. how much fuel you actually save. If it takes ten years just to pay off the upgrade, then you are really no further ahead. Best upgrade: Wear lighter shoes!

Jan 29, 2010 | 10:11 AM

#33

Packard V8

Mountain Pass

Joined: Aug 2009

Posts: 136

Likes: 11

FWIW, I had a fleet truck manager tell me the one change which will definitely increase fuel mileage (and cause most owners here to run away screaming :>) is to change to tall, narrow Michelin or Toyo commercial tires. He says the 235/85x16" tires OEM on most '99-04 Fords will use noticeably less fuel than the much wider tires most here immediately want to fit for the look.

thnx, jack vines

Jan 29, 2010 | 10:15 AM

#34

william_04_x

Lead Driver

Joined: Nov 2007

Posts: 5,139

Likes: 209

235 85 16's?

Jan 29, 2010 | 12:08 PM

#35

wedge88

Senior User

Joined: Dec 2003

Posts: 261

Likes: 0

From: St. Louis MO

I have never run Cetene Booster as the dealer said it was unnecessary in my 06'. Is this really the case? I live in the midwest and the truck is parked in garage that rarely sees below freezing and if it is cold I plug er in. Would I benefit from Cetene? Is is something that once you start using you have to continue or can you see a difference / improvement with staggard usage? Thanks

Quote:

Originally Posted by zhilton

You could make out daylight through the core...but that's about it. It wasn't plugged in any fashion, but I removed it to help drop the EGT (when towing) and I knew it would make the turbo louder. It was a cheap exhaust mod ($20); my future plans for the truck are a true 4" turbo back with no cat and less restrictive muffler....but there will be one just to keep the peace with my neighbors. I've only run 3 tanks through the truck since the mod and the hand calculations have been a mile to the gallon higher. I'd like to make a long road trip (more than 200 miles non-stop) to see how everything stacks up.I'm no diesel tech, but the best way I can explain cetane is the willing-ness for the fuel to burn. The higher the number the better. Cetane booster is to a diesel like octane booster to a gasser. There are several different brands. Most agree that Stadyne is the best; I run Diesel Power Service through my truck (white in the winter for anti-gell; gray at all other times); Ford has their own out there...but like everything Ford, it ain't chap.

Jan 29, 2010 | 03:38 PM

#36

zhilton

Logistics Pro

Joined: Mar 2007

Posts: 4,604

Likes: 4

From: Claremore, OK

Quote:

Originally Posted by Packard V8

A hard tire, air'd up and skinner than a mud tire will always work better....less rolling resistance. The trade off is in snow or if you leave the pavement your stuck in a heartbeat.

Quote:

Originally Posted by wedge88

The climate only effects if you need an anti-gel; not the cetane that increases the fuel's ability to burn completely. The cetane booster usually will lubricate the injectors better than the ULSD that we're stuck with. Since the sulfur has been stripped down to 15 ppm, the fuel is allot "dryer" from a lubricating stand point...than what we had 10 years ago. With that said...an "oilier" fuel reduces wear on the injector plungers which leads to a longer life. I'm not going sit here and shove a bunch of lies...because I don't have exact numbers on how fast injectors are wearing out between those that use a cetane booster and those that don't. But if your running an oilier fuel that's EPA compliant....how can you not be doing good things for your PSD? Let alone any other diesel engine.

Jan 29, 2010 | 04:19 PM

#37

tex25025

Post Fiend

Joined: Oct 2005

Posts: 10,626

Likes: 7

From: Plano TX and Brentwood TN

Quote:

Originally Posted by zhilton

With that said...an "oilier" fuel reduces wear on the injector plungers which leads to a longer life.

Yet another reason to go after market with your injectors. Tungston coated plungers, they can withstand alot.

Jan 29, 2010 | 05:50 PM

#38

dakotajeep

Laughing Gas

Joined: Aug 2007

Posts: 1,132

Likes: 0

From: Baldwin, ND

Quote:

A hard tire, air'd up and skinner than a mud tire will always work better....less rolling resistance.

110% agree!!!!

Quote:

The trade off is in snow or if you leave the pavement your stuck in a heartbeat.

There are many factors. Tall and skinny area preferable if the snow isnt too deep.....if its pretty deep then you want the flotation that a wider tire will give you.

Then you can debate tread type and softness of the rubber.....

THad