hey guys...
sorry for all the simple questions...
i have a 2000 f250 7.3 6 spd.
i have a few questions...
1. i installed a 6637 filter, and the truck seems to run awesome, but my gas mileage dropped off. my first tank was 18 mpg, mixed, and my second(with the filter) was 15 mixed. i dont think im driving any differently just wanted some opinions...
2. do you guys start in 2nd gear, or come to a COMPLETE stop and use 1st? i cannot put the truck in 1st unless i completely stop, but i can start in 2nd. i just dont want to hurt the clutch. this isnt my first manual, but it is my first manual diesel truck. just looking for help and opinions.

thanks alot in advance...im trying to read and absorb as much info as possible.
chris

 

I have no help for the 6637 question, i don't have mine yet...but the hand-shaker in mine rolls out in 2nd...i would only use 1st if you're yankin something really heavy around, heck empty it'll only get you rolling @ 10mph anyway...lol...

are you just a diesel noob, or an FTE noob...either way, welcome

 

I dont think the 6637 hurt your mpg. I always take off in 2nd from a dead stop unless I have a load.

 

Ditto, unless I'm going uphill from a stop.

 

Do you have a gauge on your new filter? That would show any trouble right away.
On my 10,000lb flatbed I have 4.88 differential. Took me some time to get good touch of the shifter, so several times I started the truck on 4th gear. Did just fine.
I use 1 only when I need very low speed for maneuvering or if I am moving uphill with 5 tons payload.

 

I always take off in 2nd from a dead stop unless Im loaded or stuck

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My gears are as follows on my 6-speed:

R
L
1
2
3
4
D

Use low when pulling a load and starting out from a dead stop. Use 1 otherwise. I believe L is synchronized and you should be able to get into it w/o being at a dead stop. I can in my truck anyway.

 

My gears are the same and 1st is synchronized and I can down shift to it if I want to. I still take off in 2nd unless loaded or on a up hill start. I have 4:10's does that make any difference on just a easy take off?

 

yall confuse me...

I start off in #1 not low...

 

thanks for the info guys..
i am a diesel noob, not an fte noob. trying to learn as much as possible...
i don not have a gauge on the filter, the PO took out stock air box and installed an autozone cheapo "k&n look-alike" so i added the 6637. i guess i could buy a gauge from ford, but i wasnt sure if it was needed??? thanks again....
let me know if you guys think i should get a gauge.
thanks
chris

 

Filter Gauges make lot of sense. When the element can cost you over 50 bucks -installing $19 gauge can pay for itself on the first unnecessary change.
Driving with clogged filter is not fun neither.
I installed one even on my 21hp tractor.
Than talking the gear numbers. We are talking about 6 speed tranny here.
Seems that the owners of 4 speed with OD and Low wandered here by a mistake

 

My truck is always loaded and the only time I use low hear is if I'm starting on a hill. I weigh 13,000 pounds always. My first clutch went out @ 130K miles, my second clutch went @ 180K. I ruptured a fuel line and fuel ran down the valley and leaked into the bell housing and soaked my clutch. Right now I have 245K miles on the truck.

You will love your diesel. The nice thing about diesels is their simplicity. With a gasoline engine you have to regulate the fuel, air and the spark. With a diesel you only have to regulate the fuel. Keep fresh oil and filters in it and it should last you 500K miles.

 

I always start out in the gear labeled as "1". Whatever you guys want to call it. I only use low when moving a trailer and starting out uphill.

But even then, only 1 from a dead stop. 2nd is fine for after turning sharp corners and everything. I'll only go back into 1 if it starts to lug or whatever.

On the 6637- did not lose any mpg with it. I get 21+ empty on the interstate, and around 15-16 mixed driving around town.