Fuel Milage ??
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More Turbo
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 552
Likes: 9
Fuel Milage ??
Hi guys i in the process and with your help im getting my newly aquired 87 f-250 straightened out. She still starts hard in the morning we hit it with a shot of starting fluid and shes good for the day. I found out some things. I guess this truck was born with 6.9 and someone put in 7.3 jasper motor. I just put new exhaust on it the y pipe was just about gone i replaced all of it. picked up a fuel filter for an 88 7.3 and it was wrong seems mine doesnt have the open bottom its just spin on with a closed bottom. I found my water seperator on the firewall and pulled the ring up and nothing came out the bottom, i had to remove it and it was just full and meen full to the top with water ( i dont know this thing made it home from philly) the drop outlet was plugged with what looked like mud wasp dirt. Now about my milage..... Im seeing about 13.6 mpg does this seem right to you guys. I have the 3spd auto and it is 4x4 with a utility bed. rpms seem high to me on the highway about 2600 at 65mph. Im running 245-75-16 tires. is this the c-6 tranny? i hear they are really good. i bet this thing would pull a house without bogging down. Im just wondering if there is something i should be looking at to improve mpg... Thanks fellas
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 20,399
Likes: 867
From: Mi'kma'ki
the biggest thing you can do,is to (yes thats the c6 3 speed in there) swap that c6 with the E40D 4 speed.this will drop your rpms way down and save you big mpg gains.hundreds,if not thousands of $ (depending on how long your going to own it)
over the course of your ownership.otherwise,slow down to 2k rpm or lower most often,a fresh ip and injectors and have her timing checked along with checking tire pressure,and alignment.open the exhaust,repack the wheel bearings.check the brakes.open the intake.add a turbo.open the exhaust.etc.etc. all in how much your willing to spend.
generally,the skinnier the tire-the better the mpg.
also note.if your speedo/odo was not recalibrated for the 245's.your mileage is going to be off.
your running a 30.5" tall tire,where stock 235/85's were 31.7" tall (this lowers your gears,and increases your rpms.)
good news is,you appear to have 3.55's vrs the 4:10 based on your rpm/speed/trans ratio/tire size.
so this is for sure in your favor for mpg's over the 4:10's.
with these tires,your actual gear ratio now is 3.69:1.so for a bit lower rpm's go back to the stock size sneaks will help you a little.(nothing like having 4th gear.but when talking years,and lots of miles.it adds up.)
over the course of your ownership.otherwise,slow down to 2k rpm or lower most often,a fresh ip and injectors and have her timing checked along with checking tire pressure,and alignment.open the exhaust,repack the wheel bearings.check the brakes.open the intake.add a turbo.open the exhaust.etc.etc. all in how much your willing to spend.
generally,the skinnier the tire-the better the mpg.
also note.if your speedo/odo was not recalibrated for the 245's.your mileage is going to be off.
your running a 30.5" tall tire,where stock 235/85's were 31.7" tall (this lowers your gears,and increases your rpms.)
good news is,you appear to have 3.55's vrs the 4:10 based on your rpm/speed/trans ratio/tire size.
so this is for sure in your favor for mpg's over the 4:10's.
with these tires,your actual gear ratio now is 3.69:1.so for a bit lower rpm's go back to the stock size sneaks will help you a little.(nothing like having 4th gear.but when talking years,and lots of miles.it adds up.)
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 10,501
Likes: 5
From: Faibanks Ak.
Or you can find a used gv unit and stick it on there and gain 500 mpg and you don't have to limp home in limp mode. (sorry F250) I just can't help it.
With a service bed and auto tranny that mileage sounds about right at 65, If you can stand 55 you usually will see a pretty good gain, with a standard anyway. If it starts quick and easy on either you just have a glow plug problem.
With a service bed and auto tranny that mileage sounds about right at 65, If you can stand 55 you usually will see a pretty good gain, with a standard anyway. If it starts quick and easy on either you just have a glow plug problem.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 20,399
Likes: 867
From: Mi'kma'ki
LMAO!
yeah,only 1k miles,and that worthless E40D is already giving me problems.
(for those reading,and not familiar with this trans.its electronically controlled.my speed sensor appears to be going,so the trans can't make up its mind what gear it should be in.it's not the trans fault,and very minor lol.)
yeah,only 1k miles,and that worthless E40D is already giving me problems.
(for those reading,and not familiar with this trans.its electronically controlled.my speed sensor appears to be going,so the trans can't make up its mind what gear it should be in.it's not the trans fault,and very minor lol.)
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,789
Likes: 5
From: Sand GAp, KY
I agree star. It is to bad they had to go a mess things up putting a computer in these wonderfully simple rigs lol. Boots68686, have you done things like soupbowl mod, coldiar intake and opening up the exhaust? Those are good for power as well as milage as they let these things breathe better.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 20,399
Likes: 867
From: Mi'kma'ki
it's worth it having 4th gear over the c6 tho guys.
i get to cruise around right in the IDI peaks torque band all the time.
it's not that complicated..........i hope.
i'l let ya know tomorrow if it fixed it or not lol.
it's going to be slow ride to auto zone tomorrow lol.seems like its easy to fix,and i can do it right there in the parking lot in just a min.
i get to cruise around right in the IDI peaks torque band all the time.
it's not that complicated..........i hope.
i'l let ya know tomorrow if it fixed it or not lol.
it's going to be slow ride to auto zone tomorrow lol.seems like its easy to fix,and i can do it right there in the parking lot in just a min.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,789
Likes: 5
From: Sand GAp, KY
I don't even like the lincoln welders at work that have the digital readouts and computer in them lol. I stick with the old miller shopmaster that I have used forever. I have to turn the handle to adjust it and can get it right where i want not were it says I should be lol.
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From: Massachusetts
Easy with the starting fluid! Avoid using it if possible. Bad things happen according to all of my reading. Someone may tell you a horror story.
As to fix it, you're looking at glow plug problems. Test the glow plugs with a test light for beginners. Take the plastic electrical terminal off the top of the glow plug. Hook the test light to the power side of the battery and probe the top of the glow plug. If the test lights illuminates, that glow plug is good. If it doesn't light up, that glow plug is bad. Perform the test on each glow plug to determine how many are good and how many are bad. If you've got one bad one, the rest will quickly follow. It would be best to replace all 8 at the same time. Use Motorcraft Beru plugs. They don't swell when they burn up, like all other brands do. When the plug swells, and you try to remove it, the plug top breaks off inside the cylinder. This means pulling the fuel injectors to try and blow the tip out, or usually removing the cylinder head. Don't risk it, get Motorcraft/Beru plugs. I use Autolite 1109's myself, but we won't start an arguement and hijack this thread from you.
As for your mileage you're right around where you should be. My 6,500 pound 2wd flatbed F350 dually gets 20 mpg when I drive VERY nicely without a load. If I drive regularly, I expect 14-16. If I'm late for school I expect 8-10! This is with a standard transmission though.
As for improving MPG with a diesel. More air in, more exhaust out. These diesels WANT air and a lot of it. Try searching for "Ram Air". A lot of guys have made Ram Air setups that are nice, were cheap, and supposedly help a lot with performance and MPG. I'm doing that this Spring and i can't wait!
Get that exhaust flowing out by opening up the exhaust system. The Y-Pipe under the oil pan is VERY restrictive. Notice how the passenger side manifold dumps into the crossover at like an 80 degree angle! AND the pipe doesn't get any bigger when it makes the sudden curves over the transmission crossmember! See about havign an exhaust shop make you a better crossover setup and giving you a nice large exhaust. What size? I'm not sure, but bigger is better. However, be aware that the larger diameter you go, the more the price increases for pipe and the muffler. Believe me, your hearing will thank you for keeping the muffler. A straight pipe non-turbo motor is VERY loud under load.
The most crucial aspect of driving for the best MPG is correct operation. My best to date has been 23 MPG. It wasn't exactly practical though, since I was taking several minutes to get up to speed by pretending theres an egg between your foot and the gas pedal. I also downshifted through to second gear for the hills and pulled them around 20 MPH at the most efficient engine speed. I drove by ear as to when the engine was under load. Believe it or not, you may not always get better MPG's in 4th gear lugging the engine compared to 3rd gear where you're running at a higher RPM, but it's a more efficient RPM. Like I said, the line of cars behind me made that run un-practical...but I felt I had to try it out to see my maximum MPG potential.
As to fix it, you're looking at glow plug problems. Test the glow plugs with a test light for beginners. Take the plastic electrical terminal off the top of the glow plug. Hook the test light to the power side of the battery and probe the top of the glow plug. If the test lights illuminates, that glow plug is good. If it doesn't light up, that glow plug is bad. Perform the test on each glow plug to determine how many are good and how many are bad. If you've got one bad one, the rest will quickly follow. It would be best to replace all 8 at the same time. Use Motorcraft Beru plugs. They don't swell when they burn up, like all other brands do. When the plug swells, and you try to remove it, the plug top breaks off inside the cylinder. This means pulling the fuel injectors to try and blow the tip out, or usually removing the cylinder head. Don't risk it, get Motorcraft/Beru plugs. I use Autolite 1109's myself, but we won't start an arguement and hijack this thread from you.
As for your mileage you're right around where you should be. My 6,500 pound 2wd flatbed F350 dually gets 20 mpg when I drive VERY nicely without a load. If I drive regularly, I expect 14-16. If I'm late for school I expect 8-10! This is with a standard transmission though.
As for improving MPG with a diesel. More air in, more exhaust out. These diesels WANT air and a lot of it. Try searching for "Ram Air". A lot of guys have made Ram Air setups that are nice, were cheap, and supposedly help a lot with performance and MPG. I'm doing that this Spring and i can't wait!
Get that exhaust flowing out by opening up the exhaust system. The Y-Pipe under the oil pan is VERY restrictive. Notice how the passenger side manifold dumps into the crossover at like an 80 degree angle! AND the pipe doesn't get any bigger when it makes the sudden curves over the transmission crossmember! See about havign an exhaust shop make you a better crossover setup and giving you a nice large exhaust. What size? I'm not sure, but bigger is better. However, be aware that the larger diameter you go, the more the price increases for pipe and the muffler. Believe me, your hearing will thank you for keeping the muffler. A straight pipe non-turbo motor is VERY loud under load.
The most crucial aspect of driving for the best MPG is correct operation. My best to date has been 23 MPG. It wasn't exactly practical though, since I was taking several minutes to get up to speed by pretending theres an egg between your foot and the gas pedal. I also downshifted through to second gear for the hills and pulled them around 20 MPH at the most efficient engine speed. I drove by ear as to when the engine was under load. Believe it or not, you may not always get better MPG's in 4th gear lugging the engine compared to 3rd gear where you're running at a higher RPM, but it's a more efficient RPM. Like I said, the line of cars behind me made that run un-practical...but I felt I had to try it out to see my maximum MPG potential.
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 912
Likes: 0
From: Marianna, Florida USA
Easy with the starting fluid! Avoid using it if possible. Bad things happen according to all of my reading. Someone may tell you a horror story.
As to fix it, you're looking at glow plug problems. Test the glow plugs with a test light for beginners. Take the plastic electrical terminal off the top of the glow plug. Hook the test light to the power side of the battery and probe the top of the glow plug. If the test lights illuminates, that glow plug is good. If it doesn't light up, that glow plug is bad. Perform the test on each glow plug to determine how many are good and how many are bad. If you've got one bad one, the rest will quickly follow. It would be best to replace all 8 at the same time. Use Motorcraft Beru plugs. They don't swell when they burn up, like all other brands do
. When the plug swells, and you try to remove it, the plug top breaks off inside the cylinder. This means pulling the fuel injectors to try and blow the tip out, or usually removing the cylinder head. Don't risk it, get Motorcraft/Beru plugs. I use Autolite 1109's myself, but we won't start an arguement and hijack this thread from you.
As for your mileage you're right around where you should be. My 6,500 pound 2wd flatbed F350 dually gets 20 mpg when I drive VERY nicely without a load. If I drive regularly, I expect 14-16. If I'm late for school I expect 8-10! This is with a standard transmission though.
As for improving MPG with a diesel. More air in, more exhaust out. These diesels WANT air and a lot of it. Try searching for "Ram Air". A lot of guys have made Ram Air setups that are nice, were cheap, and supposedly help a lot with performance and MPG. I'm doing that this Spring and i can't wait!
Get that exhaust flowing out by opening up the exhaust system. The Y-Pipe under the oil pan is VERY restrictive. Notice how the passenger side manifold dumps into the crossover at like an 80 degree angle! AND the pipe doesn't get any bigger when it makes the sudden curves over the transmission crossmember! See about havign an exhaust shop make you a better crossover setup and giving you a nice large exhaust. What size? I'm not sure, but bigger is better. However, be aware that the larger diameter you go, the more the price increases for pipe and the muffler. Believe me, your hearing will thank you for keeping the muffler. A straight pipe non-turbo motor is VERY loud under load.
The most crucial aspect of driving for the best MPG is correct operation. My best to date has been 23 MPG. It wasn't exactly practical though, since I was taking several minutes to get up to speed by pretending theres an egg between your foot and the gas pedal. I also downshifted through to second gear for the hills and pulled them around 20 MPH at the most efficient engine speed. I drove by ear as to when the engine was under load. Believe it or not, you may not always get better MPG's in 4th gear lugging the engine compared to 3rd gear where you're running at a higher RPM, but it's a more efficient RPM. Like I said, the line of cars behind me made that run un-practical...but I felt I had to try it out to see my maximum MPG potential.
As to fix it, you're looking at glow plug problems. Test the glow plugs with a test light for beginners. Take the plastic electrical terminal off the top of the glow plug. Hook the test light to the power side of the battery and probe the top of the glow plug. If the test lights illuminates, that glow plug is good. If it doesn't light up, that glow plug is bad. Perform the test on each glow plug to determine how many are good and how many are bad. If you've got one bad one, the rest will quickly follow. It would be best to replace all 8 at the same time. Use Motorcraft Beru plugs. They don't swell when they burn up, like all other brands do
. When the plug swells, and you try to remove it, the plug top breaks off inside the cylinder. This means pulling the fuel injectors to try and blow the tip out, or usually removing the cylinder head. Don't risk it, get Motorcraft/Beru plugs. I use Autolite 1109's myself, but we won't start an arguement and hijack this thread from you.As for your mileage you're right around where you should be. My 6,500 pound 2wd flatbed F350 dually gets 20 mpg when I drive VERY nicely without a load. If I drive regularly, I expect 14-16. If I'm late for school I expect 8-10! This is with a standard transmission though.
As for improving MPG with a diesel. More air in, more exhaust out. These diesels WANT air and a lot of it. Try searching for "Ram Air". A lot of guys have made Ram Air setups that are nice, were cheap, and supposedly help a lot with performance and MPG. I'm doing that this Spring and i can't wait!
Get that exhaust flowing out by opening up the exhaust system. The Y-Pipe under the oil pan is VERY restrictive. Notice how the passenger side manifold dumps into the crossover at like an 80 degree angle! AND the pipe doesn't get any bigger when it makes the sudden curves over the transmission crossmember! See about havign an exhaust shop make you a better crossover setup and giving you a nice large exhaust. What size? I'm not sure, but bigger is better. However, be aware that the larger diameter you go, the more the price increases for pipe and the muffler. Believe me, your hearing will thank you for keeping the muffler. A straight pipe non-turbo motor is VERY loud under load.
The most crucial aspect of driving for the best MPG is correct operation. My best to date has been 23 MPG. It wasn't exactly practical though, since I was taking several minutes to get up to speed by pretending theres an egg between your foot and the gas pedal. I also downshifted through to second gear for the hills and pulled them around 20 MPH at the most efficient engine speed. I drove by ear as to when the engine was under load. Believe it or not, you may not always get better MPG's in 4th gear lugging the engine compared to 3rd gear where you're running at a higher RPM, but it's a more efficient RPM. Like I said, the line of cars behind me made that run un-practical...but I felt I had to try it out to see my maximum MPG potential.
Sorry, I couldn't resist. 
My bad!
Thread Starter
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More Turbo
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 552
Likes: 9
Thanks guys for all the input! Ive been thinking on the tire size myself too. Im running 245-75-16s now, I didnt realize the 235-85-16 was a taller tire, I agree taller tires would help my final ratio im sure.
As far as the either goes i hate using it at all. I have new glow plugs on the way and a new glow plug relay to install this weekend, I hope gets the problem for me.
As far as the E40d I have replaced 1 in my 96 f-250 gasser and one in my 91 crew cab gasser when it went out it left me sit along the interstate in 15 degreee weather she just unloaded all the tranny fluid right out the top vent. and the 96 blew inside so the trans man told me.
I will let everyone know how the gp install goes with regards to having start in the morning. Thanks guys
As far as the either goes i hate using it at all. I have new glow plugs on the way and a new glow plug relay to install this weekend, I hope gets the problem for me.
As far as the E40d I have replaced 1 in my 96 f-250 gasser and one in my 91 crew cab gasser when it went out it left me sit along the interstate in 15 degreee weather she just unloaded all the tranny fluid right out the top vent. and the 96 blew inside so the trans man told me.
I will let everyone know how the gp install goes with regards to having start in the morning. Thanks guys
