1983 Ford Ranger Diesel bad fuel mileage
 

Hi, all. Newbie here. I recently bought a 1983 Ford Ranger Diesel pickup truck (2.2L Mazda engine, manual transmission). The dealer said to expect a little above 30 mpg on fuel mileage but the two fill-ups I've done show an average fuel mileage of 22 mpg. About half of these are highway miles.

I thought diesels are supposed to have good mileage. Is this typical for my year and model truck? Is there any way to increase the mileage? I just replaced the air and fuel filters and also changed the oil and oil filters. If anyone has any experiences with this, please let me know. TIA.

Bob

Welcome to FTE!!!

I'm not familar with the diesel's mileage, does anyone have any ideas???

May try a fuel additive called power serve it cleans the injector and lucas upper cylinder lube.


1998 5.4l 4x4 expedition
1983 2.2l diesel ranger

1983 Ford Ranger Diesel bad fuel mileage
 

Thanks, herpelmike. I'll try it out.

Wow! Didn't expect a reply from anyone 7 years after I first posted this! I still have the truck and it runs well. I was told by a mechanic that the engine will probably outlast the vehcle body!

--
Bob

Did you ever get your fuel issue resolved? these 2.2's should be good for at least 33-38mpg. Your mechanic's correct, the Perkins/Mazda diesels will easily go 500,000 miles plus before a rebuild, i've owned one for 15yrs now (shameless pic below), check out the following link, most everything you need to know about these rare trucks is here.... mazda diesel - Home

1983 Ranger w/2.2L Perkins diesel
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/g...awpunk/020.jpg

2.2l perkins diesel
 

Havent had a chance to check mpg on my ranger just bought it for 1k. Has 139k on it and i've put 171miles on it. It hasnt been run alot in the last 5yrs.
Michael Shane McDonald's Photos | Facebook

You did good for 1K, 2.2 Diesel Rangers in good condition with low mileage like yours easily bring in 3K plus on ebay.

Fuel mileage
 

My 85 Ranger 4x4 has the diesel. It has always averaged 35mpg.

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.for...9082801493.jpg
depends on the load, road conditions and your speed.
on flat highway doing 65-70 my ranger averages mid to low 30's. at 45-55 I'm around 40 mpg.
loaded pulling a full trailer 22-24, @65 mph.... in town it varies..
remember these trucks were geared for a 55 mph speed limit..
my truck is getting close to 300,000 miles on the engine. i'm on a third transmission. i found out that running the engine at lower rpm's kill the transmission input shaft bearings. a friend on another web site. had over 750,000 miles on his mazda before dropping a cylinder. cost about $2200 to rebuild his engine.. he was towing in overdrive in the mountains. his engine had a turbo on it, with no waste gate... over 40 lbs boost.. if you decide to clean up the exhaust, keep your boost below 5 lbs. keep the stock injectors...

ps:the photo was taken while i was living in sw oregon

all cylinders punching air and fuel?