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Advice on increasing fuel mileage...

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Old 03-19-2010, 04:19 AM
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F3D
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Advice on increasing fuel mileage...

So I picked up my first diesel truck last spring. 2005, 3500, 5.9. It has 80,000 miles on it, 4.10 rear end, 6 sp tranny.
I tow a skid-steer loader (9,000lbs tops w/ trailer) maybe 4 or 5 times each tank of fuel. Power is adequate and I get about 16 mpg I'd say.
I am interested in maybe an emission delete because I get the impression that these increase engine longevity and fuel economy. I have no idea the requisites for doing these mods, however, I am not concerned about warrantee issues. Could you guys please answer some basic questions for me?

-Does the 5.9 even have an EGR system? or is that just after '07 in the 6.7's?
-If not, does deleting the DPF make substantial mileage gains?
-Would I need to get a programmer after doing the deletes?
-What can I do to make the best mileage gains?

Thanks in advance.
Old 03-19-2010, 05:14 AM
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You just have a catalytic converter and it is actually illegal to remove it. Tons of people have removed them including me. But emissions testing is non existant where I live for now.

The only thing I can suggest for you is possibly get a smarty jr. If you are getting 16mpg towing 9000 pounds I'd say leave it alone. Thats pretty awesome.
Old 03-19-2010, 12:06 PM
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Originally Posted by F3D
-What can I do to make the best mileage gains?
Driving style has a huge impact on mileage.

1. Slow down. My truck's mileage is directly dependant on speed. At 80mph I get 16-17. At 50mph I get 22-23.

2. Go light on the throttle. Watch the boost gauge during acceleration. More boost = more fuel burned. I get better mileage around town if I keep boost below 15 during acceleration.
Old 03-19-2010, 12:16 PM
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keep your tires inflated. I run max tire rated on the front, minimum 60psi in the rear. More if I have a heavy load. As .Bob said, it's more driving style. Smarty Jr will help with increasing the timing. I wouldn't speed much more $$ on it since you're looking to increase your bottom line.
Old 03-19-2010, 03:57 PM
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I would also say 16 is pretty good towing.
Old 03-19-2010, 09:19 PM
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l would not, maybe, kill for 16mpg towing but would do serious damage.
Clark
Old 03-19-2010, 09:54 PM
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i drive mine like a raped ape and get 22mpg, i avg 75mph - 90mph..
Old 03-19-2010, 10:38 PM
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Originally Posted by tesla440
keep your tires inflated. I run max tire rated on the front, minimum 60psi in the rear.

.
Not such a good idea. Overinflated tires decrease the contact patch and increase the wheel rate. It adversly affects handeling, ride, and braking.

It doesn't save any money, either. You gain a little in fuel coss. But you wear out the tires faster, and increase your tire cost.
Old 03-19-2010, 11:35 PM
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Originally Posted by F3D
So I picked up my first diesel truck last spring. 2005, 3500, 5.9. It has 80,000 miles on it, 4.10 rear end, 6 sp tranny.
I tow a skid-steer loader (9,000lbs tops w/ trailer) maybe 4 or 5 times each tank of fuel. Power is adequate and I get about 16 mpg I'd say.
I am interested in maybe an emission delete because I get the impression that these increase engine longevity and fuel economy. I have no idea the requisites for doing these mods, however, I am not concerned about warrantee issues. Could you guys please answer some basic questions for me?

-Does the 5.9 even have an EGR system? or is that just after '07 in the 6.7's?
-If not, does deleting the DPF make substantial mileage gains?
-Would I need to get a programmer after doing the deletes?
-What can I do to make the best mileage gains?

Thanks in advance.
You do have EGR, but is in cylinder. Therefore to delete it you need to get a cam and your out a grand easy. The 2006 MY does not have a DPF so no need to worry about that. Really it will take a long time to get much of a pay back from spending more money to save money. Really the best way to get more mpg is to drive slow...but that can be painful.
Old 03-19-2010, 11:36 PM
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Air up the tires and keep it under 1800 RPM.
Old 03-19-2010, 11:37 PM
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Originally Posted by .boB
Not such a good idea. Overinflated tires decrease the contact patch and increase the wheel rate. It adversly affects handeling, ride, and braking.

It doesn't save any money, either. You gain a little in fuel coss. But you wear out the tires faster, and increase your tire cost.
Not my experience.
Old 03-20-2010, 04:51 AM
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the pay back to get rid of the in cylinder egr is a lot shorter than you think. get a pdr cam or call colt, hamilton or f1 and get a custom grind. get 35 hp nozzles and a smarty jr leave the smarty on economy setting. this combination will net 40% increase in mpg. how this works takes to long to print. but we have applied it to several and keep a record. this applies to the 04.5 to the 07.4 it also reduces soot loading of the oil by 75% reduces egt by 300* and gives more low end torque for towing
Old 03-20-2010, 12:53 PM
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Originally Posted by annabelle
Not my experience.
What makes your tires differant than every other tire on the planet?
Old 03-20-2010, 01:50 PM
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Do not overinflate, but properly inflate w/ maximum tread contact patch. BTW, what size tires do you have F3D?
Old 03-20-2010, 04:03 PM
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I'm not with my truck today, but I'm Pretty sure the truck has it's stock size tires. I wanna say it's 265/85/17.


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