well just had my truck scanned and came up with P0216(IP?) that might explain my fuel mileage issues.

 

Was that a dealer scan or key on off kind?

My mileage is about 15 city, 18 hwy with a Auto trans 3:55 gears 4x4.

 

I get an average of 13.5 pulling a 14 ft. cargo trailer (weight 3000 lbs.) on a dailey sales route of about 150 miles, so about half is highway and the other half city. I always use power service at every fill up. Without the trailer ,running highway i average about 18-20.I really didn't think the mileage would drop that much with so light a trailer,but i'm guessing that's about normal. truck runs fine with no known problems. i love it.

 

Same.
Might go up to 15-16 in the summer, but pretty much the same, and I am pushing 55K.

3.55 gears, auto tranny, big speedo-corrected tires though, but it didn't change much when I put them on 30K ago.


phox

 

Thanks for the responses.

Checked for codes and none came up. Truck starts up real easy and I have never had any smoke. Lots of power drives like a dream. Change oil every 3-5k with delo 400. My mileage is about 50/50 split.

I will try some more suggestions. Like I said I fell that I am getting the short end of the stick when I hear about what most of you are getting for mileage.

Thanks Phox I feel much better.

 

we used a Snap On scanner to check this

 

I believe this to be one of the many myths repeated often regarding Synthetics... and not true.

Synthetics are thinner in really cold temps... and do maintain viscosity better (and therefore, better lubricity) when operating at oil temps over 250*, but that is as far as I would go.

RJ

 

I'm in the same boat as Phox.... but I also drive an Automatic!
IMO, you should only compare mileage with other HO, 4x4, 6 speeds. By that standard, your numbers seem on the low side. Keep checking the possibilities... answer is out there somewhere. Most 02 HO engines all seem remarkably consistant.

RJ

 

Thanks for clearing that up. I was just pointing out that the "conventional wisdom" is that synthetics are slipperier (i.e. more lubricity)-- and that this may NOT be the case.

BTW-- what's the scientific term for "slipperiness"? Lubricity?

 

Funny that you ask.
I've been in the oil business since 1990 and have never come up with an alternative word.
Find myself often saying.... " for lack of a better word, higher quality oils like ours are slipperier when worked hard"
But your right... substitute "lubricate better" for "slipperier"
Has nothing to do with synthetic vs dino oil.... has to do with Parafinic Base oils vs Napthenic base oils: Parafinic being much less prone to thin out when exposed to heat and pressure.... but is more expensive.

RJ

 

Isn't all the oil under Colorado P-based? I was under the impression that is one reason it was not as good for make fuels.

Randy

 

I had not heard that before... but tend to doubt it. Of crude oil pulled from the ground, my understanding is that less than 10% is Parafinic based.
The big plus to parafinic oil is a very high "Natural Viscosity Index" Viscosity index is a measure of how well an oil resists thinning out when heated. MAjor oil companys use Napthenic crude (cheaper) and beef up the viscosity index chemically... so it's added on, rather than built in. Tends to shear off more easily, therefore oil does not last as long before failing oil analysis.
All fuels (gas & diesel) come from Napthenic crude oil.. so I have been told.

RJ