I always get b/t 14 & 15 mpg, truck runs great just wondering if there is anything I can do to bump mpg's up

Thanks!

 

First off, make sure all the basics are covered.

Alignment, tire pressure, driving style, gearing, ect. Also, check for boost leaks. And have you verified fuel pressure? With that many miles, the injection pump may also be on it's way out.

Now, with that said.

Most report better milage with any for of box that adds some timing.

Be warned, this can cause tranny death with the lower end fueling.

The otehr thing that is typically recommended is injectors. These also work best with the timing added.

I had a buddy that couldn' figure out his poor milage a few months back. He tried everything. Nothing made any sense for the poor economy. After some inspection work, we found his torque convertor was not locking. Broken part in the VB. Cost $7 and some fluid to fix. He drove it like that for almost a year before he would let me take a look at it.

Moral of the story. Local guys might be able to help you see what you might miss. I know I need all the help I can get!

Dave

 

how would i go about checking for boost leaks and fuel pressure?

 

Fuel pressure requires a gauge with a schrader test port. Or, a tapped banjo bolt works well. You should keep a close eye on fuel pressure as that's a common issue.

Checking for boost leaks is usually done with a Fernco rubber connector and a ABS cab with a port to hook up air. Not too much pressure, but enough to spray all the joints to see if you have any bubbles.

Don't leave the air on as it will usually spin the turbo and with it not running, there's no lubrication. I have seen guys do this test with 15-20psi and a running engine to protect the turbo. I would be very leary of this myself. I would probably end up in the fan or a belt.

Dave

 

what gear's in the rear?

 

When was your last filter change? Ever changed any of the fluids?

 

I have all the basics covered I think. New tires within 6000 miles, allignment within 8000 miles. Oil & filter changes every 5000 miles, Air filter checked 4 or 5 times every 5000 miles, fuel filter replaced about every 3-4000 miles. It does'nt seem to matter much whether I have my foot in it or not. Regular tranny flushes, diff fluid maintained, new ball joints about 20,000 miles ago. I drove about 40,000 miles this year and have not noticed any less power throughout the year. I bought it a little over a year ago with 170,000 miles on it. With driving that many miles would'nt I notice a difference if the injection pump was getting weak? Oh yeah, not sure what gears in the rear, will look tomorrow.

Thanks for your input!

 

im having the exact same issues as you.

down a quarter of a tank with 175 km on the trip odo.

 

Is yours an auto as well, mine does'nt quite have the power I would like either, I thought it might be the auto b/c several friends have an '01 with 6-speeds and they walk all over mine! It does run great though!

 

YES, with 4.10's in dad's truck, the best he can get is 16 on the road, and around 12 on the farm.

 

I get 14 to 17 mpg depending on whether I have a load or not. I bet I could get 20 if I babied it. I just like to drive it hard with the juice turned up!

Chass
ct

 

I checked the rear gears and they are 3.55 would a valve adjustment help at all?

 

not recently, but I will check the sensors tomorrow, thanks for the tip! I just went to the link you had, very informative & much appreciated!