Txwelder

My brother is about to have to drive my dads 94 Ford from Texas to Wyoming for school. The truck really doesnt get used all that often but recently more than normal as my brother got his liscense. The truck gets horrible economy, I think my Dad said like 11 mpg no matter what. Is there anything that can be done to help these old trucks run more efficiently. I dont care about power, just economy. Thanks in advance.

MikeyB

Is it turboed? If so check for boost leaks.

MikeyB

bandit408

Check and make sure none of the injector return lines are leaking. That was a common problem we saw on them at the Ford dealer.

Number47

sorry but those IDI diesels dont get much better than 16 that i have ever seen

Txwelder

It is turbo. Cant really check the truck out as it is in Texas and Im stuck in Georgia. I know it wont get 25mpg but anything better than 11 is what Im shooting for. I know Banks isnt the greatest products for all out power but would a Banks kit in this application make any difference?

MikeyB

We had a '93 F350 CC dually with the ATS turbo kit. 15mpg was about the best it could get.

MikeyB

hopwoodt

I had a 1987 f-350 6.9L non turbo diesel and got 18 empty and 14 towing with a 4 speed manual tranny. it should get better economy. we have a 1992 7.3L IDI with an after market turbo and we get 16mpg.

Txwelder

I wonder then if something is copmletely wrong with this truck. It has always gotten poor economy and now that my Brother has to drive it as a daily driver I am concerned.

TXlilbro

Hey this is TxWelders brother, we figured out that the truck has 19 gallon twin tanks and i can fill them to the brim and will be out of diesel in 2 weeks. the truck has no get up and go and you cant hear the turbo what so ever, my buddy has a powerjoke and it whistles like a jet so... idk. any help will be great

MikeyB

Slap on a temporary boost gauge and check the reading.
Ours put about 8psi (non I/C) and had no problem hearing the turbo whistle.

MikeyB

dieselJon

Advance the pump about 1/8". Now my bro gets about 2 mpg better in his 86 F250 4x4 6.9L with a auto. Plus adjust the happy screw, that will help the get up and go but do not expect 14 sec 1/4 miles.

Jon

Txwelder

Hey lilbro, too bad I dont have my "Saw em Off" Avatar on there anymore, that would be grand to see them next to each other. This is our first family post. Im teering up!

TXlilbro

kevin you have problems, no just playin it is pretty cool. thank for the help guys. just to add insult to injury i can go from here in Florence to Georgetown, about 18 miles and when i get back i have about a quarter or more of the tank gone!!

dieselJon

Front or rear?

IIRC, the front is only 10-12 gallons. So 36 miles on a 1/4 tank (3 gal) is 12mpg. Now add some timing and some more fuel and my bro gets 15 mpg in his auto 4x4. Also the timing help it start in 12* weather, cold block. Starts a little slower than a Cummins but faster than a PS.

HTH

Jon

Txwelder

My dad ran the VIN at Ford and they told him that his engine code is for a Gas engine and that his front tank is 19 gal and his rear is 18.2. This isnt from Joe The Ragman either, this is from FORD. Im curious what kind of mut that truck may be.