My quest for 30 MPG - Ford Explorer Gas Mileage Tips

exgmman · 02-01-2009, 08:36 PM

....In regards to "Flaming X" 's comment on the A/C compressor always running....Not true.
The compressor has an electromagnitic clutch on it, allowing it to engage and dis-engage as needed.
If you don't want the compressor to ever run, just un-plug either the connector @ the clutch itself, or at the high-pressure switch. This way if you ever want to sell it, you can always re-enable the A/C.

duke16 · 02-10-2009, 03:52 PM

Al, do you recall how much mpg you gained from just the computer tune?

aldive · 02-10-2009, 03:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by duke16

Al, do you recall how much mpg you gained from just the computer tune?

Which tune? I have written and tested dozens of them.

It would be difficult to determine the gain from any tune since they work synergisticly with my other mods.

4Doors · 02-12-2009, 07:06 AM

Hello Al, do you know anything about the Jeep 4.0 inline 6? If so, do you think a Cherokee (2x4, manual transmission) is capable of producing similar mileage to an Explorer(2x4, manual trans)? I love the torque of the I6, but I didn't know if there was anything in the inline versus V engine that would make a difference concerning mileage. Thanks for any thoughts you might have.

murphco · 02-12-2009, 10:16 AM

so i just read on another site about a product from bullydog that is coming out in march that actually learns how you drive gives you your mileage and gives you hints on better driving to gain mileage,kind of like having aldive in your car!im going to do the pre-order for it the other functions are what im actually after but it amazes me that common driving habits left unchecked can be the make or break on good mileage.i looked at this thread long ago after trying to get more info on mileage differences between auto and stick,putting my converter lockup on a switch helped out alot but ive seen a 40 mile per tank loss after the auto switch on my 2 door with 33's and the wrong gearing.4.88's should help but i did gain about 30 miles per tank after reading this thread and changing my driving habits.thanks aldive for the refresher.

murphco · 02-12-2009, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by exgmman

....In regards to "Flaming X" 's comment on the A/C compressor always running....Not true.
The compressor has an electromagnitic clutch on it, allowing it to engage and dis-engage as needed.
If you don't want the compressor to ever run, just un-plug either the connector @ the clutch itself, or at the high-pressure switch. This way if you ever want to sell it, you can always re-enable the A/C.

true but when you turn on your heater it cycles the clutch for a few seconds to make sure it stays active and wont freeze up.

aldive · 02-12-2009, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4Doors

Hello Al, do you know anything about the Jeep 4.0 inline 6? If so, do you think a Cherokee (2x4, manual transmission) is capable of producing similar mileage to an Explorer(2x4, manual trans)? I love the torque of the I6, but I didn't know if there was anything in the inline versus V engine that would make a difference concerning mileage. Thanks for any thoughts you might have.

Sorry, I nave no clue.

Fordexplorer140k · 02-18-2009, 09:40 AM

can someone please list everywhere you can put syn. fluids. and if you dont mind listing the best kind to replace old fluids with are.

one more question, i have 151k on truck im not sure when the last owner got the wheel bearings lubed. would it make that much of a difference.

And this is for AL, did the MAF+TB make a big difference in T responds. Could you also maybe take a smart guess at how much HP and MPG you got from these two mods.

Thanks

aldive · 02-18-2009, 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fordexplorer140k

can someone please list everywhere you can put syn. fluids. and if you dont mind listing the best kind to replace old fluids with are.

Crankcase
Auto transmission
Rear end
Power steering fluid

I recommend Amsoil for all exceot the PS. I use RedLine for the PS.

Quote:

one more question, i have 151k on truck im not sure when the last owner got the wheel bearings lubed. would it make that much of a difference.

It sure wouldn't hurt. If it were me, I would replace them with new ones and pack with synthetic greese ( Amsoil ).

Quote:

And this is for AL, did the MAF+TB make a big difference in T responds. Could you also maybe take a smart guess at how much HP and MPG you got from these two mods.

Yes, they made a noticeable difference.

I have dyno charts somewhere, I shall have to search.

4Doors · 02-18-2009, 10:11 AM

Are you still running your HHO generator?

aldive · 02-18-2009, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4Doors

Are you still running your HHO generator?

Yes.

contrail · 02-18-2009, 11:31 AM

Hey Al,
Are you running only the HHO gen or do you have other enhancers like the MAP, MAS or O2 thingy?

Also.. Does anyone know if $99 is a good deal for a EGT kit? If so I might buy one.

aldive · 02-18-2009, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by contrail

Hey Al,
Are you running only the HHO gen or do you have other enhancers like the MAP, MAS or O2 thingy?

I am using the generator and a MAF thingy,

Quote:

Also.. Does anyone know if $99 is a good deal for a EGT kit? If so I might buy one.

What is an EGT kit?

*gavin* · 02-18-2009, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by contrail

Hey Al,
Are you running only the HHO gen or do you have other enhancers like the MAP, MAS or O2 thingy?

Also.. Does anyone know if $99 is a good deal for a EGT kit? If so I might buy one.

exhaust-gas temp? that's all I know of that EGT stands for. And pointless on gasser vehicles.

contrail · 02-18-2009, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gavin

exhaust-gas temp? that's all I know of that EGT stands for. And pointless on gasser vehicles.

yep exhaust gas temp. Its not pointless if you plan on screwing with tune files and leaning out things a bit and get some baselines before I screw anything up.

EGT is also a HUGE deal on (especially air cooled) aircraft engines. the plane I fly has two. one for each side of the engine.

*gavin* · 02-18-2009, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by contrail

yep exhaust gas temp. Its not pointless if you plan on screwing with tune files and leaning out things a bit and get some baselines before I screw anything up.

EGT is also a HUGE deal on (especially air cooled) aircraft engines. the plane I fly has two. one for each side of the engine.

if you have a turbo, yes.

otherwise, knowing the EGT is not really all that beneficial on a gas motor, as a normally aspirated gas engine will not have that drastic of changes in the EGT (short of a burned out catalytic converter, or other exhaust issues).

*CDW6212R* · 02-18-2009, 02:56 PM

You need a wideband O2 sensor with diagnostics to do the tuning, that gives you A/F ratios.

contrail · 02-19-2009, 06:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gavin

if you have a turbo, yes.

otherwise, knowing the EGT is not really all that beneficial on a gas motor, as a normally aspirated gas engine will not have that drastic of changes in the EGT (short of a burned out catalytic converter, or other exhaust issues).

turbo or not. lean is not good. I would rather run my car too rich like in (limp home mode) than lean.
BUT I also happen to know that my explorer is set a tad on the rich side. I still want to plop a EGT sensor in there and see whats going on with anything i do in a tune.
A/F ratio, exhaust temp, spark, and rpm are the important things you need to know when tuning a anything built.
Still need an answer though.. does anyone think $99 is good?

btw for those who dont know.. some/most diesels can idle at 50:1 .. and the closest they get to stechiometric under full load is still lean in a gas engine.
ok enough daily trivia for today.

*CDW6212R* · 02-19-2009, 05:15 PM

Ask Jon that, he has something for EGT in his 347 truck. He likely will know what can be had worth the money these days.

Carguy3J · 02-20-2009, 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4Doors

Hello Al, do you know anything about the Jeep 4.0 inline 6? If so, do you think a Cherokee (2x4, manual transmission) is capable of producing similar mileage to an Explorer(2x4, manual trans)? I love the torque of the I6, but I didn't know if there was anything in the inline versus V engine that would make a difference concerning mileage. Thanks for any thoughts you might have.

Well, I'm not Al, but since he said he didn't know......
The Jeep 4.0L inline 6 is an awesome motor, from a durability standpoint. Also, as you mentioned, great torque. They are tough to kill. Gas mileage is another story. They are PIGS, when in it comes to mpg. Even in a 5spd stick Wrangler, they'll only get 17-18mpg. The Cherokee is heavier. The Grand Cherokee even more so. Considering that most of us can get at least that mileage w/ our 4.0L SOHC, in 4x4 auto Explorers (also heavier than a Wrangler), I think the Explorer will come out ahead, assuming both vehicles had optimal gearing,etc.... Which it should considering that the SOHC is more technologically advanced than the ancient, by comparison, Jeep I6. For that matter, I think the Explorer as a whole (2nd gen and up) is more refined than any Cherokee

That's my .02

02-01-2009, 08:36 PM	#1821
exgmman Wannabe Elite Explorer rockwood,Manitoba 04 Escape XLT Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 72 Vehicle Specs	....In regards to "Flaming X" 's comment on the A/C compressor always running....Not true. The compressor has an electromagnitic clutch on it, allowing it to engage and dis-engage as needed. If you don't want the compressor to ever run, just un-plug either the connector @ the clutch itself, or at the high-pressure switch. This way if you ever want to sell it, you can always re-enable the A/C. __________________ Handy troubleshooting gadget: http://www.crecorder.com

02-10-2009, 03:52 PM	#1822
duke16 Wannabe Elite Explorer NW Raleigh, NC 1997 5.0L AWD XLT Join Date: Mar 2001 Posts: 907 Vehicle Specs	Al, do you recall how much mpg you gained from just the computer tune? __________________ 1997 Explorer 5.0L AWD XLT Torque Monster Headers \| BFG A/Ts (30/9.50R15) \| Rancho RS5000s Shocks Remote Transmission Filter/Mobil 1 Transmission Fluid \| Class III Hidden Hitch Mac Performance Intake \| Engine Rebuilt \| Warrior Shackles/TT Lift \| Flo Pro Muffler (FP736)

02-18-2009, 02:56 PM	#1837
CDW6212R Elite Explorer Knoxville, TN 98 Mountaineer A4WD Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 12,950 Vehicle Specs	You need a wideband O2 sensor with diagnostics to do the tuning, that gives you A/F ratios. __________________ Don 91 Lincoln LSC/SE, 99/93 Explorer Limited 4WD, 98 AWD Mounty with 255/55/18's, big sway bars, and 12.75" x 1.25" rotors. Soon a BW4406, built trans, stereo and interior. The best thing that could help us all, is the Fair Tax Plan. Be American, Buy American (Manufacturer)

02-19-2009, 05:15 PM	#1839
CDW6212R Elite Explorer Knoxville, TN 98 Mountaineer A4WD Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 12,950 Vehicle Specs	Ask Jon that, he has something for EGT in his 347 truck. He likely will know what can be had worth the money these days. __________________ Don 91 Lincoln LSC/SE, 99/93 Explorer Limited 4WD, 98 AWD Mounty with 255/55/18's, big sway bars, and 12.75" x 1.25" rotors. Soon a BW4406, built trans, stereo and interior. The best thing that could help us all, is the Fair Tax Plan. Be American, Buy American (Manufacturer)

02-12-2009, 07:06 AM	#1824
4Doors Wannabe Elite Explorer Port St. Joe, FL 98 Explorer XLT Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 7 Vehicle Specs	Hello Al, do you know anything about the Jeep 4.0 inline 6? If so, do you think a Cherokee (2x4, manual transmission) is capable of producing similar mileage to an Explorer(2x4, manual trans)? I love the torque of the I6, but I didn't know if there was anything in the inline versus V engine that would make a difference concerning mileage. Thanks for any thoughts you might have.

02-12-2009, 10:16 AM	#1825
murphco Wannabe Elite Explorer flagstaff arizona 91,94,96 explorers Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 20 Vehicle Specs	so i just read on another site about a product from bullydog that is coming out in march that actually learns how you drive gives you your mileage and gives you hints on better driving to gain mileage,kind of like having aldive in your car!im going to do the pre-order for it the other functions are what im actually after but it amazes me that common driving habits left unchecked can be the make or break on good mileage.i looked at this thread long ago after trying to get more info on mileage differences between auto and stick,putting my converter lockup on a switch helped out alot but ive seen a 40 mile per tank loss after the auto switch on my 2 door with 33's and the wrong gearing.4.88's should help but i did gain about 30 miles per tank after reading this thread and changing my driving habits.thanks aldive for the refresher.

02-18-2009, 09:40 AM	#1828
Fordexplorer140k Wannabe Elite Explorer Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 80 Vehicle Specs	can someone please list everywhere you can put syn. fluids. and if you dont mind listing the best kind to replace old fluids with are. one more question, i have 151k on truck im not sure when the last owner got the wheel bearings lubed. would it make that much of a difference. And this is for AL, did the MAF+TB make a big difference in T responds. Could you also maybe take a smart guess at how much HP and MPG you got from these two mods. Thanks

02-18-2009, 10:11 AM	#1830
4Doors Wannabe Elite Explorer Port St. Joe, FL 98 Explorer XLT Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 7 Vehicle Specs	Are you still running your HHO generator?

02-18-2009, 11:31 AM	#1832
contrail Wannabe Elite Explorer Texas 97 XLT 4.0 SOHC Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 26 Vehicle Specs	Hey Al, Are you running only the HHO gen or do you have other enhancers like the MAP, MAS or O2 thingy? Also.. Does anyone know if $99 is a good deal for a EGT kit? If so I might buy one.