97 XLT getting bad gas mileage

[fordweenie]

Ok, I know it's old, but it works!

Stats:

1997 XLT 152,000 miles
No custom work done
Purchased new, and oil changed every 3K
recently replaced timing change and guide, but mileage has been poor prior
Tires are standard Michelin 4 season
I have always gotten a lousy 18 MPG, with 4 wheel drive it will drop to 15mpg.

Recently the mileage has gotten worse (13, 14 mpg) with no change in driving, or load.

My question is has anyone had similar experience, and if so, how did you cure it?

 

[Blee1099]

Ok, I know it's old, but it works!

Stats:

1997 XLT 152,000 miles
No custom work done
Purchased new, and oil changed every 3K
recently replaced timing change and guide, but mileage has been poor prior
Tires are standard Michelin 4 season
I have always gotten a lousy 18 MPG, with 4 wheel drive it will drop to 15mpg.

Recently the mileage has gotten worse (13, 14 mpg) with no change in driving, or load.

My question is has anyone had similar experience, and if so, how did you cure it?

Welcome to the site. Have you replaced your spark plugs & wires recently? If you haven't I would adivse to swap them out with a good set of plug wires & a set of Motorcraft Double Platinum Plugs. Also try cleaning the Mass air flow sensor & change out the air filter if its old or dirty. Also check your air pressure.

 

[fordweenie]

I don't remember the last time I replaced plugs & wires, so it is probably due. I also don't know the last time I replaced the air filter (so that's probably due also).

Thanks for the advice!

 

[Rodeo Joe]

My question is has anyone had similar experience, and if so, how did you cure it?

Yup!

Actually, just recently when the weather changed. I think it's the reformulated gas we use during the winter time.

Joe

 

[PatrickH82]

Where is the Mass air flow sensor located on a '99 4.0 OHV?

 

[aldive]

Intake tube near airbox.

 

[PatrickH82]

How would you go about cleaning this? As you can probably tell I am extremly new to the site but I am loving it so far. Very knowledgeable people. Thanks for your help. Is the KKM cone filter easy to install or should I get someone to do it for me?

 

[Jonny813]

For installing the KKM Intake on a 99 OHV... (Mine is 98 OHV)

I installed it in 30 minutes(with difficulties, and beginner experience), its very very east to do. The only 2 things that slowed me down is removing my airbox. The instructions SAID to remove a single screw on the airbox and detatch the rubber grommets... There was no bolt, looked for this damn thing for 10 minutes before ripping it out. The other pain in the ass was attaching the support braket to the front. Make sure you have a screw driver with a magnetic tip... the bolt for it drops alot and its the best way to get it back.

Slight, and I mean SLIGHT increase in throttle in higher RPMs... But very noticable improvement in gas mileage... Its the only "mod" on my truck and I'm getting 1-1.5 more MPG. Doesnt seem like much, but it helps. The sound it makes though when you are at 2750 to 5000 RPM under load makes your balls tingle! Well mine did.

 

[aldive]

How would you go about cleaning this? As you can probably tell I am extremly new to the site but I am loving it so far. Very knowledgeable people. Thanks for your help. Is the KKM cone filter easy to install or should I get someone to do it for me?

Dead Link Removed

Good luck ....

 

[RenegadeRoe]

Wow, I've been getting some pretty bad gas mileage lately as well. I don't even know my vehicals spark plug history. Great advice. Thanks.