Increasing Fuel Mileage on the SOHC 4L V6 - Any Ideas?

[Faster Life]

Hello,

My fuel mileage drops significantly during the cold winter months here in Minnesota. I'm curious (and I'm assuming there isn't much I can do.) to know simple ways for increasing fuel mileage for this engine. Anyone willing to help? I really appreciate it.

Thanks!

 

[lynchy wa]

Check out this link to aldives 30mpg quest. He was the grand master of fuel economy. Its quite long but you'll get some great ideas.


http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=44372&highlight=quest

R.I.P. Al

 

[Spdrcer34]

Al was without-a-doubt THE master of squeezing every mile out of every drop of fuel.

Read that thread...and EVERY question will be answered.

Ryan

 

[windsors03cobra]

I've heard the "winter blend" of gas used in the cold areas is the cause of the reduced mileage. Low rent ethanol trash doesnt help anything.

 

[Faster Life]

Thanks for the links guys. "Winter Blend"? I've never heard of it, but I wouldn't be surprised if ethanol content is increased during winter months. That's why I won't run 92 octane in my sports car...

 

[2000StreetRod]

synthetics

Cold temperatures increase the viscosity of lubricants increasing friction. Using synthetics in your axles will improve fuel economy in the winter.

Same thing is true for engine oil. Mercon V is semi-synthetic so replacing it with full synthetic has less of an advantage.

Make sure your thermostat is the correct temperature range and working properly. The faster your engine warms up the better your fuel economy. Don't remote start the engine and let it warm up by idling. Just start the engine and drive it to warm up.

 

[Faster Life]

Good advice Street Rod. For whatever reason, the engine's temp gauge seems to show the engine runs cold for extended periods, when it should definitely be warm. I don't trust the gauges with 100% accuracy though. I tried a different gas station then my typical place, and fuel mileage (according to the computer) went up immediately by about 2 MPG. Again (according to the Explorer's computer) puts the vehicle at a 14 MPG average, which isn't bad based off the SOHC 4.0L base stats.

I do give it about a minute to pull some oil through it before I take off. On a very cold start I get a lot of lifter or chain rattle noise (not sure which) then that dies off after about 10 seconds.