MPG Problems

[ctate2]

Hello, I have a 1997 Ford Explorer 4.0L SOHC, and I recently calculated my mpg to see what it was. I know I am supposed to get at least about 15mpg, but I only got 13 mpg. Last time I got an oil change the mechanic said that there were several things that would need to be done to my car. I need my transfer case resealed because it is leaking oil, radiator hoses replaced, transmission pan gasket is also leaking, and finally he said i need to replace my air filter because it is dirty.

Could my dirty air filter really be the cause of only getting 13 mpg, or do you think it is something else. I drive normal, and mostly just drive around the city.

Thanks

 

[drdoom]

Air filter makes a big difference, as does tire inflation.

 

[colintrax]

Where are you driving? As in what kind of city?

 

[koda2000]

how many miles on you O2 sensors? they can make a big difference in your fuel mileage. that being said, 13 city may not be out of line if you're doing a lot of idling in traffic, letting the engine warm up before driving and/or climbing a lot of hills.

 

[ctate2]

Im in Arizona, no hills out here haha. And I had my o2 sensors changed over the summer.

 

[colintrax]

How bad is traffic? How long is your average drive in both time and miles?

 

[ctate2]

usually I go between 2 to 8 miles and usually they last from 5 to 15 minutes

 

[colintrax]

So the truck is barely getting warm and you don't drive far. Theres your problem. Short, city driving.
Cold engines get horrible gas mileage, and of course sitting ideling doesn't help. Driving slow (below 45mph) is also bad, because you don't hit overdrive.
Go for a long trip down the free way, you'll probably be over 20.

 

[laneo9417]

I have a '98 4.0 SOHC with 104k miles and recently had a new exhaust, spark plugs, fuel filter, and tires (235/75/15s) all changed in the fall. This past weekend I traveled 250 highway miles through the mountains of NH in the cold with a loaded car and got just over 16mpg. I see a lot of members on here getting close to the 20mpg range on the highway. I understand the cold weather, hilly terrain, heavier load in the car would diminish the mpg some, but does 16mpg sound normal for these conditions? Given the list of things that I have done to the truck, is there anything else I should consider looking at to get my mpg up? I keep my tires at about 35psi but do the bigger 235/75 tires negatively affect mpg?

 

[drdoom]

Yes that is exactly what you should be getting, but 20 is definitely attainable on the interstate.

 

[watt9386]

My 97 sport with ohv just got 19 average on a 287 mile trip through pa. 410 gears and 5r55e trans. Should be able to get 20

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