My quest for 30 MPG - Ford Explorer Gas Mileage Tips

[Brandons]

So your getting better gas mileage in your explorer then the focus gets thats just awsome

 

[joefnh]

I am also looking into changing the fluid in my tranny to Amsoil. With the 4.0L '03 XLT I would need to go through the filling procedure with no dipstcik.
I have read a couple of threads on this on this website; it does not seem too bad.
One question when you drop the pan, you remove a bulk of the fluid. How do you completely drain the tranny so that you can replace the entire volume with the synthetic. Additionally how hard is it to adjust the 'bands' on the tranny?

--Joe

 

[trucku]

You need to run the tranny flush method. Dropping pan won't do it.. You can unhook your tranny lines and hook up 2 long lines ..one so you can pump fluid in and the other into a bucket. Crank truck and let it pump out a volume then you pump in a volume of fluid. I did like 16 quarts 2 weeks ago. I have a external filter that took one extra quart and the lines. for my 2002 the bottom hard line from the tranny was the line that fluid exited from when I ran truck. That is the one I dumped into bucket. and I pumped fluid into the other line.

Good Luck

 

[r37ribution]

switching to synthetic, yeah....what he said ^^ dont forget to flush it

 

[aldive]

Heading out in the morning for a 1200 mile run ( Atlanta and the ranch ).

I shall be testing 2 new computer tunes.

Data next week ....

 

[cloaked_chaos]

Not a bad thread for being over 4 1/2 years old. I'm extremely surprised to see the original poster still going at it.

 

[ma96782]

I don't KNOW about anyone else......But, I check this thread every once in awhile, just to see what's brewing.

Aloha, Mark

 

[aldive]

Not a bad thread for being over 4 1/2 years old. I'm extremely surprised to see the original poster still going at it.

And why do you find that surprising?

 

[aldive]

Heading out in the morning for a 1200 mile run ( Atlanta and the ranch ).

I shall be testing 2 new computer tunes.

Data next week ....

Back from this road trip.

First leg:

200 miles
special tune
A/C off
68.8 MPH
32.4 MPG

Second leg:

200 miles
same tune as above
A/C on
69.1 MPH
32.3 MPG

It appears that using the A/C has no effect on MPG at this speed and computer tune. I have demonstrated this many times.

Third leg:
186 miles
different tune
A/C on
69.3 MPH
29.2 MPG

Fourth leg:
509 miles
another tune
A/C 50% of time
68.6 MPH
32.3 MPG

 

[BrooklynBay]

Here is an interesting link about engines, gas efficiency, and so called "gas saving devices": http://www.carbibles.com/fuel_engine_bible.html

 

[BrooklynBay]

This link has different kinds of gas saving tips: http://www.lubedev.com/smartgas/tips.htm

 

[masospaghetti]

I have to agree that I have a difficult time seeing an Explorer get over 30 mpg.

Here's why:

My vehicle is a 2000 Sport, 3.23 differential, 5-speed manual transmission, 2wd, OHV motor. Compare that to a 1999 XLT, 3.73 differential, 5-speed automatic, 2wd, SOHC. I'm aware of the mods, but...I've gotten about 24 mpg on the highway at 70 mph. The automatic, extra weight from the 4-door body style, short 3.73 gearing and I'm really not seeing how this is possible.

For those who say the OHV is vastly inferior in fuel efficiency, keep in mind the EPA ratings with the manual transmission are actually higher at 18/23 compared to 17/22. Also keep in mind that the engine is basically the same architecture (Cologne) with different valvetrains.

My explorer is completely stock except for an AEM Dryflow cone filter.

Not trying to flame, trying to understand. I would kill to get 35 mpg in my explorer.

 

[masospaghetti]

Also doesn't running your tires at such a high pressure risk blowing them out or unsafe handling? According to my manual they should be 26 psi.

 

[xartic]

aldive, your my idol

 

[old mechanic]

Here is an interesting link about engines, gas efficiency, and so called "gas saving devices": http://www.carbibles.com/fuel_engine_bible.html

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As usual BB nice links!!!

 

[BrooklynBay]

Thanks! Check that website for other informative articles. They are all very interesting. I saved them on my computer for future reference.

 

[snocross1985]

Also doesn't running your tires at such a high pressure risk blowing them out or unsafe handling? According to my manual they should be 26 psi.

26 psi is way too low of pressure, imo, for such a heavy vehicle. I keep mine at 38 psi and my tires wear perfectly even. You will not increase blowout risk if you keep the pressure under what the tire manufacturer recommends for max pressure.

 

[old mechanic]

Also doesn't running your tires at such a high pressure risk blowing them out or unsafe handling? According to my manual they should be 26 psi.

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As said do not go any higher than what the tire manuf. lists on the tire.
Don't you remember the tires on Ex's blowing out? The auto manuf. blamed Firestone for bad tires and the tire manuf. blamed Ford for listing 26lbs of air in the tire saying that that was too low of pressure for the tires.
I am pretty sure that Ford finally sent out letters to Ex owners telling them to up the tire pressure.

 

[ma96782]

Also doesn't running your tires at such a high pressure risk blowing them out or unsafe handling? According to my manual they should be 26 psi.

Waaayy toooo low pressure, IMHO..............FORD *%$#@! up on that one.

Try putting in more air....and watch the wear pattern on your tires. Or a quick way (though no guarantees) would be the chalk test.

Aloha, Mark

 

[aldive]

Latest mod in the quest for mileage.

Take a look at http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=169182&highlight=coil+pack