My quest for 30 MPG - Ford Explorer Gas Mileage Tips

[aldive]

Al, have you noticed a difference in your mileage since they starting putting 10% Ethanol in all of the fuel?

Don't use that kind of gas.

And have you seen any improvements from your new ignition module?

No mileage gains, smoother idle. I will know more with new, wider gapped plugs.

 

[briwayjones]

Don't use that kind of gas.

They don't add 10% Ethanol as an additive in the gas where you are? It's in all of the gas around here. Doesn't matter who you buy it from. I thought it was country wide they were doing it? A new law or something?

 

[BrooklynBay]

We have 10% Ethanol in NY.

 

[r37ribution]

We have 10% Ethanol in NY.

ditto for MI...

I'd like to know who sells ethanol free fuel as well.

 

[snocross1985]

I can't find any fuel in NH or MA that doesn't have ethanol in it either. We have 10% ethanol everywhere I have been to in the area. Wish there was somewhere that sold fuel without it.

 

[Lloyd10977]

Al, have you noticed a difference in your mileage since they starting putting 10% Ethanol in all of the fuel? And have you seen any improvements from your new ignition module?

I know this meassage was meant for AL, but being in the southern states he may not be exposed to the "winter" mix as much as we in the northern climes.

I HAVE noticed a significant drop in my fuel mileage from a calculated 23.8 commuting mpg to 21.95 mpg here in New York. This drop was quite sudden and no other changes have been made to the vehicle except for an oil and filter change and tire pressure check.

 

[briwayjones]

The 10% Ethanol isn't exclusive to the winter blend though. It's been around for most of the Summer.

 

[aldive]

Here in Florida we do not have winter blend gas nor do we have ethanol in the gas.

 

[Nevea'sExplorer]

Is there anything that can be put into your gas to kind of offset the 10% ethanol that has been added?

 

[skiddyk]

Hey I have the same Explorer as you, 1999 XLT, even the same color if that pic is your actually car, and the most I've ever gotten on a trip was 22 mpg, in the summer i average between 18 and 19 mpg and in the winter about 15 mpg, how in the world did you get 32.2?!? I'm a college student and anything that will help save a little green is much needed, thanks!

 

[aldive]

how in the world did you get 32.2?!? I'm a college student and anything that will help save a little green is much needed, thanks!

Read this thread; almost all of the mods are listed.

Good luck .....

 

[skiddyk]

haha, your right, I only read little bits before jumping the gun and posting, I'm gonna try some of those, thanks for the response either way.

 

[Redneck0907]

Aldive,

Ive come to notice you are the man with the best mpg explorer on this forum, my truck averages about 13 to a gallon, and ive been wondering, what do you think are the top three things you have done to you X that has boostest the milege up the most?? this would be a great help seeing as how im doing close to a 750 miles every week going back and forth to work.

 

[aldive]

Aldive,

Ive come to notice you are the man with the best mpg explorer on this forum, my truck averages about 13 to a gallon, and ive been wondering, what do you think are the top three things you have done to you X that has boostest the milege up the most?? this would be a great help seeing as how im doing close to a 750 miles every week going back and forth to work.

Difficult to assign specific mods to the "top 3" list since most of the mods work synergisticly.

However, an intake and cat back exhaust are a great starting point. A good computer tune ( Bama Chips all the way ) and underdrive pulleys are very helpful.

Good luck in your quest ...

 

[Buzzsaw]

I also suggest you take a look at AL's speeds and distance of trips where the mileage is calculated, those are two very key figures in his impressive mileage. I don't see how it the world he can keep his speeds that low on a road trip but I do salute him for his patience and light footedness. Our vehicles are not exactly aerodynamically nor weight suited for mileage performance but if you keep that egg under the gas pedal you will see instant improvements. He also doesn't have the hills and mountains that a lot of folks have to face every day.

 

[r37ribution]

Aldive,

Ive come to notice you are the man with the best mpg explorer on this forum, my truck averages about 13 to a gallon, and ive been wondering, what do you think are the top three things you have done to you X that has boostest the milege up the most?? this would be a great help seeing as how im doing close to a 750 miles every week going back and forth to work.

I would also suggest looking into a general tune up if your only getting 13mpg on a SOHC and do not have a lead foot...

 

[aldive]

Update on the Quest ....

My current experimentation relates to computer tunes. I am using SCTs Advantage III software and my A/F meter to continue to optimize my computer tunes for maximum gas mileage.

 

[karl_burns]

we need to start a pool

We need to start a pool on when aldive gets to 40mpg.
Karl

 

[fuzzie]

I have followed your quest for 30 for some time...very impressive. I write because I am just plain stumped with my 97 Explorer's drop in mileage. Everything is stock (I know, this is my problem). Three weeks ago, O/D light flashed and Check Engine Light came on. The code showed a Speed Sensor. Replaced it. Two days later, CEL came on again, this time only for a couple of minutes. Code showed Output Speed Sensor. Tried to replace that, but 3 different mechanics could not get the old one out without dropping the tranny. Mileage went from 19-20 (standard since owning it) down to 11-12 mpg. I did not change my driving habits (which are conservative). Mileage didn't improve, performance remained unchanged. I started driving even more conservative. Still 12 mpg. Tranny shop checked it out...claimed no problem. I had the rig checked out by a trusteed mechanic. He could find nothing wrong. He suggested that perhaps the very cold weather we have had has caused it to run richer. This never happened in the past.
I write in utter frustration, that you might have some hints on what to check.
Thanks,
-Fuzzie (My Quest for getting back to 19-20 mpg)

 

[aldive]

Have you scanned for the O2 sensor function?

I will add more later.