My quest for 30 MPG - Ford Explorer Gas Mileage Tips

[trucku]

How are you sure you had a remaining 2 gallons in the tank?

Your not going to get a good estimate if your not filling up all the way. You don't have to drive her to empty, just fill it back up till it stops, then calculate your mileage.

 

[trucku]

There may be regs in certain states; I don't know. I have in mind a particular Dallas Exxon at IH-35E and Camp Wisdom Rd. that's laid out like a carnival fun house.

Oh I see.

 

[xdviper]

How are you sure you had a remaining 2 gallons in the tank?

Remember in a previous post, you told me that when the gauge shows E, it usually has at least 2G in it? I'm just trying to get a rough estimate for now, then later on, I'll top it off.

 

[aldive]

Estimating the fuel level is a futile task.

 

[trucku]

Remember in a previous post, you told me that when the gauge shows E, it usually has at least 2G in it? I'm just trying to get a rough estimate for now, then later on, I'll top it off.

I see. Yes when it lights up "Check Guage" you should have about 2 gallons left (not sure exactly though).

But you can't do it that way at all. Fill her up till it clicks off. Then that is your fill mark. Your next run can be 1/4 tank 1/2 tank, it doesn't matter. Fill her up again until it clicks off. write down fill gallons and mileage driven. Do this a couple more times to get the most accurate mileage.

My wife just drove the truck yesterday....and no scanguage used (left at home). I have to start all over again to get my baseline on highway mileage.....women:scratch:
I rather that though than it getting stolen because it's left sitting on dash.

 

[CDW6212R]

Are you using the Scangauge, which was about $100 for the first version? I have mine in my 99 work truck constantly. The fuel mileage which it estimates is far more accurate than the message center. It needs the total fuel added for each fill up to keep up with the mpg figures. I reset it(enter the gallons) at each fill up.
Select "MORE", then the fill tank selection, and then adjust the display to match the fuel actually added. Regards,

 

[aldive]

Just received the 25k UOI on my truck. I was pleased with the excellent data ( http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=192142 ).

The comments from the lab (I use, Blackstone Labs ( Dead Link Removed ) got me to thinking:

Blackstone's comments: AL: Universal averages for typical wear from the Ford 4.0L V-6 are based on 4867 miles of oil use. This oil is still in service after 25,300 miles according to your info slip. If that's correct, we are very impressed with the low and steady iron level. You might have one of the best wearing Ford engines we've ever seen. Silicon was a bit higher than average, but it's right around the level we typically see from your Explorer. The TBN was 2.0, some active additive left. Wear metals were okay. Try another 2000-3000 miles and check back. Great engine!

The fantastic wear data could show that this engine is indeed special and may well contribute to the gas mileage I get.

 

[CDW6212R]

Agreed, the first car I owned was a family's 72 Gran Torino with 351-2V. That engine was better than most engines of friend's 351-4V Mustangs.

Good machine work and balancing can be worth tons of extra power and efficiency.

The SOHC 4.0 engine also has a very special cam timing system. Because there are no gears, teeth or splines connecting the cams, the timing can be infinitely adjusted. Thus they can easily be miss-timed, and an optimum timing setting is very hard to obtain. I worked with the TDC tool for several minutes before setting my first cam of my SOHC. The tool controls where the TDC is indicated, and it is not precise.

Al, keep your engine just like it is for as long as you can. Doing the valvetrain work could easily upset the timing just enough to affect efficiency noticeably. Regards,

 

[aldive]

I have no intention of doing any valve train work on this motor.

 

[BrooklynBay]

My Grandfather had a 72 Gran Torino. It was the last year they used point ignition. I have a complete set of repair books in mint condition with illustrations. I doubt that something like this is still in print.

 

[aldive]

My Grandfather had a 72 Gran Torino. It was the last year they used point ignition. I have a complete set of repair books in mint condition with illustrations. I doubt that something like this is still in print.

And what has that have to do with this thread?

 

[BrooklynBay]

I had a feeling you might ask that question. Don mentioned his 72 Gran Torino. I know that those engines are very powerful, and have a very long lifespan. They last longer than the body of the vehicle if properly maintained. I'm sure that they aren't too gas efficient, but they are reliable.

 

[aldive]

I'm sure that Al is irritated by a lot of the excess off topic comments. I've been cutting back, and deleting some of mine which are not needed, or after a short time. I'll cut this post very shortly. Regards.

Way to go Don; things go much better the the thread integrity is maintained.

 

[zippee]

Mileage

I have a 97 4.0 SOHC, 5 sp auto 4x4, 123K miles. I don't get to drive on the highway too much so I took advantage of an opportunity I had a few weeks ago. From Seattle to Portland and back, plus about 75 miles of in town there, some stop and go. 378 miles total, 15.4 gallons at the same pump and station, 62 MPH while on the highway, 24.5 MPG. Had I straight highway mileage I suspect I would have been in the range of 26-27.

I bought this vehicle on eBay and I've been tinkering with it since. Just when I think I'm getting to the end of my to-do list and can do some fun stuff on it, something else breaks...this weekend, the master power switch for the windows.

I did a Seafoam treatment before I left on a trip this weekend and I notice the difference. It idles much more smoothly, and I think at light throttle the TC is locking up in third at about 25 MPH. About 300 straight highway miles, (edit: ~125 miles or so at 72 MPH, plus a major mountain pass) plus a lot of highway/town mix and about 40 miles round trip on a dirt washboard road at 15 MPH. I fill at the same station and pump every time, I didn't have time today when I got back. Miles on this tank so far, 418, and it's at about 1/4 tank. Whenever I get over 20 I'm pleased. (edit: result 22.2 MPG)

My only modifications are synthetic throughout, Mobil 1 in the motor and Amsoil in the Trans, Transfer case, and diffs.

I have a beefed up valve body to install that I think will help city mileage. Then...if nothing else breaks, I'll probably install an electric fan.

I think I can crack 30 MPG in this (admittedly, at ~62 MPH, slower than Al).

 

[aldive]

I think I can crack 30 MPG in this (admittedly, at ~62 MPH, slower than Al).

Thats great, I am pulling for you to reach that goal.

By the way, I did a trip to the center of the state to go kayaking. I have yet to fill up to calculate the mileage, but the gas gauge has not moved on the 140 mile journey.

This trip was on a 2 lane road, my speed was 60.9 MPH. AC on and pulling a trailer with 3 kayaks ( very light load ). I was testing a new 89 octane gas tune that I wrote.

 

[zippee]

I was testing a new 89 octane gas tune that I wrote.

Amazing! Are you seeing any appreciable difference on your home brew programs versus Doug's?

 

[aldive]

Amazing! Are you seeing any appreciable difference on your home brew programs versus Doug's?

Early testing seems to show positive results.

 

[xdviper]

Hey zippie, I'm surprised you reached above 22MPG on the highway at those speeds.... but i gotta question, did you go on the journey before or after the seaform?

 

[zippee]

My Portland trip was before Seafoam. My trip this weekend was after. I drove the guy probably 75 miles on Friday before the smoke stopped...and before I filled for the trip.

Al, what are the different parameters you're treaking, if you don't mind saying?

 

[aldive]

Al, what are the different parameters you're treaking, if you don't mind saying?

My lips are sealed for the time being, sorry.