My quest for 30 MPG - Ford Explorer Gas Mileage Tips

[MC05XLS]

By the way, the above mentioned data is very old and way out of date; many things have changed.

I'll have to manually check the mileage on the next fill up. I just went and looked and I didn't reset the trip meter last time. Unless by some miracle I rolled over 600 miles on 3/4 a tank.

I was told that the ECM on this model is extremely sensitive if you start adding in piggy-backs or start tuning it. Some of the upgrades I'm willing to tackle, but the electronics on this truck are intimidating to a novice like me.

I'm coming up on 37,000 miles, and not knowing how the last person drove it, you're probably right and I should go on and have the trans and rear end flushed to synthetic. The dealer I bought my truck from changes my oil every 5,000 miles at no charge. But I'm willing to give somethine else a try if it will help.

One thing I have no issue with is tune ups. Are there some really good plugs and wires you can reccommend? Also, how much of a difference would a cold air intake make on performance and mileage? And if I start messing with settings, what's the safer option? Tune the ECM or add a piggyback?

I think the tire pressure is around 37 on mine, but I can't get to my tire gauage right now. I'll check it when I get home tomorrow.

 

[aldive]

I was told that the ECM on this model is extremely sensitive if you start adding in piggy-backs or start tuning it. Some of the upgrades I'm willing to tackle, but the electronics on this truck are intimidating to a novice like me.

Who told you that? Sounds like something a dealer would say.

A computer tune ( via an SCT XCal2 ) is as simple as it gets. Truly plug and play.

I'm coming up on 37,000 miles, and not knowing how the last person drove it, you're probably right and I should go on and have the trans and rear end flushed to synthetic. The dealer I bought my truck from changes my oil every 5,000 miles at no charge. But I'm willing to give somethine else a try if it will help.

Synthetic fluids will definitely help.

One thing I have no issue with is tune ups. Are there some really good plugs and wires you can recommend?

I recommend Motorcraft plugs. As for wires, aftermarket is the way to go. I have a set of Magnecore wires ( http://www.magnecor.com/magnecor1/main.htm ) waiting for me to install.

Also, how much of a difference would a cold air intake make on performance and mileage?

It will make a nice difference. I recommend a Mac intake.

And if I start messing with settings, what's the safer option? Tune the ECM or add a piggyback?

Go with a computer tune. SCT XCal2 is my recommendation and is what I use.

 

[AAnnddrreeww]

Best I ever did was 22 mpg going around 80.

 

[aldive]

Best I ever did was 22 mpg going around 80.

Thats pretty good at that speed.

 

[AAnnddrreeww]

Thats pretty good at that speed.

It was straight highway except for maybe 2 gallons in the "city" (Oak Island)
Mine gets relatively good gas. I've got a lead foot like woah and I still get out with 16-18 city

 

[aldive]

A mileage run to Atlanta and SC is soon coming.

In preparation for the run, I replaced the front wheel bearings (http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=196240 ) and packed them with Amsoil Series 2000 Synthetic Racing Grease (Dead Link Removed ). I use this grease for its friction reducing properties that enhance gas mileage. I also flushed the tranny and changed the rear end oil.

I shall be using a brand new computer tune that I wrote especially designed for gas mileage on 89 octane fuel.

 

[aldive]

Also on the upcoming trip I plan to test spark plug gap size.

Since I installed the Screamin’ Deamon coil ( http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=169182&highlight=spark+plug+gap ). I have yet to change spark plugs ( or wires ) or regap the plugs.

The manufacturer suggests gapping the plugs at 0.065.

I will be installing new Magnecore wires as well as new Autolite double platinum plugs prior to the trip.

The first leg of about 750 miles will be run with the new plugs ( and wires ) gapped at 0.065 whereas the return trip will be done with brand new plugs gapped at stock spec of 0.054.

 

[Flandry]

One thousand, three hundred, and seven posts. And at last, after several weeks, I have read them all. I feel like I've passed some kind of coming-of-age ritual.

Aldive, I salute you and you magnificent quest.

Your research methodology is commendable and your results are nothing short of inspiring. I am bringing a 93 Sport out of a 10 year mothball period to use as my daily driver. I have followed your quest and a number of your related subthreads and have made a list of things to do to help me improve my fuel economy. We shall see things takes me, but I already have you to thank for my newfound dream of having a vehicle I truly like with gas mileage I can live with.

 

[BrooklynBay]

I saw these articles today. Some people might find them interesting:
http://autos.aol.com/article/hybrid/v2/_a/the-pursuit-of-hypermileage/20071001102409990001
http://www.forbesautos.com/slideshows/advice/toptens/2007/hypermiler-ten.html?partner=aol
http://autos.aol.com/article/hybrid/v2/_a/why-does-gas-cost-so-much/20070831142609990001

 

[Glen4X4]

wow....over a 100mpg from a truck....i know it says standard but thats still damn good. i always wondered if using 5w-30 in the ex was safe or not...

 

[aldive]

i always wondered if using 5w-30 in the ex was safe or not...

I have used 0w30 in mine for years. I even did a trial using 0w20.

If Amsoil made a 0w20 in the Series 2000 oil, I would use it now.

 

[Glen4X4]

hmm....I've been afraid that it would be to light and not lubricate verywell or cause it to get hott'er and burn the oil.

 

[aldive]

hmm....I've been afraid that it would be to light and not lubricate verywell or cause it to get hott'er and burn the oil.

Its only 0 weight when cold, at operating temperature its 30w oil.

 

[CDW6212R]

The high dollar synthetics are far better than normal oil, they can take the stresses just fine.

 

[jabramson]

I saw these articles today. Some people might find them interesting:
http://autos.aol.com/article/hybrid/v2/_a/the-pursuit-of-hypermileage/20071001102409990001
http://www.forbesautos.com/slideshows/advice/toptens/2007/hypermiler-ten.html?partner=aol
http://autos.aol.com/article/hybrid/v2/_a/why-does-gas-cost-so-much/20070831142609990001

I have tried some of these types of tips and noticed I have gone from 280 miles between fillups to 325 per fillup.

I recently changed transmission fluid to a non-synthetic but other than that, mechanically I have not done much. In addition, I changed out my K&N box filter to a cold air K&N filter. I also keep the tire pressure at about 40 PSI. The major thing I do is shift to nuetral when coming up to red lights, toll plazas or anything else causing me to reduce speed. Then my vehicle idles at about 500 RPM rather than 1500 RPM when I coast down to speed.

In the past I tried shutting down the engine to coast but I stopped that practice. I started thinking that the cost of a new starter and battery might negate the cost of the gas savings. I also tried shutting it off at lights but the car heats up the interior to quickly at this time of year in South Florida.

 

[Glen4X4]

The high dollar synthetics are far better than normal oil, they can take the stresses just fine.

I know it isn't high dollar but, I started using Valvoline High Mileage Synthetic Oil In Mine and since, I haven't noticed noise in the valves while going up a grade like I use to occasionally. Thanks for the input, I'm comin upon an oil change, I guess I'll go to 5w-30 since ya say its ok to do.

 

[CDW6212R]

The Pennzoil is the best normal synthetic oil, and often lately on sale through Pep Boys. Advance had a sale a while back for $2.90 per quart. You have to shop around, to gain from the top level oil a bypass system is the best bet. With those you can safely run the oil for a year or more.

 

[aldive]

, to gain from the top level oil a bypass system is the best bet. With those you can safely run the oil for a year or more.

Amsoil Series 2000 oil in normal service can go 35k miles without bypass filtration.

Service Life
AMSOIL Synthetic 0W-30 Motor Oil is recommended for extended drain intervals in unmodified(1), mechanically sound(2) gasoline-fueled vehicles as follows:

Normal Service(3) - Up to 35,000 miles or one year, whichever comes first.
Severe Service(4) - Up to 17,500 miles or one year, whichever comes first.
Replace AMSOIL Ea™ Full-Flow Oil Filter at the time of oil change up to 25,000 miles or one year, whichever comes first (other brands at standard OEM* intervals).
In all other applications, extend the oil change interval according to oil analysis or follow the OEM* drain interval.

 

[CDW6212R]

I wouldn't do that Al, the cost of oil analysis ongoing to be sure that just the oil is good, it outweighs the cost of the oil changes. I'd love to be checking my oil several times per year etc, but the whole point is to lessen the work needed.

How many tests have been done without a bypass filter, using the Amsoil EA filter for 25,000 miles? I'm not going to test that for 50k or 75k plus all of the testing, plus laboratory testing the filters for adequate flow when dirty. There is a certain amount of debris in the engine which the oil has to catch. A certain amount fills the filter. If every filter is the same size, why is the EA filter able to go five times longer?

These may be questions that others have asked many times before, but the point is still the same. Almost everyone is using just a full flow filter and all else stock. I don't see people asking how any filter can function for 25k, I see the claims, but where is the filters cut open testing data? That is the big issue, not that the oil is good enough to go that long. When any oil filter gets full, oil bypasses the filter and is unfiltered.

Yes I have not read every word on every extended oil topic website there is. No one seems to be asking about the filter life. Regards,

 

[Glen4X4]

I pay $4.00 A Quart for the Valvoline from advance, pepboys is like a 30 mile distance from me so I usually don't go there unless I'm lookin at accessories or gettin ideas for one of my vehicles. Advance/Napa/Car Quest/and another'n I cant think of are with in about 10 mile distance of me. I'll have to look into the Penzoil and Amsoil next time I'm in there for oil/filter or when I go in for the tranny cooler.