My quest for 30 MPG - Ford Explorer Gas Mileage Tips

[aldive]

In preparation for a 1500 mile road trip, I changed the oil to Mobil 1 0w20 today and a KN filter )

Maybe, just maybe, this will result in better MPG.

 

[Rx4phun]

Al I think you got a weird explorer I couldnt touch 20mpg at any speed even if I filled the cab with helium which would be pretty funny. I really need to find some way for better mileage
Gary

 

[IAmTodd]

Originally posted by Rx4phun
I couldnt touch 20mpg

Wow, And I get 20 with my '95 And that was going around 68-70!

Watch out Aldive, I'm coming to get you

 

[aldive]

Originally posted by aldive
In preparation for a 1500 mile road trip, I changed the oil to Mobil 1 0w20 today and a KN filter )

Maybe, just maybe, this will result in better MPG.

Just returned from this trip and the results are pleasing:

MPG 30.98 at Avg Speed 69.32

 

[Rhett]

Did you ever do anything regarding the underhood air temp/louver idea?

P.S. were you on I-75 again?

 

[aldive]

I have done nada on the underhood cooling, YET,

Yes, all I 75.

 

[Minivek]

I usually get around 14 to 15 mpg in city driving or about 250 miles per tank.. But I just went on a 1500 mile trip and got an average of 20 mpg!!! It just about pulled over to check if I'd gotten in someone elses car!! By the way what kind of mileage are the 1st gen 4X4 people gettin'? I got a 2 door model and I was fully loaded...

 

[Runnin'OnEmpty]

Al, I'm wondering what the "rake" is on your X? That is, what is the difference between the suspension height, from front to back?

I measured mine last night, with aerodynamics in mind. The rear sits about 1/4 inch lower than the front (due to spring sag I'm sure). If the front was slightly lower than the rear, the parasitic drag should be reduced somewhat.......

 

[aldive]

Mine is lowered and level.

 

[Rhett]

Originally posted by Minivek
I usually get around 14 to 15 mpg in city driving or about 250 miles per tank.. But I just went on a 1500 mile trip and got an average of 20 mpg!!! It just about pulled over to check if I'd gotten in someone elses car!! By the way what kind of mileage are the 1st gen 4X4 people gettin'? I got a 2 door model and I was fully loaded...

You're doing about right for a 94 4x4. I don't know how hilly Quebec is but that can make a difference. I'm getting 13-15 in my hilly city and about 18 mpg on the highway with 94 Sport 4x4. Apten chip has given me about .5 mpg.
bottom line is that the SOHC is much more fuel efficient than the OHV engine. Plus we're not lowered, etc. My rig for example, is not set up for best fuel economy...
I figure if I were lowered, electric fan, apten fuel economy program, and smaller tires I might get 21-22 mpg at best on highway.

 

[Bashman]

Al that is awesome. I have shown friends of mine this thread and they can't believe an exploder can do that well.

My question is.....are you going to change the title of the thread to..."Quest for 40"?

 

[fuzzie]

aldive,
This is from your post, my comments are in CAPS (sorry if it is poor form):

The following is a list of modifications that have resulted in the mileage reported on my 99 4.0 SOHC:
Mobil 1 5 w 30 synthetic motor oil - DO YOU ALWAYS USE THIS, CAN YOU GO BACK TO REGULAR OIL AFTER MAKING THE CHANGE?

Mobil 1 ATF in auto tranny ( a complete change ) - SAME QUESTION?

Mobil 1 in the 3.73 rear end - HOW DO WE TELL WHAT REAR WE HAVE? I HAVE A 97 XLT, 4X4

KKM Tru Rev intake - WHAT IS THIS? HOW MUCH DID IT COST AND WAS IT HARD TO PUT IN? ONE FELLOW SAID HE REPLACED HIS AIR INTAKE WITH A DRYER HOSE, IS THAT LIKE THIS?

Custom cat back exhaust system - WHAT IS THIS, COST, ETC?

Remove roof rack - DID YOU FILL THE HOLES WITH SOMETHING?

Many coats of Zaino polish - DOES THIS REALLY HELP?

Tire pressure 40 psig

Explorer Express X Spec air dam _ BUG DEFLECTOR THE SAME THING?

Amoco 87 octane gas

Secondary tranny filter ( don’t know if this helps )

I GET 15 MPG, STOCK.

 

[DocVijay]

Originally posted by fuzzie
aldive,
This is from your post, my comments are in CAPS (sorry if it is poor form):

(1) The following is a list of modifications that have resulted in the mileage reported on my 99 4.0 SOHC:
Mobil 1 5 w 30 synthetic motor oil - DO YOU ALWAYS USE THIS, CAN YOU GO BACK TO REGULAR OIL AFTER MAKING THE CHANGE?

(2) Mobil 1 ATF in auto tranny ( a complete change ) - SAME QUESTION?

(3) Mobil 1 in the 3.73 rear end - HOW DO WE TELL WHAT REAR WE HAVE? I HAVE A 97 XLT, 4X4

(4) KKM Tru Rev intake - WHAT IS THIS? HOW MUCH DID IT COST AND WAS IT HARD TO PUT IN? ONE FELLOW SAID HE REPLACED HIS AIR INTAKE WITH A DRYER HOSE, IS THAT LIKE THIS?

(5) Custom cat back exhaust system - WHAT IS THIS, COST, ETC?

(6) Remove roof rack - DID YOU FILL THE HOLES WITH SOMETHING?

(7) Many coats of Zaino polish - DOES THIS REALLY HELP?

Tire pressure 40 psig

(8) Explorer Express X Spec air dam _ BUG DEFLECTOR THE SAME THING?

Amoco 87 octane gas

Secondary tranny filter ( don’t know if this helps )

I GET 15 MPG, STOCK.

Hope you don't mind if I answer Al (at least the ones I can).

(1) You can switch back to a heavier formulation of oil afterwards (i.e. from 5w30 to another). You can also go back to regular dino oil if you want.

(2) Same for the tranny. But I think that once you feel the difference and see the milage benefits, you'll keep using it. Laso, synthetics last longer, so you won't have to change the oil as much (unless you wnat to).

(3) On the differential housing there will be a little tag. It'llhave some number and letters on it. Read that, and post here. Someone will be able to tell you what it has. Also, you can look at the sticker in the door jamb. There are a whole bunch of letters and numbers. Same thing.

(4) This is an intake filter. It's just like the K&N filter only wihtout the CARB exmeption, so it's cheaper. Just as good though. If you live in a place with strict inspections, go with the K&N, if not, the KKM.

(5) Depends on which shop you go to. Mine was about $250 total price including the muffler I ordered from Summit Racing. Shop around.

(6) ON the 99 you don't need to fill any holes unless you remove the rails. The actual reack crossmembers slide out of the rails. I didn't remove my rails when I did this. The aerodynamic drag from the rails is negligible.

(7) No, but he has a really, really shiny truck!

(8) This is not a Bugflector. It's a big airdam that bolts underneath the front bumper. Here's a pic:

Al can fill in anything I left off. Most of these will work to improve gas milage. But as Al has pointed out before, DRIVING STYLE has the most impact.

 

[aldive]

My friend, Bjorn, did a fine job answering, If you need more help, hysr ask,

 

[Bashman]

For your rear axle, find which code it is on the sticker on the driver's door and match it to one of these:

Rear Axle Codes

41 - Conventional - 3200 lb. Capacity - 3.27 Ratio
45 - Conventional - 3200 lb. Capacity - 3.55 Ratio
D4 - Limited Slip - 3200 lb. Capacity - 3.73 Ratio
46 - Conventional - 3200 lb. Capacity - 3.73 Ratio
D1 - Limited Slip - 3200 lb. Capacity - 3.27 Ratio
42 - Conventional - 3200 lb. Capacity - 4.10 Ratio
D2 - Limited Slip - 3200 lb. Capacity - 4.10 Ratio

 

[trixie]

I got 35mpg on a recent trip, although the flat bed ride home after the trans exploded maybe had something to do with it.

 

[zavetsky]

I am assuming your X is a 2 wheel drive, right?? I guess seeing that, it could get better than 14.....My bro in law had a 96 2wd Ranger with a tiny 4 cylinder that got something like 24 mpg.....same frame, less body weight, smaller engine.....he never got anywhere NEAR 30.....

Just one question: How are you computing your mileage??

Are you using the GPS or are you doing the math?? And are you calulating per trip or per tank??

I have found that my Garmin V GPS has a per-tankgas mileage calculatuion, not a cumulative one (or maybe I just dont know how to use it....)...In other words, when you enter the mileage in its mileage calculator it uses the distance for the whole trip....if you just enter ONE tank of gas, it overestimates the MPG....I once got 30+ MPG and this was why....

Hey, if you really can get 30mpg on a truck where most everyone else gets 14, more power to ya, but if that is true I think yo uare wasting your time here...you could sell your formula and make TONS o cash....

<grin>

Not trolling...I just have a hard time believeing that your truck can get 30 mpg on the V6 and automatic..it would have to be geared MIGHTY high to accomplish that IMHO.

Originally posted by aldive
A recent trip to N Central Florida of 450 miles yielded 27.2 MPG.

The GPS said the average speed was 71.2. The Explorer was loaded with 4 adu;ts, 8 scuba tanks and the ancillary sive equipment.

Down from the 30 MPG running empty and slower, but still acceptable.

 

[zavetsky]

All of these "mods" are typical to what is on mine....

The lowering/air damn probably helps some with aerodynamics....and would be worth a mpg or two....

But come on.

......there is more to this. There HAS to be.

It HAS to be a 2wd Explorer, for one.

A K&N is worth MAYBE a mile or two MPG tops, same with a cat back.....

You telling me that running mobil one is worth a 10mpg increase <grin> ??

I cant help but wonder if there has been a miscalculation of the MPG figure. A truck with 3.73s and the aerodynamics of a brick aint gonna get 30 mpg, especially wnen its as heavy as the Explorer, even in 2wd form.

Call me a pessimist, but I dont think 30 mpg is possible. A truck that gets 16/21 mileage (2003 models) aint gonna get 30 unless DRASTIC alterations are made, and no offense to anyone but these are not drastic alterations.

Driving style certainly figures in, but not to add 50% more mileage to the "average" mileage of the truck as stated by the manufacturer.....Otherwise, there would be a LOT more folks getting 30mpg.

Like I said -- I mean no disrespect for the person claiming this mileage, but I find it QUITE dificult to believe.

Originally posted by fuzzie
aldive,
This is from your post, my comments are in CAPS (sorry if it is poor form):

The following is a list of modifications that have resulted in the mileage reported on my 99 4.0 SOHC:
Mobil 1 5 w 30 synthetic motor oil - DO YOU ALWAYS USE THIS, CAN YOU GO BACK TO REGULAR OIL AFTER MAKING THE CHANGE?

Mobil 1 ATF in auto tranny ( a complete change ) - SAME QUESTION?

Mobil 1 in the 3.73 rear end - HOW DO WE TELL WHAT REAR WE HAVE? I HAVE A 97 XLT, 4X4

KKM Tru Rev intake - WHAT IS THIS? HOW MUCH DID IT COST AND WAS IT HARD TO PUT IN? ONE FELLOW SAID HE REPLACED HIS AIR INTAKE WITH A DRYER HOSE, IS THAT LIKE THIS?

Custom cat back exhaust system - WHAT IS THIS, COST, ETC?

Remove roof rack - DID YOU FILL THE HOLES WITH SOMETHING?

Many coats of Zaino polish - DOES THIS REALLY HELP?

Tire pressure 40 psig

Explorer Express X Spec air dam _ BUG DEFLECTOR THE SAME THING?

Amoco 87 octane gas

Secondary tranny filter ( don’t know if this helps )

I GET 15 MPG, STOCK.

 

[Rhett]

First of all zavetsky, you have an OHV motor, which uses a LOT more gas than a SOHC that aldive has. You can do all the lowering mods, etc. that aldive has done, and never get near 30 mpg, probably not more than 20-22 mpg, just because of the thirsty OHV engine you have in your truck.

I think it is quite possible to get 30 mpg highway on aldive's setup. The key here is to look at WHERE al is doing his testing (I-75) and his driving habits...
He would NEVER get 30 mpg where I live...for example...
too many hills...
So here's a discussion

1), remember we're talkin' HIGHWAY mileage here..

1a). al has a 2wd, I believe, and it's an SOHC, a much more fuel-efficient engine than the OHV which you and I have...

2), the factory mpg figures on a SOHC are a lot higher than 14 mpg,..that's more typical of city mileage on an OHV V6 Explorer like we have. I know the highway factory spec for a V6 SOHC Explorer is over 20 mpg, probably 22 mpg, someone with a SOHC can verify. On my 94 with the OHV v6, highway spec is 20 mpg...

3), the calculation of mileage was discussed here long ago,...possibly in this thread way back. The topic of "is his mpg being calc'ed correctly" was discussed and it was done the proper way, I believe, i.e. by taking the fill up and dividing by the miles gone on that tank of gas.
If this is done, there is no error, no debating, it's cold hard math. If you fill with 16.5 gallons and have gone 285 miles since last, then you've got 17.28 miles per gallon.

4) aldives 30 mpg figures were done mostly on Interstate 75 in Florida and Georgia below Atlanta. If you know about that highway (I do) it is generally flat, with just a few minor hills around Cordele, GA and up around Atlanta. If I got to drive my truck on that nice flat interstate I bet I would get a few extra mpg.

5) I would bet my truck that Al F. has a light foot, in fact I recall him or someone saying here that they didn't exceed 2000 rpm whilst accelerating. I tried this in my Explorer, I could barely move from a stop, hehehe

So, I think biggest factors, in no partic. order, are:
a) flat I-75
b) light foot
c) mods

 

[BensBud]

My kind of thread. My 99 XLT is 100% stock (so far) - it's in need of a timing chain tensioner. I drive in a relatively hilly area of the north shore of Boston and drive approx. 400 miles per week. Nothing special for fluids. I have Valvoline Instant Oil Change (just don't have the time to do it myself right now) done every 4k or so with the mid-grade oil (can't recall what it's called). I fill to the absolute top (20+ gallons) with Hess 87 octane. I run it very close to absolutely dry in about six days. I get very consistently ~375 miles per tank - that's ~18.5 mpg. I can get better than 20mpg on a family weekend to NH. I drive left lane in traffic (65-75 depending on traffic). I don't mash on the gas (often), but I don't fart around either.

I'm really looking forward to seeing the effects on MPG of doing the intake mod and MAS cleaning (I hope that makes the occasional pinging subside too).

My previous vehicle (not counting a bout with stupidity when I drove a PT Cruiser for about 5 months) was a '93 XLT and I got more than 190k out of it - with similar MPG. It's still being driven by a good friend of mine in the outer suburbs of Boston. BTW: The PT Cruiser (a pretty gutless 4-banger version) got no better MPG!