AZ's F150 thread - Page 2 - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

Frank Lee · 02-19-2011, 05:06 PM

Tank to tank variations are large and mods of this nature net small results so fugetaboutit. Keep a fuel log and watch for a trend.

animated_zombie · 02-19-2011, 05:09 PM

I'm still really new with this. I guess this was a n00b's worry then. Thanks for reliving me!

Frank Lee · 02-19-2011, 05:11 PM

If you don't normally see mpg variations that large then look for the obvious: a really low tire(s), jack each wheel and give it a whirl as a brake drag check, make sure the parking brake isn't sitting there one click engaged, look at the air filter and general soundness of everything under the hood, etc.

animated_zombie · 02-19-2011, 05:13 PM

Frank,

Will do! Now I got something to keep me busy tomorrow!

Thanks again!

abell75 · 02-19-2011, 06:16 PM

AZ, I'm in STL also - if your last tank was during our recent cold spell, that could have had an impact. Likewise, during our very recent nice weather, the block may have caused your radiator fan to come on. I doubt either of these would have made a 3 mpg impact though....Frank's suggestions are definitely things to check!

KamperBob · 02-20-2011, 09:35 AM

ScanGauge (et al) is your friend. Stop light idling should not be a factor. Warming up before setting sail, for example, would be. If AT and its stirring fluid (slipping torque converter instead of TC clutch locked) that could be another factor. (Slower isn't ALWAYS better.) Putting an MPG gauge on the dash is exactly the right tool to help you optimize it. Otherwise the situation is death by a thousand paper cuts.

Quote:

Originally Posted by animated_zombie

Okay, I'm utterly confused at this point...

My truck gets about 16mpg. I think that this is awful, and I'm trying to improve it. So I started with the grille block. The last tank I ran (It wasn't full, just $20 worth) but I went from 16mpg to 13.06.

What?

I'm really sensitive with this truck; it's my baby. I'm really ginger on the gas, I pop it in neutral at the stop lights... How am I losing gas mileage?

Any ideas on Aero mods or "Adjusting the nut behind the wheel" are greatly appreciated.

Thanks everybody!

Joenavy85 · 02-20-2011, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by animated_zombie

Hey everybody,
Anywho just got to building a grille block last night. It's just a mock up, but I'm going to see how this tank of gas goes, and then modify it. I was thinking once I get it where I want it, maybe making it out of lexan?

i would definitely put the block on the front of the grille as said earlier, doing that would give you a place to put the front license plate where you can see the entire plate (some states get pissy about that). you can then use the corex (or coroplast, whatever you prefer) to make basic air ducting from the chin opening up to the radiator and then block or unblock parts of the lower opening as required based on outside temps

animated_zombie · 02-20-2011, 01:08 PM

So, I really need to re-do the grille block. My friend works at the dealer and gave we a free car wash yesterday (which was awesome of him) but it knocked out some of the cardboard. Hopefully I'll be able to re-do that today or tomorrow. I've gotta find some coroplast...

Yesterday I also checked my tires, and wow... I can't believe how low they were. They were about 32-35, I filled them all up to 42.

Anyway we'll see how all that effects the next tank!

Well I'm off to drive, catch y'all later!