(False thread) 38 MPG AVG (For one trip) in 3 Litre 2000 Dodge Caravan

[101Volts]

Update: This thread was going according to the ScanGauge II, Uncalibrated and not reset between using it on two other vehicles. The actual fuel consumption would've been higher and the miles per gallon lower.

Here's the thread text as it was:

I live in Pennsylvania and I use a ScanGaugeII in this van. About the van: The rear left brake was repaired/replaced recently; It was slightly locked up before. (Again, Keep your vehicle well-maintained.) The tire pressure is at about 45 PSI and the oil hasn't been changed lately nor is Full Synthetic oil being used. There's a spare tire on the roof and there aren't any air conditioner belts in the engine.

About the trip: Coming home from the Pittsburgh area by roughly 85 miles with about 30 of those being highway miles, I managed over 38 MPG AVG. I used some hypermiling techniques including some "Pulse and gliding" (But with the neutral gear); Drafting and on the highway, Speeding up to 65 downhill and slowing to about 55 gradually while going uphill. I noticed that the Horsepower was quite low at times (Sometimes going under 7 though I saw it go completely to 0 a few times, According to the ScanGaugeII) And it was usually under 50 even while accelerating with the RPMs being at about 2100.

I may have the oil changed and add a partial grille block in the future.

*Edit: On HWY, The horsepower was actually around 25 most of the time. While I drove the van yesterday on a different trip it seemed that we got the best fuel economy keeping the van at about 55 MPH with horsepower of 22.5.

[trooper Tdiesel]

for as much as i dislike the Mitsubishi 3.0L engine Chrysler corp used in the vans, those are really good numbers.

be carefull with a grill block the 3.0s are not keen to running hot they will start eating oil after a over heat, the 3s are known for eating oil.....

most 3.0s i see are in 2wds, short models, with the 3 speed auto trans, with out the 2nd sliding door or rear A\C-heat.
errr i see in the last year or two they Finley put the 4sp auto with them....
more or less some of the lightest models they made, id say you have one as well to get those numbers.

ive seen them with 14 15 and 16 rims on the dealer lot when new. so there's lots of choses in what type of tires can be ran..



the GEN3 Chrysler corp vans 1996/2000 are some of the best aro shaped vans around, though there head lights are rather poor.....



we had a 98 long, 4wd with the 3.8 and it was just about 5,000lbs with full tank and three people, but it still could pull mid 20s. add a luggege rack to the roof and instant 3 mpg loss....it was a long narrow one for skis.

[101Volts]

Thanks for the warning of the engine overheating, I'm familiar with this as Dad's previous van (1997 Plymouth Voyager Extended) seemed to overheat too; The engine hood paint seemed to wear off from overheating and I didn't put a grille block in it.

This van has two sliding doors and only one heating/AC system. I think the van is 2WD. It's also short and the automatic transmission is a three speed. One thing I didn't note before is that prior to adding more engine coolant (so it's above minimum even while cool,) It was getting fewer miles per gallon. I'm not sure why, Perhaps adding the coolant did something to it or perhaps it's due to changing driving habits.

Also, See my main post; I added a note that's more specific about the horsepower used most of the time.

Edit: Added brackets.

Also, Perhaps flushing the coolant will help FE.

[Frank Lee]

You need to keep a fuel log. Then we'll see what the average is.

[101Volts]

Perhaps I should be more specific; I meant the average gas economy for that one trip, According to the ScangaugeII, Was over 38. I don't get such high fuel economy in that van all the time, In city/town driving it can go under 20. I'm thinking of starting a fuel and trip log for my trips, Though.

EDIT: I wasn't getting such a high amount when I posted this either.