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better MPG?

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Tim Shultz

07-21-2006 19:03:47

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say guys, whats the best, fastest and CHEAPEST way/ways to inprove my MPG? on a 73' F-250..
thanks for any ideas.. I only get 10 now..
Tim Shultz

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Bill in NorthCentral PA

07-25-2006 04:32:39

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Re: better MPG? in reply to Tim Shultz, 07-21-2006 19:03:47

When times are tight, we used to wire the secondaries from opening. Anyway you cut it big takes gas.

Good luck with it.

Bill

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Mark - IN.

07-23-2006 04:42:55

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Re: better MPG? in reply to Tim Shultz, 07-21-2006 19:03:47

If you're concerned about fuel economy, driving a '73 or '74 Ford 4x4 aint gonna do it for you. In reality, it just won't.

Although, back about that time while working at a service station evenings and weekends after school, the boss came up with a gizmo that seemed to help somewhat, so the customers claimed, or at least think worked. My boss/owner, Wayne took plastic canisters that had a hose inside them and one through the lid that tapped into one of the vacumm hoses at the base of the carburator. He'd fill them with a concoction or mixture of I believe alcohol and water, and had an adjustable clamp so that occasional drops of water would slip into the intake manifold plenum and become atomized along with the gasoline through the natural turbulance under vacumm. His theory, was that it'd cool the cylinders somewhat by helping hot carbon buildups and lead deposites get shattered and go out the tailpipes, thus improving fuel economy. Did it really work? I have no clue, but the customers that bought the gizmos and refills of the solution seemed to think so. That was back in the days of 440's, 460's, and 454 gas smogs/hogs. Personally, I used to trickle a garden hose down the carb once a month or so back then, while the engine was running, to do the same thing. In these days of unleaded gas, don't know that there are carbon and lead deposite buildups anymore.

You aint gonna get good fuel economy with that thing. Just aint gonna happen.

Mark

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Rod in Smiths Falls, ON,

07-22-2006 16:09:43

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Re: better MPG? in reply to Tim Shultz, 07-21-2006 19:03:47

Sell the truck and buy a middle aged Toyota 4X4 with a four cylinder and standard transmission. It will run off-road as well or better than your Ford, and if you drive intelligently the 4 cylinder will get you by on the highway, as well. Expect 28 miles per imperial gallon in warm weather, 10% less in cold.

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Steven@ND

07-22-2006 13:17:48

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Re: better MPG? in reply to Tim Shultz, 07-21-2006 19:03:47

Had the same problem as you a couple years back... 88 F150 would only get 16 mpg on the highway. Sold it and bought a Honda - now I make 45 mpg on the highway and in town as well. Cost me $450 difference to sell the truck and upgrade to a 94 del Sol.

Old 4x4 trucks make 10 to 12 mpg and that's just life.

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the tractor vet

07-22-2006 12:06:00

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Re: better MPG? in reply to Tim Shultz, 07-21-2006 19:03:47

Well first off what engine we talken about ??/ Back when they were new the 360 needed a tanker behind it . We did have good luck with building 390's and getting up to 15-18 mpg . What we did way back was to build a 390 with 9-9.5 to 1 comp. ratio useing the cam that was stock for a GT 390 dual exhaust with 2 1/2 inch pipes a 4 bbl. carb on a low rise manifold Carb CFM was kept at no more then 735cfm with some playen with jetting and power valve . The power and mileage was excelent . We did not use headers just dual exhaust . Now we could run reg. gas by keeping total advance timming down to 34-36 degrees at 2000Rpm. But one has to keep in mind that reg gas back in the mid 70's was still 93-95 octain . I built one for a buddy of mine for his 75 Ford F250 4X4 with a 4 speed and 4.10 gears that realy had tomuch power as we had some drive line problems like the short shaft between the transmission and transfer case plus u/joints . now that one did well on fuel milage as it was always up above the 17 MPG.

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Jerry/MT

07-22-2006 11:36:44

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Re: better MPG? in reply to Tim Shultz, 07-21-2006 19:03:47

Keep it tuned up and go light on the accelerator pedal!

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KIP in MX

07-22-2006 10:39:29

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Re: better MPG? in reply to Tim Shultz, 07-21-2006 19:03:47

I have a 1989 F-150 4X4 with 300 six cylinder and 3:08 gears in the states. It�s always gotten about 15 mph on the highway. Some day it will get a 351.

My dad had a 1977 F-150 with that 360 engine and a 1979 F-150 with the 460. Both had C-6 xmsn and both were gas hogs and gutless. We pulled the 360 engine and put in a rebuilt 390. Better gas milage and way more power! We were going to put a 429 in the 460 pickup, but he sold it. My suggestion is to put a stock plain-jane 390 or 428 in your pickup. You�ll get better than 10 mpg and lots more power. Just my 2 pesos worth.

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John M

07-22-2006 09:06:42

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Re: better MPG? in reply to Tim Shultz, 07-21-2006 19:03:47

Sell it?

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Joel Harman

07-22-2006 08:03:55

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Re: better MPG? in reply to Tim Shultz, 07-21-2006 19:03:47

Add acetone to your fuel. I use 6 oz in about 13 gal. went from 18-19 to around 20 mpg. Be ready to change the fuel filter. You may need a new fuel line too as it cleans your fuel delivery system.

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thejdman01

07-22-2006 16:50:42

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Re: better MPG? in reply to Joel Harman, 07-22-2006 08:03:55

The acetone theory among others, was found untrue on the tv show mythbusters, they tested many things, oxygen acetone, fuel pellets, miracle carborators,the thing that magnetizes and aligns fuel molocules, none of which worked. I know a s10 etc doesnt have the cool factor but it is the cheapest only way to get fuel economy. A beater w/a heater s10 is the way to go. Still can pick up some stuff throw greasy parts in the truck etc and get decent fuel milage.

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Bill(Wis)

07-22-2006 04:47:17

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Re: better MPG? in reply to Tim Shultz, 07-21-2006 19:03:47

Don't feel bad. I had a '70 Jeep with a GM 350 attached to a 400 Hydramatic that got 7 MPG no matter if was loaded or empty! Bought a new Tundra V8 4WD w/automatic for $21,900 (work truck version). Hard to get less than 20MPG. Also hard to get more than 21.5MPG.

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johnlobb

07-22-2006 04:26:32

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Re: better MPG? in reply to Tim Shultz, 07-21-2006 19:03:47

The only thing I ever used and still use that increased milage is a product calle PROLONG. You add it to your crankcase and its not cheap. (Around $20 a can) It does work.

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T_Bone

07-22-2006 00:24:45

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Re: better MPG? in reply to Tim Shultz, 07-21-2006 19:03:47

Hi Tim,

I bought a new 76' Dodge W200 power wagon, the only year Dodge made a full time 4wd, and got 10mpg.

I just happen to be filling with gas one day when another truck just like mine pulled in but with 2wd. He said he got 11.5mpg maximum and even added headers and a holly without any gain in fuel mileage but a huge gain in power. After that I quit worrying about fuel mileage for the next 27yrs.

One of my neighbors took a Ford tractor diesel engine and installed it in his older F250. He said that engine/tranny has been in 3 truck body's that he's worn out. That should yeild you higher mpg's.

T_Bone

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buickanddeere

07-21-2006 22:34:32

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Re: better MPG? in reply to Tim Shultz, 07-21-2006 19:03:47

How to improve the Ford's mileage? Tow the truck with the tractor.

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john d

07-21-2006 21:59:32

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Re: better MPG? in reply to Tim Shultz, 07-21-2006 19:03:47

You might improve a little on 10, but you probably won't see much more than 12! It's a heavy truck, 4wd, with wide tires, and worse aerodynamic qualities than a bus.

Some others have given you some good suggestions, especially about making sure the secondary on the 4 barrel carb isn't opening in normal operation.

Two more suggestions that may help you some: (1) Make sure it's tuned right, with good plugs, and correct timing. (2) Install an inexpensive vacuum gauge, and get in the habit of glancing at it when you drive, especially when you accelerate. If you're trying to squeeze the last mile out of what you're putting in the tank, driving so that vacuum gauge needle shows high vacuum will help.

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jdemaris

07-21-2006 21:09:52

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Re: better MPG? in reply to Tim Shultz, 07-21-2006 19:03:47

I doubt you're going to anything that will improve it much. I had a 65 F100 with a 240 six that only got 10. My 69 Power Wagon W200 with 318 V8 gets 8 MPG and it's rarely been driven over 55MPH. It does, however, have 4.88 gears. M5 85 Ford F250 4WD ext. cab with 6.9 diesel gets a pretty consistent 13 MPG. Years ago, when I had several Dodge powered vehicles (what was I thinking?), I made a sincere attempt to better my mileage. One with the 69 Power Wagon I still have, and the other with a 73 Motorhome powered by a Dodge 318 HD V-8. A guy I worked with did the same with his F250 with 360 V8. We bought new cams from crane (marketed for low end torque and fuel mileage), headers, Eldebrock Performer intake manifolds (supposed to increase fuel efficiency), and upped the compression ratio a step in all three engines. When we got done with our projects, we got ready to do some testing. Results - NO gain at all - NONE. The Power Wagon got 8 over 30 years ago, and still does today. The motorhome got 6 MPG, before and after. That I sold in disgust. My friend's F250 got 9, before and after. At the time we did this, there were companies selling plans for the magic "Pogue" carburetor that was supposed to quadruple gas mileage and run on gas vapor. My friend tried to build one and almost blew himself up. I've got an 82 1/2 4WD Chevy pickup with a 379 (6.2L) diesel that averages around 17 MPG but will get 24 MPG on a flat highway. That's the best I've ever had. I even jerked around with that trying to do better, turning down the fuel delivery - and all it did was make it start hard. But - the Chevy is geared very high and is not suited for any heavy work or towing.

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BobMo

07-21-2006 21:00:48

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Re: better MPG? in reply to Tim Shultz, 07-21-2006 19:03:47

I don't understand!!!!! Your want'in to pull it and your want'in good mileage too....You can't have both you know..... .....Good luck

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Dean Barker

07-21-2006 20:19:56

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Re: better MPG? in reply to Tim Shultz, 07-21-2006 19:03:47

I bought a new 1969 Ford F-250 2WD with a 360 V8, 4 speed manual, and 3.73 gears. I used it as a passenger vehicle mostly, but also to haul a 10 1/2 foot pickup camper. The first couple of years, I averaged about 8 mpg. I found the carburetor jetting was way too lean and the distributor was not advancing per specifications.
After I corrected the carburetor jetting, adjusted the distributor advance springs, and adjusted the vacuum advance, the mileage went up to over 12 for the year's average. I could get over 16 running empty @ 60 MPH. Cost was less than $25.00, but took a lot of my time. Hope you can use some of this.

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54 AC

07-21-2006 20:08:10

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Re: better MPG? in reply to Tim Shultz, 07-21-2006 19:03:47

You could hook a pair of mules until it came to a hill, then crank up until ya hit the top. 3/73 gears would help on the serious side. It would put you up maybe to 15 if light on the pedal and not lose no pull power.

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Jonfarmer

07-21-2006 19:58:26

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Re: better MPG? in reply to Tim Shultz, 07-21-2006 19:03:47

My 1989 F150 that I used to have had 4:10 granny gears and a 4spd standard. Great for offroading and heavy pulling, but not so highway friendly when driving 50+ mph. I had to turn more engine RPMs to get the same speed as a vehicle with taller gears. Lets see, I had to turn something to the tune of 2200rpm for 50mph in 4th gear, so if you were to swap out the gears to something more highway friendly like 3:73 or 3:08 you would see better gas miliage since the engine would then be able to turn slower. Your proformace would go down, it wouldn't be so good for playing off road like it is now. Remember to replace both the gears for the front and rear since it's a 4x4 truck, so your problably looking at Oh, $400-$500 in parts. Something else you could do is see if you can find a 5spd that would fit it, one that has a higher overdrive gear to get speed while lowering engine rpms. I now have a truck with 3:73 gears and a 5spd, thats kind the best of both worlds because it still has pretty good off road capability in 4wd low and is more highway friendly. If you change the gears you probably won't be quite as happy with it because it won't throw you back in the seat as hard as it does now when you step on it, just so you know and won't be mad at me for suggesting these changes to you and then be unhappy afterwards. As the old saying goes "you don't get something for nothing". If you think the gas miliage is poor now, it'll probably get worse with that crate motor you were talking about.

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CLW

07-21-2006 19:46:06

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Re: better MPG? in reply to Tim Shultz, 07-21-2006 19:03:47

Tim, I don't think you will improve it much unless you drive downhill all the time. That truck was made to work and not worry about MPGs. I had a 1980 4x4 half ton Chevy with 350. I didn't drive it hard at all and got around 12 mpg. My 99 Ford 4x4 5.4L 1/2 ton gets about 14-15 city and hwy. Buy some oil stock and let them pay for your gas.

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Matt from CT

07-21-2006 19:37:32

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Re: better MPG? in reply to Tim Shultz, 07-21-2006 19:03:47

I could see one of these mounted to it ;)

On a more serious note, sweet looking truck!

Click this link...

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Jon Hagen

07-21-2006 19:33:47

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Re: better MPG? in reply to Tim Shultz, 07-21-2006 19:03:47

Darn I love a yellow pickem up truck. :)
4:11 gears and a 350-400 CI engine? Not much can be done cheap. Make sure the vacuum advance works and is spot on for timing, Make sure the power valve is ok and air cleaner is clean. Free flowing exhaust may help a little,along with a Genesee (sp?) electronic ignition conversion kit and hot coil.
My old yellow 80 GMC crewcab one ton,also makes 10 mpg with normal mixed driving. Gotta remember it weighs 6500 pounds with tractor like gearing and the aerodynamics of a brick.

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Tim Shultz

07-21-2006 19:36:48

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Re: better MPG? in reply to Jon Hagen, 07-21-2006 19:33:47

I know it's a brick, it's got a 360 and I have headers on it..
Tim Shultz

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Rich Iowa

07-21-2006 19:28:00

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Re: better MPG? in reply to Tim Shultz, 07-21-2006 19:03:47

First let me say, that is a beautiful truck, don't make 'em like they used to. What size gears does that beast have, 3.75, 4.10s? I doubt it is, but is full-time 4wd? you can throw manual locking hubs on and that'll free up some energy from having to power all 4 wheels. What's your average speed? Any hills or flat ground? One more thing, weight. Anything that you add to the truck adds weight which is means more fuel having to be used to move the truck. What is on the front of your truck, snow plow hitch? If you're not using it, get rid of it, sell it or scrap it and use that money for gas money. How do you drive, if you fly off every stop, that'll eat up alot of your mpg. hope this helps.

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Tim Shultz

07-21-2006 19:31:32

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Re: better MPG? in reply to Rich Iowa, 07-21-2006 19:28:00

ain't got a clue about the gears, no it's not full time 4X4.. it does have manuale hubs, got them unlocked all the time.. speed is around 40 or less most of the time.. and for the most part flat with some slight hills.. hitch is coming off soon.. Tim Shultz

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Jonfarmer

07-21-2006 21:36:13

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Re: better MPG? in reply to Tim Shultz, 07-21-2006 19:31:32

At 40mph or less most of the time, heck, don't change the gears because your not going to gain anything, it's only at higher speeds that a low set of gears really starts costing gas miliage when your limited with a 4spd. Well I guess maybe a tune up would be best unless you yank the motor and replace it with a 300ci straight 6 like someone else mentioned. I think I got around 18mpg out of my 1989 F150 4x4 8' box, regual cab, 4spd, 4:10 gears, with it's fuel injected straight 6, granted it's power is going to be considerably less than the motor you got now, and it wasn't a high revving motor, which you probably won't like for a mud truck.

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07-21-2006 19:24:38

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Re: better MPG? in reply to Tim Shultz, 07-21-2006 19:03:47

Stay off the gas pedal. Not kidding...no jack rabbit starts, no over 55 and dump those tires. You might get another 3-4 mpg.

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Tim Shultz

07-21-2006 19:28:55

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Re: better MPG? in reply to bo, 07-21-2006 19:24:38

I am easy on the pedal/starts, and I NEED/WANT those tires.. and only go over 55 on the highway, just so i don't get ran over.. :(
any other ideas?
Tim Shultz

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Ken Macfarlane

07-21-2006 20:16:34

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Re: better MPG? in reply to Tim Shultz, 07-21-2006 19:28:55

If you don't want to change gears consider larger diameter but still skinny tires. Keep em inflated. If you have a four barrel carb make sure it is a vaccum secondary and get a mechanic to make sure the secondary ain't opening in your normal driving.

If you don't use the power pop a 2 barrel carb on it. Change out the fluids for synthetics or atf in the tranny and t-case (jap seals hold up to this, dunno about the detroit iron) put synthetic in your rear diff.

For driving technique there is all kinds of opinions but the most efficient is generally get up to the speed you want to be at smartly then stay there, pick up speed on downhills and save it for the next up hill. Drive a bit slower if on freeways. Power used to fight wind goes up to the power of 3 with speed (the force goes up squared) the power used to turn against friction goes up by a square (force is linear increase with speed) all this means is at low speed your rolling resistance makes a bigger diff and at speed aerodynamics count more.

Get a tune up, set your ignition as far advanced as possible without pinging.

Thats a start, won't ever get 30 mpg. Would help to swap an inline 6 into her if you don't need the power.

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Jonfarmer

07-21-2006 20:16:16

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Re: better MPG? in reply to Tim Shultz, 07-21-2006 19:28:55

He is right about them big tires, those are alot to push, some skinny tires would do alot better, but since you really want them then I guess your stuck. The plow frame is hard on the front end and obviously is costing gas miliage if your not going to use it, by all means get rid of it. Doncha know the best way to take off is to give the gas pedal a couple quick snaps to get the engine up midrange right in the middle of the powerband, then let the clutch fly while flooring the gas ;'D

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