Tip Steps To Increase My Diesel MPG

[gibsito]

He also showed me his re-usable/washable air cleaner he uses. It is a K&N filter. It allows better air flow, still filters the same, and increases mpg another 1 to 1.5 mpg. I have used K&N air filters on my Harley's for several years and they deliver as promised. I just ordered one to fit my F350.

There's an interesting video out there by "Project Farm" where he tests air filters of several types, including the lifetime, washable K&N. The K&N had good airflow but the worst filter rate. The difference was pretty dramatic. I've been running one in my 5.9 12v Cummins for years, and it worried me a little to see that. I haven't changed it out yet, but I am mulling it over. The video is here.

Regarding MPG, I have typically gotten 16 to 18 in my 1st gen Dodge (with truck camper) but recently did some performance upgrades that may have dropped that down to 15 to 16. "Economy Mode" on this old manual truck means less pressure on the right foot. I've been driving it at 60 for years when towing my car, and no more than 65 when not towing. Performance upgrades included fuel pin, slight turn of the max fuel screw and 3,200 rpm governor spring. It made a very nice difference in power, but I want that mpg back again. I advanced the injection pump 1/8" recently and am taking it on a trip to see if that helped any. Leaving in a few hours.

 

[FL-JOE]

Interesting video. K&N did some pretty extensive testing and their results were almost the opposite. They showed their products filtered better than paper OEM filters.

Recently we were on a long motorcycle trip out to Texas. Unknown to me I had pumped some bad gas into the Harley. Got to a dealer and one of the things he checked was my throttle body assembly. He said it was as clean as a brand new bike, and of course at the time my bike had over 30,000 miles on it. So through personal experience, at least on my motorcycles, I am sold on the performance of K&N air filters.

 

[gibsito]

Interesting video. K&N did some pretty extensive testing and their results were almost the opposite. They showed their products filtered better than paper OEM filters.

Recently we were on a long motorcycle trip out to Texas. Unknown to me I had pumped some bad gas into the Harley. Got to a dealer and one of the things he checked was my throttle body assembly. He said it was as clean as a brand new bike, and of course at the time my bike had over 30,000 miles on it. So through personal experience, at least on my motorcycles, I am sold on the performance of K&N air filters.

That's good to know. I know that K&N has been blamed a lot for damaging MAP sensors but their own investigation of it found that many of those sensors weren't damaged at all, and they suspected unscrupulous shops of replacing them unnecessarily and then blaming K&N for the supposed damage. Doesn't sound too far fetched to me. I've been burned by mechanics before so prefer to do as much of my own work as I can.

 

[FL-JOE]

Changed out the OEM filter yesterday morning. The old one was pretty dirty.

Did a round trip to Chicago and back, over 300 miles total. Used eco mode on my 6.7 diesel (non-towing) and stayed around 70 to 72mph. For the whole trip averaged 19.5mpg. I expected closer to 20mpg and maybe even over but I did get stuck in some construction traffic on I-55 and the Tri-state up by the city.

 

[Rich W.]

Well the best Ive done on this trip is 8.9 and 7.9 is more common. Using econo mode, driving 55-60, just towing a jeep, pretty mild terrain. So I’d say you‘re doing good. About 2500 miles since June 11.

 

[CaptainGizmo]

I’ve just completed an 8,200+ mile, two month trip and found some great news on the first half of my trip in which I had NO toad. East of Arizona, the highways are nice and flat. BUT THE BIG DIFFERENCE WAS I NEVER WENT OVER 65 MPH!

I normally use PS DIESEL KLEEN as well.

In our 2015 Newell with the ISX, I maintained over 8 MPG, and even went as high as 8.8 on the last leg to Oklahoma. It blew me away, so I started to back up the computer with old school fill-up gallons, divided by miles and it was darned close!

The life average on our coach was 5.7 until this last trip. My average calc over this entire trip was well above a 25% increase! Yahoo

The key take-away for me and others I’ve shared this with is to drive slower; 65 and under. It’s less stressful and even with a LONG drive day of 10 hours, you’d only lose 55 minutes. It’s worth it!

 

[sanda]

I've found the best mpg is to always drive downhill with a tail wind.

 

[Buly]

Every time the fuel priced go up, the Snake Oil factories start working overtime.
From steam injection, fuel extenders, chicken grease and French fries engines etc. etc……
Have seen it all. Just pay The Man