12-14mpg Help!!!

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I have a totally stock 95(see signature) except for a gutted cat and K&N filter. I have read other posts stating far better fuel MPG than I'm getting. I don't drive it hard and my truck has approximately 95,000 miles on it. Any help would be appreciated.

Joe

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95 2500 4x4 5-Speed,4. 10gears, Luverne Headache rack, Xenon headlights, Yokahama Geolander AT+ 285\75\16

 

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I'll be the first to ask some questions:

When was the last time the fuel filter was replaced?

How long have you had the truck and has the mileage always been the same? Cold winter weather and fuel blends will yeild less MPG's.

Is your speedo accurate? I noticed you have larger than stock tires. This will cause your speedo to read slow, and therefore give you poor MPG calculations.

What type of driving is this, city/highway, empty/loaded?

Hmmm... That's a start.

 

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I agree... if this is something new, then fuel is most certainly the culpret. Plugged fuel filter, collapsed fuel lines, etc. will cause the truck to be slow, smokeless and crummy mileage. BTW, I get 19-20 around town and 23-24 highway.

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97 2500 CC 4x4 3. 54 5spd, Green, #12 plate slid all the way forward, 4inch open exhaust, 235/85 Michelins, RS 9000's, PrimeLoc, Red Tops, TDR cloisonae grill badge!

 

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Joe,

Your altitude (and your 4. 10s) will hurt your mileage some compared to our flatland cousins. I allways get jealous when I read their mpg and max boost postings. I'm in Colo. Spgs. and have a 96 2500 4x4 auto 3. 54 Ecab LB that gets 15. 5 to 16mpg in town and 18-20 hwy. That said it does appear that you should be getting better mileage. I agee with what the others have mentioned. You should also check your fuel return hose. You're due for a cracked hose if it hasn't been replaced allready.




[This message has been edited by briand (edited 01-26-2001). ]

 

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Joe,first check that your speedo is correct and that you do have a problem. If your valves haven't been adjusted do it or have it done. If you have someone else do the valves have the timing checked at the same time. Check that your air intake tube clamps are tight and positioned correctly. A clogged fuel filter or line leak will usually cause performance problems,not poor fuel economy. With your setup you should be getting at the very least 18 mpg empty at highway speeds. If you are stomping on the pedal alot or driving stop and go your mileage is about right. #ad


[This message has been edited by illflem (edited 01-26-2001). ]

 

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First off the fuel filter was replaced in September and have put about 5000 miles since then. The mileage has never been this bad, use to get 16-18mpg year round. About 20% city and 80% highway. I haven't had the valves done in about 2-years because I don't know a good place to take my truck in since the shop I used to take it to closed. Any suggestions???? Timing whats that. . engine?? Another thing I didn't even notice a difference in mileage after I gutted the cat which suprised me since posts on TDR showed a 1-3mpg increases in fuel mileage. Any more questions???

Joe
P. S. I appreciate the help!!!

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95 2500 4x4 5-Speed,4. 10gears, Luverne Headache rack, Xenon headlights, Yokahama Geolander AT+ 285\75\16

 

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Sorry, I'm fairly new to TDR and diesel trucks so please excuse me if I don't know what your speaking about. Also, I did have the fuel return line replace about a year ago after my T-case went out.

Joe

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95 2500 4x4 5-Speed,4. 10gears, Luverne Headache rack, Xenon headlights, Yokahama Geolander AT+ 285\75\16

 

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My truck is very similar to yours. Also have the larger tires. Since new, I have averaged almost exactly 17 mpg. The combination of altitude and winter fuel blend could be the difference. Unplug the cat, take out the air horn int the filter box, or go to a straight pipe exhaust. All will help your mileage.

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1995 Ram 2500,SLT,5-spd,4. 10,std cab,4X4,215 injectors,Banks Powerpack,boost and pyro guages,gutted CAT,33"/16. 5 BFG AT's,Outdoorsman cap,Reese Titan V hitch

 

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You might also check the pre-filter located on the drivers side. The one on my old 94 was pretty clogged up. Can't tell if my cleaning made a difference because I sold it after I did it.
Click here for part numbers and instructions
It's called the Fuel heater/Prefilter in the picture.
Click here for the picture

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Curtis Harris
1997 3500 Club Cab
"CASPER"
Check out the Lone Star TDR

[This message has been edited by gitchesum (edited 01-27-2001). ]

 

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Thanks, for the advice guys. I was wondering if anyone who lives in Colorado knows where I can get my valves adjusted and pumping timing set...

Thanks,
Joe

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95 2500 4x4 5-Speed,4. 10gears, Luverne Headache rack, Xenon headlights, Yokahama Geolander AT+ 285\75\16

 

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Check to see if the fuel heater is working. That will affect milage in cold temps.
Buy a factory service manual. Usually a very good source of info.

 

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Joe,
I live in Colorado Springs. I just received an ad from these guys in Pueblo. I don't know if they are any good. I try to do my own work. www.centralmotivepower.com

Tim

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'95 2500 SLT ClubCab, automatic, 3. 54 LSD

 

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Your problem sounds very familiar. I have a 98' 12 valve that I bought in Oct. 97. Off the lot, I was getting 11-13mpg. After the motor broke in, I could get 14-16 and it eventually got better until: new tires. I put on 285/75/r16. I got better fuel mileage by having the rack plate moved 15%. I took my truck to a speed shop to have the odometer and speedometer recalibrated, which could not be done at that shop. They showed me that my speedo I was travelling 65mph when the speedo said 60. For every 100 miles on your odometer, you actually will travel 107miles with this size tire. So to get an accurate fuel reading; miles travelled multiply by 1. 07 then divide by fuel used. See if that helps. Your odometer is definately off when changing to bigger tires.

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