Large Increase in Mileage

[rogerblind]

I am currently at 19,700 miles, mostly town driving, and no towing. Starting at about 19,000 miles I have noticed around a 2 mpg increase in my mileage (calculated and computer). It seemed to happen almost instantaneously. It can't be a change in fuel from winter to summer, since it is always summer here. I seem to recall a topic a while back that theorized a computer settings change trigered by mileage. Anyone know any more about that? BTW, my truck has been totally trouble-free for 19,700 miles, and has never been in for any service or repairs (maybe that's why it gets such good mileage - no dealer reflashes, etc. ). I have religiously changed oil and filters, rotated tires, etc. , but mainly just drove the truck and thoroughly enjoyed it.

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Y2K 2500 4X4 LB QC Auto Trans

[This message has been edited by rogerblind (edited 03-23-2001). ]

 

[PHaller]

It takes a long time to break in that motor without pulling anything. 20,000 miles is about right. Try loading a 10,000lb. trailer and pulling it up a grade 12 miles long. That motor will love you for it and reward you with better mileage after.
I tow a 15,000lb 5er and saw much better milage after 5000 miles towing. It went from 16 solo to 22 solo.
-Paul R. Haller-

 

[Kraut67M]

I have made three trips to FL in the last three month and I am 99% sure that you guys are getting winter fuel just like us up north. Have you noticed a change in sound level or pitch from your engine at the same time of your mileage increase? I am asking this as I noticed this last year when I finally refueled with summer fuel early April

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OWNER (ORDERED 1/20/00)2001 QC SLT SWB ETH, 6SP, Sport, etc. etc.
IMD 3/7/00

 

[rogerblind]

Kraut67M, you know, I got to wondering about that, since the mileage increase was so noticeable and instantaneous. I just assumed there was no reason to go to winter diesel down here, but I guess maybe the oil companies don't want to sell two grades. Besides, with less BTU's in the winter grade, they can charge more for less, thereby maximizing profits.

 

[klenger]

They may also use winter grade in Florida because trucks are inherently ... mobile, and there's no way to go from Florida but North.

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Ken Lenger
2001. 5 2500 QC 4X4 SWB SLT, ETC/DDX 5 Speed, 3. 54 (no LSD), camper group, trailer folding mirrors, RBR CD/Radio, LT265/75R16E AT OWL tires, trailer tow group, Patroit Blue / Agate, Westin CPS Step Bars, Jordan Utlima Brake Controller, Weather_Guard 664 tool box/
Replaces 98 Jeep Grand Cherokee V8 which is for sale.
Trailite 21' Travel Trailer, ~4000 lbs loaded.

 

[JyRO]

I think I mentioned one time that the computer changed settings due to the cold. I still believe that it does, but I don't think it's like flipping a light switch. I think the computer has so many variables to play with, and so many settings for those variables, I'd have to assume the computer's settings change gradually, proportional to weather. But I'm just guessing, I don't know any of that for sure.

Matter of fact, The Warden says I don't know anything. #ad
Maybe you shouldn't listen to my rambling. #ad


Ram on!

- JyRO

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Y2K 2500 Cummins ETC/DEE, SLT+, 4X4, Quad, LB, Intense Blue Sport, 3. 54 LSD, rear aux. springs (camper special), sliding rear window, all options except cab clearance lights including agate leather, totally stock engine, silencer ring removed, "stealth," mod to run fogs with high beam. (20. 8 mpg @ 70 mph) Since everybody else listed their toys, I will too.

2000 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4X4, 5-speed, 3. 4L V6 (25. 5 mpg @ 65 mph)
1995 Kawasaki ZX6-R, 97 H. P. @ Rr tire, 6-speed, . 6L I-4, 410 lbs. wet
- (60+ mpg @ 65 mph, but who can do that?) (For Sale)
1990 Toyota Celica STX, FWD, 5-speed, 1. 6L I4 (36+ mpg @ 65 mph)
1983 Mazda RX-7 GSL Limited Edition RWD, 5-speed, 1. 1L Wankel (For sale)
No auto trannies in my home! Just say, "No!" to auto trannies.