2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission "you think YOU'RE cool"

[continentaldrifter]

Hello again,

Thanks to all in this great forum for the advice in "How long is too long for block heater", I forgot to ask this question(hence the name). I average 19-20 mpg(highway)on an 80 degree day... ... ... . Now,running down the big road at 70mph, it's 5 degrees out and you havent got a winter front,with the motor running substancially cooler,will it also be less fuel efficient due to running at such a cooler intake temperature. Thank you... ... ..... Anthony

 

[SEmerson]

You are probably running premium diesel now. That will get less mileage than #2

 

[bmoeller]

Originally posted by SEmerson

You are probably running premium diesel now. That will get less mileage than #2

Blended, not premium.

 

[continentaldrifter]

#1)Yes i am running premium diesel but i've been going to the same station since i bought the truck,so no changes. All of a sudden my fuel economy started declining,nothing has changed on the truck that would affect mpg EXCEPT momma nature,thats why i turned to you guys.



#2)you mean to tell me regular #2 home heating will give me better fuel economy??!!??!!

 

[NPloysa]

No,



They mean blended will give you less mileage. #2 Diesel in winter months, is succeptable to gelling, so they mix it with #1 which does not gel as easily, but also has less BTUs in it, therefore lowering your mileage.



Just because you use the same station does not mean they didn't switch to blended.



As for the cold air, cold air should help your mileage, not because its cold, but because its more dense.

 

[Doubleclutch]

Sorry to dissagree, but cold air is dense, like NPloysa sez, but it's also harder to punch through with the front of the truck. (more wind resistance), and I think that has a lot to do with the poorer fuel economy.

Yeah, I know... how would I know- So. Ca... . It just is.

 

[Bova]

Burnt toast, the state of Conecticut switches to winter blend fuel November 15 thru April 15. Yes your fuel milage will drop about 2mpg or better.

 

[continentaldrifter]

Thank you Jarhead,that at least eases my mind a tad,now for arguements sake,lets assume the fuel is the same(#1premium diesel) all year long,What is the difference in fuel efficiency when running with a winter front as opposed to running without a winter front??

 

[snowracer69]

Originally posted by Doubleclutch

Sorry to dissagree, but cold air is dense, like NPloysa sez, but it's also harder to punch through with the front of the truck. (more wind resistance), and I think that has a lot to do with the poorer fuel economy.

I have to respectfully disagree. True, the density and viscosity of the air do change with temperature, but the average change of those is very minor overall and will not cause that much of a difference in drag characteristics. Besides, we already have extremely turbulent airflow over our trucks, which causes huge drag and would be the leading factor in poor fuel-mileage, but it is that way no matter what the temp is outside.



The mixed fuel is the main reason for poorer fuel mileage during the winter months

 

[bmoeller]

Originally posted by snowracer69

The mixed fuel is the main reason for poorer fuel mileage during the winter months

That, and more warm up time if not in heated garage.

 

[Midnite]

Originally posted by snowracer69

I have to respectfully disagree. True, the density and viscosity of the air do change with temperature, but the average change of those is very minor overall and will not cause that much of a difference in drag characteristics.

Definitely!



You'd have to be doing at least 150 MPH before you'd notice the difference in air density.



Mike

 

[SpicyJam]

Let me think about this one. I pulled my 28 foot enclosed trailer 156 miles to go riding and temp outside was 29 above. Fuel gauge showed I only burned just over an 8th of a tank. Thought great, I have been getting 15 to 16 when hauling my car in the summer in the same trailer. With only 2 snowmobiles and a 4 wheeler for cargo thought fuel would not be a problem. Well Sunday on the return trip it was 16 below. I burned 3/4 of a tank going the same 156 miles back. 313 miles to 29 gallons of fuel. So I say cold weather plays a big deal in the way the trucks run. Even empty all this summer 20 to 22, in with the blended fuel in Dec I was getting 19, 20 empty. We had a cold snap first part of January, and 14, 15.

 

[snowracer69]

Yes, the weather may play a part in fuel consumption, but it isn't due to different drag characteristics because of the colder air.



BTW, anyone else notice that now there is SpicyJam and Burnt Toast posting in this thread? Get some BaconNeggs and we'll have breakfast!

 

[SpicyJam]

Well I know it's not the drag thing, as far as the toast, I don't like it burnt. Love the jam though... ... lol.