V10 not a cold weather engine??

[harstad]

My gas mileage has dropped from 12 all around to about 9 since it has gotten really cold here. ( Single Digits, sub-30 below windchill) Aybody else having this problem?? Recently had 15,000 mile service done and it has not improved?? any ideas??

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Shawn Harstad
2000 F250 SuperDuty Lariat V10, LS, 4.30 gears, SuperCab, Short Box, PTTTM, UWS Toolbox

[KXHauler]

Yep all the above:
- longer warmups
- oxygenated fuel
- the cooler air has more oxygen so the computer has to compensate for this by adding more fuel to keep the fuel/air mixture right.
- also when you run the defroster, it kicks on the A/C compressor.

I bet there are other factors too.

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00 F250 XLT SC 4x2 5.4L 5sp 4.10LS

[NoMo]

It's like KXHauler said. All of our vehicles are getting worse mileage... it's not just the V10.

[crewzer]

Might want to check the defroster and A/C item... The A/C normally runs in the defrost mode, but not if the outside temp is below 40 degrees F.

Correction -- my owners manual says the compressor will run only if the outside temp is 10C / 50F or higher. Cold morning operation seems to confirm this.

Nonetheless, my winter mileage is suffering as well...

[This message has been edited by crewzer (edited 12-22-2000).]

[RBM]

Lost about 1 mpg since the cold weather. I am now averaging 11 mpg. Still can not complain V10 is awesome.

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2001 F-250 SD V10 5 Speed 4:30 LS EC SB Lariat
Harvest Gold Tinted Windows Banks Stinger System

[SDV10]

I can honestly say living here in the midwest that I have neveer had a car or truck get the same gas mileage as it does in the warmer weather.

[robsd]

Are you idling more now to keep the truck warm. I know even in Houston when it gets in the low 30's I'll let the truck run for 5-10 minutes to warm it up before everyone gets in.

Just a thought,
Rob

[Fritzmaster]

If the engine never warms up, that would for sure be bad for mileage. Something else to think about is if you are getting oxygenated fuel, that can cost a couple of MPG also.

[snomoman]

Yep.. the mileage goes down, but it tows stronger. I noticed this even in the summer. On cool days, the truck feels much snappier pulling my 5th wheel, while on blistering hot and humid days it looses that sensation.