96 F350 PSD Fuel Mileage ???? - Diesel Forum

busakiller2001 · 03-02-2005, 02:52 AM

Hello! I'm new to this site, I have owned this truck for about a year now and it has been the best truck ever. I picked it up in Seattle last year. My question is the truck has about 150,000 miles on it now and just in the pasted few months it seems to not have as much power that it ad when I first picked it up. It seems to run good and all but just doesn’t feel like it used to. Also the fuel mileage seems to have dropped down to about 10.9 mile / gal. Seems low to me. I think before I was getting about 14.5 miles / gal. Does this drop in gas mileage seem normal just for winter time or do you think something else is going on? Any suggestions or help THANKS!!!!

mrvmax1 · 03-02-2005, 05:55 AM

Try cleaning the fuel screen (I cannot remember the proper name). It's a screen in teh 3'oclock position that can easily be accessed with the fuel filter removed. Debris builds up there. The only time I have ever gotten less than 17 was while towing. I can get up to 21.5 if keeping it under 60 on the highway. It seems like teh truck mpg varies between trucks. I'm sure others will chime in.

SomeCarGuy · 03-02-2005, 05:57 AM

Dido what he said and

The dual wheels cost you 2MPG easy over a SRW truck, same with the 4.10 rear. I picked up some MPG when I put a 3.55 in my F350.

cmichalik · 03-02-2005, 07:56 AM

Yep, first move is to check the screen. I think the technical name for it is the FPR Screen. (FPR = Fuel Pressure Regulator) The fuel regulator is mounted to the right side of the fuel filter canister as Mrvmax said. It is accessible from inside the canister w/ the filter removed, and it is also accessible if you remove the regulator and pull it back a little. Be carefull not to drop anything into the Valley of death or you will be going on a fishing trip. Fun stuff. Anyway. I thing the FPR is held on by 2 10MM bolts.

By-the-way. Welcome to the forum!! [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]

Mileage around here varies by driving habits, gear ratios, 2wd vs. 4wd & area of the country you are in. I've gotten as good as 23mpg empty and as low as 14mpg towing 6-8K.

Good luck

Post again if you have anymore Q's. And again, Welome aboard. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smokin.gif[/img]

Paul H · 03-02-2005, 08:14 AM

Winter blend of fuel will drop your mpg also.

In summer just daily driving I get 17.5 to 18.2 mpg.

busakiller2001 · 03-02-2005, 11:05 AM

Thank you all for you're suggestions, I'm going to try and clean the filter screen you said this weekend and I’ll let you all know if it makes any difference or not. Also I was wondering if anyone has herd anything about the exhaust system causing poor fuel mileage? I herd someone say something about the down tube clogging up or something? I’m not sure. Maybe you guys have herd of this? THANKS!!!

Strokerin · 03-02-2005, 11:12 AM

Sure, switch out the downpipe and kill the kitty and it can't do much but up the mileage. Help get air into the engine and exhaust out of the engine and that will help things out alot.

cmichalik · 03-02-2005, 01:21 PM

Busakiller2000,

Go to the photo section of TDS and search for "TYMAR" or "open air filter. You should gain a few MPG's by opening up the air intake and the exhaust. I'm eventually going to a 4" staight pipe (no muffler) when I eventually get a chip (read: when the wife let's me [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img])

So to answer your Q. Yes, a bigger exhaust will help mileage. Start w/ a 3" down pipe. Our stock DP is terible IMO.