Needs advice 4.0 only getting 11 mpg any suggestions?

mdv422 · #1 12-02-2010, 06:49 PM

Hello to all, I’m new to the site looking for suggestions on what could be wrong with my truck it is a 2003 ranger xlt 4.0 v6 and is getting 11-12 mpg. I have noticed there is a lot of black suite in the tail pipe. About a month ago check engine light came on. I had a test run and it showed O2 sensor. But the next day it went off so I didn’t change them out.
Any help?

FireRanger · #2 12-02-2010, 07:16 PM

Well, without any basic maintenance, that is what happens. I doubt there is anything major wrong other than a lack of normal required maintenance. I can only make that assumption since you haven't said anything else about what you have or haven't done and are extremely vague.

mdv422 · #3 12-02-2010, 07:44 PM

Truck only has 87k miles I have recently replaced the alternator within the last few days. The last tune up that I know of was at 30k the oil is changed every 3k miles. The engine is all stock.
I have noticed that there is more than normal black suet on the tail pipe.

01_ranger_4x4 · #4 12-02-2010, 07:49 PM

so the last maintinence besides oil changes and an alternator was done 50,000 miles ago? id say a tune up is in order, air filter, fuel filter, plugs, wires, clean MAF ect.

Brianxlt · #5 12-02-2010, 07:59 PM

X2 on the tune-up, 50,000 miles since last once over is a long time. tune-up should be a no brainer.

FireRanger · #6 12-02-2010, 08:29 PM

Case and point. Do as recommended and report back how the truck runs once those things are done.

Giangrosso · #7 12-03-2010, 04:59 AM

Id run sea foam thru the vaccum line first, but yea, a tune up is due

FireRanger · #8 12-03-2010, 05:14 AM

Sea foam is not going to accomplish anything, in fact, it will make it worse. The engine is running very poorly right now so the seafoam can't do it's job. It will just screw it up even more.

mdv422 · #9 12-03-2010, 06:29 AM

Thanks for the advice. Bout to head out to start working on it.

flyoil · #10 12-03-2010, 09:24 AM

Seafoam will work. They have a spray now that comes with a long skinny plastic hose. The instructions are on the can and easy to follow. yes, I agree, a tune-up is probably going to help and once you are done with that; run Seafoam. Having run the engine w/o a tune up for so long, I bet the carbon build up has gotten really bad. btw, you can also add the Seafoam to you tank; liquid version that is, but it will probably take longer to clean combustion chambers, etc.
-
I know why Seafoam works; my sister's car would not pass smog in CA - it is a '93 Suzuki something or other. The technician told her drive it around for a while and hopefully it "clear up" as she wasn't getting any check engine codes. She did this and still wouldn't pass. She called me and I told her, run Seafoam. Fill it up, drive it until almost empty; fill it up again and use Seafoam again. She did this 3 times and went back to get it smogged and the darn thing passed with flying colors. I've always used Seafoam every other fill-up. just my 2 cents.

FireRanger · #11 12-03-2010, 04:07 PM

No. The underlying problems need to be fixed before you can effectively apply seafoam. The engine has to be able to run and burn smoothly and completely for seafoam to function properly. Doing any seafoam treatment with the engine in it's current condition is a very bad idea. It will make it worse.

terryduanemiller · #12 12-03-2010, 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mdv422

Thanks for the advice. Bout to head out to start working on it.

good luck, where are you Located in Ky? I've seen this truck before?

mdv422 · #13 12-03-2010, 08:36 PM

Fort knox Area

southbama man · #14 12-03-2010, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 01_ranger_4x4

so the last maintinence besides oil changes and an alternator was done 50,000 miles ago? id say a tune up is in order, air filter, fuel filter, plugs, wires, clean MAF ect.

x2

pooleo · #15 12-03-2010, 08:40 PM

If you had a code for o2 sensor it could be that they are telling the truck to run rich, that would casue the excessive blackness in the pipe.