Exceptionally Poor Fuel Mileage - Page 2

Rackster · #16 11-13-2011, 07:44 PM

Boatrocker,

Here are the stats on my 2000 Ranger Sport -

Stock 2.5L, 4AT w/OD & 4:10 gears

Mileage: 97K, 22Cty/26Hwy/24Avg, AC 25%

Normal Drive Characteristics: 15%Hwy/85%Cty, Avg Speed - 50 mph

Bests: 100%Hwy 28.5 mpg@58 mph(win/up); 27.6 mpg@60 mph(AC 50%)

Worsts: 80%Hwy 20.7 mpg@70 mph(win/down); 20.8 mpg@70 mph (AC on)

As for the worst around town driving, I've gotten as low as 21 mpg with the AC on fulltime during the summer. In my opinion, your truck should do no worse. I don't have much idle time normally, but my worst figures include higher than average (for me) idling. Idling for extended periods (e.g. morning warm-ups) can do a number on...the mpg number.

I've been doing fuel economy studies on my Ranger for over a year - I've never gotten less than 20.x mpg. I've considered adding a Cruise Control system, but after investigating the options, getting a Scangauge or Ultragauge is a better option. From the reading I've done, there isn't very much we can do to our trucks to make them more fuel efficient, so it comes down to knowing your engine, shift points, and driving habits/conditions. There's tons of reading out there that you can tap into to learn more about driving more effectively/efficiently. There's a site called CleanMPG where hypermilers hang out to learn/teach driving techniques. You might want to give that a look. However, to me, something is not right with your 2.3L. The Duratec engine should be more efficient than my Lima engine. You can do the tuneup, but you might want to see if someone can pinpoint an issue for you before throwing money at it.

Good luck on finding the solution.

Kevin

Boatrocker · #17 11-14-2011, 01:06 PM

Rackster- that's about the conclusion I'd come to already. I've only had it 3 weeks and, in reality, haven't bought enough gas to panic, yet. Gonna do the seafoam thing and check wires and plugs, tho the wires look new (can't say what quality they might be).
Mostly I guess it's good to know I ought to be getting better economy from that powerplant so, as long as it's running good, I should be able to take steps to get it in shape.
Thanks, everybody!

Red31 · #18 11-14-2011, 01:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boatrocker

Rackster- that's about the conclusion I'd come to already. I've only had it 3 weeks and, in reality, haven't bought enough gas to panic, yet. Gonna do the seafoam thing and check wires and plugs, tho the wires look new (can't say what quality they might be).
Mostly I guess it's good to know I ought to be getting better economy from that powerplant so, as long as it's running good, I should be able to take steps to get it in shape.
Thanks, everybody!

For some reason I think I remember people advising against seafoam for some reason... MAY BE WRONG but may be something to check in on. I use Lucas fuel injector cleaner and never had a problem with it.

Rackster · #19 11-14-2011, 07:23 PM

Boatrocker,

You could be right: may be too early to make the call just yet. I'll suggest that you keep a notepad in the cab and record your FE (fuel economy) data for a period of time. The weather is changing here in NE, so it wont be long before we get the winter blend of fuel, which will hurt FE for the next few months by 2 mpg's or so. I filled up tonight and got 23.4 mpg with 100% around town driving.

Re: Seafoam - do some reading here and on the internet about it's use. Red's comment may be something worth investigating for yourself. I found a site that challenges the merit of fuel and oil additives; mostly advocates that you save your money, especially around fuel additives. Someone once mentioned to me this about Seafoam: if it can clean fouling deposits off of your plugs and valves in one application in just a minute, what is it doing to other parts in the engine (which could be very bad, eg. rubber seals, etc). Do your research and make your choice. For me, I did a Seafoam treatment in the tank rather than putting it into a vacuum line. I perceived an improvement on starts (eliminated some light hesitation).

After you get more time with your Ranger, let us know if it was inexperience or if you found a problem.

Kevin

Boatrocker · #20 11-17-2011, 07:36 AM

Lookin on the web, it seems you either love Seafoam or hate it. Hmmm . . .
Anyhow, I cleaned the MAF sensor and IACV, though both looked fine, but after three days there is no detectable improvement in mileage. About 1/4 tank left with 160 miles on the trip odometer. Still starts easily, runs great, warm idles smoothly at around 750-850 on the dash tach. No lights, no codes. If no change soon, I guess the fuel filter is next.

jay66 · #21 11-17-2011, 08:42 AM

Just bought an 06 with 26000 miles on it , was literally the old man down the streets and it never went anywhere sat in garage and Im getting the same thing 10 -12 mpg and I baby it. Im starting to think I need a roadtrip 4-5 hours to blow it out or something cause at this low milage it shouldnt need a tuneup yet. Had a dream to lift and put 33s on it but I couldnt imagine what the gas mileage would be then

Boatrocker · #22 11-17-2011, 01:00 PM

I had the same thought.

kashjeff · #23 11-20-2011, 07:31 PM

HELP...!!!
I'm having the exact same problem, except my truck is a 1984, 2.3l 4 speed 115K.

When i first got the truck it ran like crap so i didn't even bother checking MPG. I've had the carb rebuilt, tuneup, timing belt, valve cover gasket, and a can of seafoam. After all this I checked mileage twice over the coarse of a month and got 24.xxx mpg both times. was very happy at first.

I drive 50/50 highway and city but only 12 mile round trip commute to work and back. A couple weeks ago i filled it up from 1/4 tank, 8.5 gallons, drove 96 miles between fill up and back to 1/4 tank. That's like 11.xxx mpg.
WHAT HAPPENED??? The truck runs beautiful, idles very smooth and has plenty of power. I realize it's 27 years old(I'm not a fan of new stuff, body styles, useless sensors and 8 spark plugs.) but to go from 24 to 11 is really horrible. I've been thinking about selling it but i didn't buy it for resale, gaurenteed to loose money, and i REALLY REALLY like this little thing. I've had to go back to my 1/2 ton 300/6 @ 14-15mpg.

Any ideas will be helpful.
thanks for reading.
Jeff

Red31 · #24 11-20-2011, 08:12 PM

Hmmm stumper, After fuel and air filter I may be outta ideas for ya :/

ambenz · #25 11-20-2011, 09:01 PM

Remove the tailgate or get a tonneau cover!
That tailgate is a parachute!!!
I gained about 7mpg by installing a tonneau cover!

NW Ranger Owner · #26 11-21-2011, 08:15 PM

Boatrocker, you may have a injector with an open or constant on circuit. This would mean that the injector remains in a "open" position regardless of command from the timing unit. With the pressure on the fuel rail constant to all injectors, it would be spraying during all events. A few weeks ago, I replaced an open injector for my neighbor that cut the fuel mileage on a 2 liter Focus to 7 MPG. She was freaking out and never saw a DTC from the system. With some diagnostics, the coil, plug and wires were eliminated, leaving the injector. I pushed it a bit more with WOT at low speeds and it finally threw a cylinder 1 misfire (301). That being the answer in my mind, I replaced it and once the computer "re-learned" the fuel mapping, it was back at 24 to 30 MPG. I hope this helps in your search.

Good luck..

Steve

Boatrocker · #27 11-23-2011, 12:20 PM

NW-That's the kind of info I need; thanks! I have no codes, no lights, so that's something to get checked (I lack your diagnostic capabilities!). Filled up the other day and, with a few (15%) highway miles, the MPG averaged out to 17.5. At fill-up I put in a bottle of injector cleaner and will watch the fuel usage and report back.

Jake9488 · #28 11-23-2011, 06:53 PM

My guess would be the fuel injectors like what Steve said...or i'd check your spark plug wires and ignition coils those rot, rust, they just fail all together. I would also check your spark plugs and vacuum hoses.

NW Ranger Owner · #29 11-23-2011, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boatrocker

NW-That's the kind of info I need; thanks! I have no codes, no lights, so that's something to get checked (I lack your diagnostic capabilities!). Filled up the other day and, with a few (15%) highway miles, the MPG averaged out to 17.5. At fill-up I put in a bottle of injector cleaner and will watch the fuel usage and report back.

I'm in the "Never had any luck camp" with injector cleaner and Seafoam is great for EGR and other related issues but highly doubtful to fix a mechanical issue.

The diagnostics are not too difficult and google is almost always your friend as someone out there has probably had the issue before and posted their answer somewhere. It may not be "your" particular solution but it's something else to use to diagnose before one spends a lot of money and time, "throwing" different parts at a problem in hope that it fixes it.

Poor fuel economy is usually a fairly obvious problem.

- A leak.. Usually the last thing anyone looks for. Throw a piece of cardboard under the truck for a few days and look for any stains. It's not real easy to see on concrete and rather difficult on asphalt.

- Poor fuel delivery. Like I posted previously with the open circuit injector or a malfunctioning fuel pump.

- Mechanical issue. A compression test is a simple test to do (or have done) and will let you know if there is a sticking valve that is causing the fuel to not be burned efficiently.

- I have also seen a healthy ignition coil delivering a great spark to a set of brand new spark plug wires that were garbage and barely allow the plugs to fire correctly. (A new plug at that..) Point being that parts sold are not necessarily, "good" parts.. The wires still worked and the engine never threw a trouble code but the plugs were black and almost wet when pulled for inspection.

I have found that these are the most common issues that cause drastic increase in fuel consumption, but I would hold some of the $$ in parts and save it for a code reader. There are great ones for under $50. Just search for OBD II scanners on Amazon or similar.. Your truck should tell you what's wrong if you do it right.

Good luck and good hunting...

Analogy · #30 11-23-2011, 07:06 PM

Wow, in the beginning I thought that 13mpg was something I was gonna have to deal with and it was normal for rangers, but I guess I should check my plugs and wires and maybe some other things mentioned in this thread. Btw my truck is a 2000 Ford Ranger XLT 4.0L v6 Automatic with around 326,000 kms on it.