02 7.3 f250

[Rookie15]

I want to start by saying this is my first diesel and lookin to get some information, I get 12 mpg and wondering if this was normal and what suggestions could I do to make it better? I understand I'm not goin to get it like the little rice burners but I just want some options. Also when is the time to rebuild the engine? I have just over 250K on it. I know there is a lot of questions but one last one what is everyone's option on tony wild man chip?

Thanks for your time!!

[Turbostang500]

You seem like ya might be hangin around here for a little while.

Introducing yourself is a great way to start getting opinions from the wealth of knowledge guys on here.

I would say 12 mpg isnt too bad depending on what truck you have, your climate, and driving habits.

A rebuild usually isnt done until there is a problem like compression test comes back low. There are stock 7.3's with over 750,000 miles on them. Maybe change glow plugs and water pumps.

Cant comment on chips be ause i currently dont have one but am doing alot of research using the search feature.

As a matter a fact, most of your answers can be found there.

[Rookie15]

i have a 2002 F250 with a 7.3 i have a garret turbo upgrade and cold air intake and exhaust but i was just makin sure that my truck was normal....

[Turbostang500]

I saw most of that in your first post.
Do you have a 2x4 or 4x4?
Reg cab, super cab, crew cab?
Oversized tires?
Speedo recalibrated if oversized?
What climate? Is the truck running a little before you start driving?

There is alot that goes into fuel mileage. Just need to know more about what you have.

[Rookie15]

Ya I have 4x4 and crew cab and the weather has been pretty warm lately about high 50 to low 60 and in the evening it's been about 70 the tires are 31.5 but I'm not sure what stock tire size is but the speedo is dead on ... It has the springs and rear axil of the f350 and i believe a 2.5 leveling kit. In the mornin I usually run it for about 10 mins or so before I drive to work.... What would be ur suggestion on general maintenance because I am pretty good w cars but this is my first deisel.

[Turbostang500]

You arent real bad on mileage.
I would say since it is warmer and you are on stock tires (265/75r16)?
you should probably see a little more.

I am averaging 12.7 (just started doing the fuelly thing in sig) but i have oversized tires
and 378k on the ticker. Also it has been colder here so i have alot of idle/warmup time.
When it sits there idling you are getting zero mpg. If you jump on it leaving stop lights this
will drop your mpg's.

As far as maintenance, make sure your air filter is kept clean and dont skip your oil changes.
These engines rely on the oil to operate the injectors so neglecting this isnt good.

You should probably run some sort of fuel conditioner or walmart twc 2 stroke oil.
This helps the injectors operate better.

Do some searches on maint and you will find alot of info.

[clutch520]

My 2002 F350 CC 4x4 gets about 18 mpg around town, but winter grade fuel knocks 2 to 2.5 mpg off of it. I have a 97 F250, 7.3, manual with 265k that consistently gets 20-21 mpg, but same with it with the winter fuel. The 97 went through glow plug relays like crazy, so I always kept it plugged in. The 350 I've never had a problem with, but will plug it in when it is going to be colder than 20 or so.

[Young-SC-Owner]

I love my TW chip. Huge difference over the Stock TS

[vicpowerstroken02]

i recommend a ts chip with Truck source diesel's panty dropper tunes best results with there tunes and i've ran several different chips on my 7.3