New Truck 6.0 Fuel Mileage

[Frankie the Gun]

Men,

I recently returned to man-truck-world with the purchase of a new F-350 6.0 auto, 4x4, Crew Cab, DRW with 4.10 gears and cannot express how happy I am. I had a 7.3 Power Stroke that I averaged 17 mpg and was shocked at the first fill-up of my new 6.0 with an average of 14.3 mpg. The Big Hoss only has 1000 miles, should I be concerned ...?

Frankie

[jwiger]

how fast were you driving? Mine has 3.73's and gets 12 when i'm putting around, stop and go. but gets 20 mpg at 45 MPH

[Frankie the Gun]

James,

I Have only filled up it 3 times and each fill-up had varying speeds: around town driving, highway at 75-80 mph (getting on it) and 70 mph babying it.

FR

[99Smokin73Stroker]

Welcome to powerstrokeforum.com Frankie! Well you just bought the truck so it's gonna take a little while to get it fully broken in and all. And driving 75-80 doesn't help! You'd save a lot of fuel driving closer to 55 or even 60. Faster you go the harder the engine has to work against all that air. Plus you've got the biggest and heaviest cab/body configuration. Did you have the same in your 7.3? Don't be too concerned...be conservative and take it easy with the right foot and you'll see a difference.

[Frankie the Gun]

Smokin'

I appreciate the advise and you made me feel better. My 7.3 had the same configuration with the exception that it was a 6-spd. I'll lay off the heavy right foot ...

Frankie

[Rodslinger]

Originally Posted by Frankie the Gun

I'll lay off the heavy right foot ...

Frankie

Aw now what fun is that?!
Welcome to Powerstroke.org Frankie!

[99Smokin73Stroker]

Oh it's definitely no fun! But with fuel prices the way they are now it's definitely necessary!

[intimidator]

The dealership filled my tank upon buying the truck. I pumped it myself.

My first fillup after that, I was getting around 18 MPG. I thought this was great, was happy as I could be.

However, the next two fillups, I averaged around 13.5 MPG. Whats up with that. I have been driving pretty much the same. On the highway, I try to keep it between 65 and 70. Everywhere else, I ride the speed limit most the time.


Anyone have any ideas how I can get better mileage? Is replacing the air intake the answer? Maybe one of the putor chips, etc, that are advertised to get more HP, Torque, better fuel mileage? Someone fill me in....Where should I go from here?

Thanks,

[2006KR]

Be happy with 13.5 (or at least attempt to). First, it's a BIG truck, second, your turning twice as much drive train as a 4X2. What is your RPM at 65 to 70? I seem to get my best when keeping it at or just below 2000 (62 MPH). I have the tow boss 4:30 LS rear end, so I didn't expect miracles when I got the truck, and it hasn't disappointed. Around town, I average just over 15 (stop and go), and when I hit the road pulling a 13,000 pound 5th wheel, I average just over 12. It's not something to write home about, but considering, it's not shabby either. As for air intake or chipping it. I've heard both pro's and con's, but more con's on increasing fuel milage, it usually stays the same or decreases.

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Last edited by 2006KR : 01-03-2006 at 08:48 AM.

[Frankie the Gun]

Just wanted to let you guys know that I filled up the other day and logged 15mph around town. Hopefully as the engine breaks in, the mileage will increase. As far as after market add-ons, I would suggest an Air Intake system and 4" exhaust (mandrel bent, stainless). There are a multitude of Chips available, they vary with the performance you wish to get out of your engine, but they will increase the work-load and EGTs'. Air Intake Systems vary, but I suggest the K&N FIP Kit (million mile warranty) and a 4" exhaust can reduce back pressure by as much as 98% (any stainless mandrel bent system will do). These two should increase fuel mileage; I have both planned for the Big Hoss when the budget permits ("Budget" is another name for wife). Frankie