Terrible Mileage?

[mcpga]

Just got a bone stock 2000 Excursion Limited 4x4 7.3 P/S, my first diesel! I am on my first tank of gas and have only driven around town, but I'm shocked to see the average mpg at 11.7! I was hoping for about 14 around town. Having not owned a turbo diesel before should I be concerned? Could the turbo not be working or something? I have been as lite on the pedal as possible, basically putting around town not towing or hauling anything. Any advice will be greatly appreciated! Thanks.

[mschn99]

Originally Posted by mcpga

Just got a bone stock 2000 Excursion Limited 4x4 7.3 P/S, my first diesel! I am on my first tank of gas and have only driven around town, but I'm shocked to see the average mpg at 11.7! I was hoping for about 14 around town. Having not owned a turbo diesel before should I be concerned? Could the turbo not be working or something? I have been as lite on the pedal as possible, basically putting around town not towing or hauling anything. Any advice will be greatly appreciated! Thanks.

it is VERY tough to relate one persons "around town" driving to another persons. the more stop and go you see, the lower the MPG...i would wait to see your hiway economy before deciding you have a problem...

[mcpga]

Just out of curiousity, can you actually hear or feel the turbo charger kick-in on a diesel? I have had turbo charged cars before and you could definately feel the turbo charger kick-in.......... Thanks.

[mschn99]

In a 7.3, you cant hear the turbo unless you have an open, aftermarket exhaust. Also, the turbo doesnt "kick in" like a lot of other turbocharged motors...its kinda decieving...

[mschn99]

lets put it this way, without the turbo, it would feel like an old VW bug....maybe worse...

[mcpga]

I feel a little better now. I'm going to go out of town this weekend so I'll see what kind of mileage I get hwy. Definately gonna need more power though. Looking at gauges (at least Boost & EGT), a 5" turbo-back exhaust, AFE Stage 1 intake and TS Perf 6 pos. chip...Hopefully, that will get this "X" moving a little quicker.

[mschn99]

Originally Posted by mcpga

I feel a little better now. I'm going to go out of town this weekend so I'll see what kind of mileage I get hwy. Definately gonna need more power though. Looking at gauges (at least Boost & EGT), a 5" turbo-back exhaust, AFE Stage 1 intake and TS Perf 6 pos. chip...Hopefully, that will get this "X" moving a little quicker.

u might talk with Gcop, he has a very similar ride to yours...

[bighunter]

I get better mileage driving around town than on the highway. I get straight 17 in town and only 14-15 on the freeway. but I also have 4.10 gears. good luck with the add ons. I gained 1.5 mpg with a dp-tuner.

[mcpga]

Mileage getting worse now down to 11.3, also noticed periods of rough idling? Confused? Others on this site claim better mileage than that towing a trailer?

[Log Dog]

Dont trust the milage counter for accurate readings. You need to calculate it yourself if you want accurate numbers. Just be sure to fill the tank ALL the way each time.

Do you have oversized tires and tall gears? This could have an effect.