How to improve MPG....

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by comoes3, Dec 22, 2014.

  1. comoes3

    comoes3 Light Load Member

    52
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    Mar 23, 2013
    Austin TX
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    I own a truck but my MPG is bad.

    I have a 06 Pete 387 with an Cummins ISX475ST - 475 HP - and a Eaton Manual 10 Spd transmission. I pull flatbed loads averaging 40000lbs.

    I'm currently doing like 4mpg. I don't know much mechanically speaking.

    When I take the truck to the shop what can I tell them to change, replace, tune up that will improve my MPG. I think I'm doing horrible.

    Please help!!!
     
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  3. MachoCyclone

    MachoCyclone Road Train Member

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    Stop doing 80mph. That will give you a huge improvement.
     
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  4. Old Man

    Old Man Road Train Member

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    Oklahoma City, OK
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    Run the overhead, check CAC for leaks, check air filters,give it a good dose of injector cleaner. If you don,t have a MPG display get a scan gaguge, always check you mileage the old fashion, not just with the computer.
     
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  5. FLATBED

    FLATBED Road Train Member

    Both the previous posters offered good advice .

    How much UNNEEDED stuff do you carry in the truck , knew 1 guy complaining about poor fuel mileage and he had 500 LBS of weights he carried but never used for exercising while on the road
     
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  6. Pedigreed Bulldog

    Pedigreed Bulldog Road Train Member

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    I probably carry 500+ pounds of tools I HOPE to never use...but I know if I DON'T have 'em, I'm guaranteed to need them.:biggrin_25521:
     
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  7. FLATBED

    FLATBED Road Train Member

    Slight difference between TOOLS you may need and a 500 LB portable GYMN you never use:biggrin_25526:
     
    281ric Thanks this.
  8. mc8541ss

    mc8541ss Road Train Member

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    Lower Alabama
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    We need to know what speeds you run, what gears, what tires, where you run and what type loads to be able to help you more. I would think to be getting 4 mpg you either have to be really mashing on it , have a mechanical issue or truck is just set up completely wrong for your operation.
     
    RERM Thanks this.
  9. comoes3

    comoes3 Light Load Member

    52
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    Mar 23, 2013
    Austin TX
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    Agree there.

    What is run the overhead? CAC? and thank you very much

    Speed is usually 75 average. Tires you mean size? I run everywhere that pays well, all 48 states and haul pipe, shingles, equipment....
    When you say truck is set up wrong for my operation what can I do to fix that. I really need help as you can see.
     
  10. mc8541ss

    mc8541ss Road Train Member

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    Lower Alabama
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    yes tire size and rear end ratio. Also how much do you idle? The biggest saving you will see as far as mpg goes would probably be to slow down. It is fun to run with the large cars but you have to pay to play. Fill it up, record your miles and then run 58-60 (painful I know) for just one tank and then see what the difference is. Then calculate that out for a year.....might be enough to make you want to slow down some. My 99- 379 has a lifetime mpg of 6.4 and I am at 7.5 mpg over the last 60 days. If I have to bump it up to make a deadline I do but just for another hour at the TS, no.
    Running the overhead is basically getting the valves adjusted and the CAC is the charge air cooler. It needs to be checked for leaks.
     
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  11. comoes3

    comoes3 Light Load Member

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    Mar 23, 2013
    Austin TX
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    Thanks a lot for the useful response.
    [TABLE]
    [TR]
    [TD="class: l"]Tire Size F[/TD]
    [TD="class: r"]285/75R24.5[/TD]
    [/TR]
    [TR]
    [TD="class: l"]Tire Size R[/TD]
    [TD="class: r"]275/80R24.5[/TD]
    [/TR]
    [/TABLE]
     
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