cummins mpg

Discussion in 'Trucks [ Eighteen Wheelers ]' started by zircon, Mar 12, 2010.

  1. zircon

    zircon Bobtail Member

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    Mar 12, 2010
    Austin Texas
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    I am looking for a newer truck . What sort of fuel mileage is anyone getting from a 2004 to 2006 Cummins ? I know there are lots of variables .I am looking for a range . Thanks for any input.
     
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  3. Cowpie1

    Cowpie1 Road Train Member

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    There are a lot of variables with that engine. I have seen them get mpg's that fit a broad range. That being said, the one thing that I did to increase my mpg's an average .8 on the '05 ISX in my '06 International was to unplug the EGR valve. Engine runs better, oil stays cleaner with far less soot, less soot out the stacks, better used oil sample results, and runs cooler when pulling heavy on warm days thru the hills. The best thing in all this is that I got these results with NO cost, NO tools, and 30 seconds of my time. Have had the EGR unplugged for approx 130,000 miles now with no adverse effects. In that time, the average mpg for me has been around 7. A little less in the winter, better in the summer. That is running with average freight load of 35,000 lb and running a fair amount of midwest hilly two lane roads. When on interstate roads that are fairly flat with good weather, bumping up against 8 mpg is not too unrealistic for me. Have had the engine in at Cummins various times for minor work, and they have had no issues with my unplugging the EGR. Had front engine leak fixed under warranty late last summer, they knew I had unplugged the EGR, and they did not care. Fixed the leak with no questions.
     
  4. outerspacehillbilly

    outerspacehillbilly "Instigator of the Legend"

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    I get an average of 7.8 and higher running strictly here in the midwest. That's in a Volvo 630 paired with a 10 speed eaton. Grossing 78-80k 95% of the time. As cowpie said lots of variables in that question.
     
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  5. zircon

    zircon Bobtail Member

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    Mar 12, 2010
    Austin Texas
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    Cowpie1:
    Thank you for the prompt reply to my mpg post. To follow up, what rear end ratio is in your truck? What do you think the rebuild time is on your engine? How many miles are on your truck?
     
  6. zircon

    zircon Bobtail Member

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    Mar 12, 2010
    Austin Texas
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    outerspacehillbilly:

    Thanks for your quick reply to my post about Cummins mpg. Since you have a Volvo, what do you like/dislike about it? I am looking at 670 and 780 models in the age range of '04 to '06. Do you know anything about how the Volvo compares to a Peterbilt 387 or a Kenworth T600?
     
  7. outerspacehillbilly

    outerspacehillbilly "Instigator of the Legend"

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    I like the quietness of the cab. This is by far the most quiet truck i have ever driven. I like the room in the cab area. Dash is driver friendly easy to reach everything. My 630 which is the same as the 670 but a midroof instead of a condo has a great turning radius. Best turning radius of probably any truck I have driven. Makes it nice getting in and out of tight spots.

    I dislike the air ride steer axles. If you get just ever so slightly off the edge of a shoulder it just pulls you right very abruptly. When cornering the cab rolls to much, you really can't "feel" the road like you can in other trucks because of the air ride steer axles. The only other thing I can tell you is Volvo has a very small dealer network and parts are more expensive and sometimes takes a while to get because it seems they don't stock a lot of the common things that need replaced for normal wear and tear. The other thing ( not sure if this is all Volvo's or just mine ) is that they don't stay in alignment very well and that makes them hard on tires. I have had to have my drive axles aligned 3 or 4 times in the last 2 years. Last set of drive tires only got right at 100k miles before they had to be replaced.

    As far as comparing to the 387 I have no idea I have never driven a 387.

    Comparing to the T600 I much prefer a T600. I like the interior design and ride/handling of the Kenworth much better.

    These are just my opinions and I'm sure many may disagree with me but it is what it is. The Volvo is a good truck but not nearly my favorite.
     
  8. Trouble65

    Trouble65 Medium Load Member

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    Jan 11, 2009
    Ontario Canada
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    I have a volvo 04 670 with a 450 cummins, 13speed and 3:73 ratio on 24.5 tires. The mileage varies from the worst of 4.9mpg to best of 7.2 mpg that's with full loads.
    These truck it don't matter if it's 40,000 pounds or 90,000 pounds.

    We also have a 05 780 with a 500 hp cummins, 13 speed 3:50 I believe and 22.5 tires. The worst mileage we have seen 6.2mpg and best 7.9mpg she averages around 7.4mpg with a 78,000 pounds.

    Whay the huge difference I don't know.
     
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  9. Cowpie1

    Cowpie1 Road Train Member

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    The Volvo's are great riding and driving, but when it comes to maintenance issues, that is another story. They are not the easiest trucks to work on and most of the components are of the modular variety.... i.e. you can't just replace the cross member of the windshield wipers.... you have to replace the entire wiper assembly other than the motor. You can't just replace the u-joint in the steering column, you have to replace the entire column. This can get pricey if the wrong things take a bite. Volvo has not had the best reputation for keeping parts on hand like the other OEM dealers. I have heard they are getting better, but the jury is still out on that. If the air ride front is properly put together and stays aligned, then you will have a good front end. If it doesn't, it can be a real problem over the life of the truck. My cousin has almost 20 years specializing in truck alignment and teaches this at the local tech school. He can't stand those Volvo air ride front ends. Driving that air ride front takes some getting used to. I thought I had just joined the Navy the way it felt mushy going down the road. But it was comfortable.
     
  10. Hardlyevr

    Hardlyevr Road Train Member

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    I have an '07 780, but with the '06 530 ISX, 13spd and 3.58 rears and 24.5 LP rubber. At 303,000 I'm showing 6.99mpg total. But I have a ThermoKing Tripac, so I have little idle time, and I am seldom over 70K gross, but weigh around 45K empty. Not governed, so I do whatever the speed limit is where ever I am. Have been in the upper 4's going 75mph into headwinds, and once got 9.2 empty with a tailwind in Illinois, b4 they went to 65mph.
     
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