2006 CM 870 Cummins ISX fuel mileage problem... stumped

Discussion in 'Trucks [ Eighteen Wheelers ]' started by Captain Canuck, Apr 24, 2013.

  1. Captain Canuck

    Captain Canuck "Captain of the Ship"

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    Apr 7, 2007
    Woodstock, NB, Canada
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    I recently changed companies and am now running for a dry van fleet on a dedicated contract that has me pulling 8-10,000 pound loads one way and going back empty. In the last month, my fuel mileage has slowly dropped to 5.5 mpg. The engine is in an '06 379 Pete, with an 18 speed and 3.70 rears, rolling on 11R 22.5 rubber (XZE3 up front, XDN2 out back, I know they're not great). I typically drive no faster than 60 mph. A couple of months ago the shop I usually deal with said two injectors were on their way out (cylinder power imbalance) so I started saving for injectors. Now it's in the shop to have the injectors done, but the mechanic called me and said "You sure you want me to do this? There's nothing wrong with them." So I said no, not yet, but please find my fuel mileage problem. He called back about an hour ago to tell me that everything (charge air cooler, intake boots, turbo, injectors, EGR valve) tested like brand new and he has no explanation. Anybody got ideas?
     
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  3. nasriza

    nasriza Road Train Member

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    Feb 1, 2013
    Chicago, IL
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    Exhaust back pressure sensor would be good to check if its got a code also try to change turbo boos sensor it's cheap and its good to change if never done so before because they get plugged up I've had same issue with a few trucks actually
     
  4. Narcis.M

    Narcis.M Light Load Member

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    Oct 17, 2010
    Quebec
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    Cylinder power imbalance and low mpg is usually timing/metering actuators on ISX and not the injectors , ask Cummins to check actuators pins and flow . If you have one or two bad is better to change them all .
     
  5. Captain Canuck

    Captain Canuck "Captain of the Ship"

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    Apr 7, 2007
    Woodstock, NB, Canada
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    Been awhile since I posted this, so here's the update: an old grey bearded mechanic at that shop found a slightly loose coolant temperature sensor wire to the ECM, so he fixed that. The explanation is that the ECM was reading the coolant temperature as being cold, and so was fueling the heck out of the engine to warm it up. He also told me that regardless of what anyone else has told me, that engine wants to be run hard. So, on his advice, I drive it like I stole it, 65 mph everywhere, and guess what? My 30 day average mpg is now 7.22.
     
    ModZZilla, Heavyd and Rawze Thank this.
  6. mkmac

    mkmac Light Load Member

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    Sep 29, 2013
    Langley B.C.
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    I think he means to let it work, not just go faster.
     
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