Terrible fuel mileage 97 9300 with cat....

Discussion in 'International Forum' started by R.I.P_Lil_Jon, Apr 16, 2018.

  1. R.I.P_Lil_Jon

    R.I.P_Lil_Jon Bobtail Member

    18
    2
    Feb 17, 2007
    0
    Hello,

    4.7 MPG!!!!!!??????
    Everyone is always super helpful on here when I have a technical question concerning my truck. However, the truck is running great right now. No issues to speak of except one huge issue with fuel mileage that has me thinking it may be time to give up on this old truck...

    The truck is a 97 INT 9300 set forward axle flat top with a Cat 3406e and 13 speed high torque eaton tranny. When I was working the truck in mud and short runs I never thought too much about its terrible fuel economy. However, for the last 2 months I have been running from Indianapolis to st. Louis and back every day. All interstate pulling a van with aero skirts. I'm not driving over 67 at any point of the trip but I am averaging between 4.7 and 5.1 mpg on every trip.... 30k one way and about 17k coming back.... this is terrible. Running 11r22.5 tires. Can't go to low pro as the tanks would likely drag over tracks. 67 mph running about 1600 rpm. Have thought about lowering the rear end ratio to like 3.35 or something close to get revs down. Not a real powerful tune on it. It basically runs out of pull at 1600rpm which seems odd as I hear of guys running up to 1800 with these motors. I would never do that though just simply this motor doesn't pull beyond 1600. It was overhauled 400k ago. Tranny rebuilt last year. Help me figure out a way to get this old girls mpg up so I can justify keeping it.

    My thoughts have wondered into these areas so far.

    Reduce gear ratio

    Add aero wing to the flat top

    Retune the 2 month old ecm

    Add balance masters to wheels (reduce vibration and rolling resistance)

    Maybe convert to 6x2 with locking rear?

    What do you guys think would work??
     
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  3. Old Man

    Old Man Road Train Member

    4,597
    13,466
    Apr 3, 2009
    Oklahoma City, OK
    0
    First check cac for leaks, then run the overhead..
     
  4. tnevin225

    tnevin225 Road Train Member

    1,166
    1,600
    Jan 1, 2014
    0
    I think you need to find a different truck. Way to many things going against you with this truck. If you would have described this truck and your operation to me I would have said you were getting about 5MPG, Your going to need to spend at least 10k or more just to maybe bring it up to 6 if your lucky. If your going to keep pulling vans I would seriously look into a more aerodynamic truck, Maybe with a Detroit in it for some good fuel mileage.
     
  5. Tristate34

    Tristate34 Bobtail Member

    2
    0
    Apr 17, 2018
    0
     
  6. Tristate34

    Tristate34 Bobtail Member

    2
    0
    Apr 17, 2018
    0
    Please let me know if you do sell your truck might be interested in purchasing it. I have all Internationals with Cat motors
     
  7. Diesel Dave

    Diesel Dave Last Few of the OUTLAWS

    7,313
    14,675
    Jan 20, 2010
    Hesperia, Ca.
    0
    I would do as said already, check for leaks on CAC, run the overhead(adjust valves and injectors) and find out what program you have in the ECM. Get rid of the low emissions program and get a pre emissions program. I’m getting 7.0 mpg on my E Model, last 2 fill ups was 7.4 and 7.8 but was hauling light loads.
     
    magoo68 Thanks this.
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