how to get better mpg with winter fuel??
#1
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Thread Starter
how to get better mpg with winter fuel??
Like the title says I'm trying to find a way to counter the drop in MPG with the dang winter fuel we have here. I get 20-24 in town during the summer but this winter "eco-friendly" fuel cuts me back to 15-18. Happens every year and it just drives me nuts.
Any advice on additives or something?
1989 4runner, 22re, 5 speed, 4x4, 235,000 miles and yes it's in great working order other than the IACV.
Any advice on additives or something?
1989 4runner, 22re, 5 speed, 4x4, 235,000 miles and yes it's in great working order other than the IACV.
#2
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300 gallon fuel tank in your back yard? This way you can stock up in the summer with the "good" gas.
But your right, Up until a few months ago, I never realized the fuel was different come winter time. PA does the same thing. Something about putting something in or taking something out to keep it from freezing.
But your right, Up until a few months ago, I never realized the fuel was different come winter time. PA does the same thing. Something about putting something in or taking something out to keep it from freezing.
Last edited by xxxtreme22r; 01-10-2011 at 10:05 AM.
#3
Is it actually the fuel or the fact that it takes your vehicle longer to get to operating temp so it's running less efficiently during that time. (Add to that cold air=denser=more oxygen=more fuel no matter what)
Or a combo of both, either way, don't know how cold it gets where you are, but I have a oil pan heater on one truck and a block heater on the other. It will definitely help some because it warms up way faster when you first start it cold.
Or a combo of both, either way, don't know how cold it gets where you are, but I have a oil pan heater on one truck and a block heater on the other. It will definitely help some because it warms up way faster when you first start it cold.
Last edited by MB4runner; 01-10-2011 at 10:09 AM.
#4
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Is it actually the fuel or the fact that it takes your vehicle longer to get to operating temp so it's running less efficiently during that time. (Add to that cold air=denser=more oxygen=more fuel no matter what)
Or a combo of both, either way, don't know how cold it gets where you are, but I have a oil pan heater on one truck and a block heater on the other. It will definitely help some because it warms up way faster when you first start it cold.
Or a combo of both, either way, don't know how cold it gets where you are, but I have a oil pan heater on one truck and a block heater on the other. It will definitely help some because it warms up way faster when you first start it cold.
#5
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Location: Nashville TN. I can help you if you're close BUT NOBODY CAN HELP YOU IF YOU DON'T FILL YOUR LOCATION IN!
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Isn't there a nationwide website where you can find Ethy free gas?
That should net you 10% right there...
That should net you 10% right there...
#7
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Is it actually the fuel or the fact that it takes your vehicle longer to get to operating temp so it's running less efficiently during that time. (Add to that cold air=denser=more oxygen=more fuel no matter what)
Or a combo of both, either way, don't know how cold it gets where you are, but I have a oil pan heater on one truck and a block heater on the other. It will definitely help some because it warms up way faster when you first start it cold.
Or a combo of both, either way, don't know how cold it gets where you are, but I have a oil pan heater on one truck and a block heater on the other. It will definitely help some because it warms up way faster when you first start it cold.
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#8
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They raise the methanol content when It begins to get cold of meth. is alcohol so it prevents it from freezin up. I believe in winter months its close to 10% meth.
#9
But what I was getting at is that you can't do anything about the fuel part, but you can do something about the cold part by running an oil pan heater or block heater which will let your 4runner warm faster.
#10
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Thread Starter
Even if they didn't change the fuel you would still get worse gas mileage in winter because your vehicle takes longer to get up to operating temperature so it runs less efficiently. You're just getting MORE worse mileage because of the fuel
But what I was getting at is that you can't do anything about the fuel part, but you can do something about the cold part by running an oil pan heater or block heater which will let your 4runner warm faster.
But what I was getting at is that you can't do anything about the fuel part, but you can do something about the cold part by running an oil pan heater or block heater which will let your 4runner warm faster.
#12
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http://www.amazon.com/Kats-24150-Wat...pr_product_top
seems like most people put them on a timer to turn on a couple hours before they head out for the day. How much is it to run a 150watt pad for 2-3hours?
#13
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I don't think it would use too aweful much... I'm not too sure also what would be better a water jacket heater, a heating pad on the pan, or an interior oil heater?
#14
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man, on the subject of winter gas, no kidding... didn't realize they did that out here in WA but all of a sudden BAM! 20mpg down to 18.... sucks....
also bummed that none of the ethyl free gas stations on that list are within range, ethanol no bueno.... methanol bueno....
also bummed that none of the ethyl free gas stations on that list are within range, ethanol no bueno.... methanol bueno....
#15
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You also need to factor in that the gear grease is a lot thicker when cold. And adds drag untill it warms up.
Last edited by swampfox; 01-17-2011 at 03:23 PM.
#17
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I ride a motorcycle to work a lot during the winter and even on it the gas mileage drops 2-3 mpg on winter gas. I really think it's something we just have to live with.
#19
Nothing near the OP, though. I wish we could get fuel sans ethanol nationwide...
#20
It's actually the "summer blend" that is altered to reduce the amount of vapor given out when the gas is baking in the hot summer weather (in the jerry can in your garage or in your gas tank), which is why gas prices generally fall a little bit in the fall (less refining and mixing necessary to maintain "summer blend"). This keeps your garage from filling with noxious fumes or your car's evap emissions system from being overwhelmed and reduces smog.
Here's an article to read
Last edited by corax; 01-23-2011 at 08:29 AM.