YotaTech Forums - Wacky mpg?

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Saltcod

02-04-2019 08:28 PM

Wacky mpg?

Hi guys, first time ever posting in one of these forms… Looking for some answers/help. Thank you in advance!

Truck: 1994, Dlx, 22re, 4wd, owned for 12yrs

MPG issue: I took a recent 1500 mi trip to Baja California and was getting between 18-21 MPG (with 600lbs of extra weight), now I’m getting 16 ( with no extra weight). What gives?

Baja trip 1500miles:
* 600lbs of extra weight (camping gear)
*Tstat 180 deg (temp gauge was showing 1/4 the whole way)
*new fan clutch (duralast)
*fresh oil/coolant/air filter change
*average speed 45-60, highway, mountainous, cold, wet
*mexican gas
*MPG 17.10-20.5

4wks later, w/some mods, 178miles:
*0lbs extra weight
*new fan clutch (Aisin)
*Tstat 190 deg. OEM (single stage) (gauge reads little over 1/3)
*city/highway, some mountains, cold, wet
*Avg speed 50-75
*USA gas (87, little 91 mixed in for pep!)
*MPG 16.41

any ideas for better mpg?

thank you, B

scope103

02-04-2019 08:38 PM

Stay on the highway? I can get 20 mpg or a little better just driving down the highway at the speed limit. But as soon as I throw in a little stopping, driving on city streets, etc. the MPGs plummet. I have an instantaneous MPG gauge, so I don't think I'm guessing. Wish I could give you something more useful

beef tits

02-04-2019 08:43 PM

My truck gets drastically different MPG city vs. highway. Like 15 MPG in town an 25 MPG on the freeway.

old87yota

02-05-2019 08:45 AM

Regular things to check:

Tire pressure
Engine running the best it can, is everything in good working order?
Brakes not sticking

Outside temperature can affect fuel mileage, especially if you are warming up the engine and taking shorter trips. Not moving while the engine is running equals Zero MPG and will lower the average MPG.

:safari:

RJR	02-05-2019 09:51 AM

178 miles and a single fill-up isn't really enough to accurately measure mileage. Just having the pump shut off a bit earlier (or later) can vary the computed mpg by 10% or more. Run a few more tanks, do some averaging, and see what happens.

I agree with what others have said. Pure highway miles at 65 mph or less will generally give me 2 mpg greater than a mix of city and 50 mph country driving. Also, the 600 lbs of extra weight doesn't really hurt you when cruising down the highway (unless it's on a roof rack). It's stopping and starting it in town where it makes a difference.

Saltcod

02-05-2019 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scope103 (Post 52417607)

Thank you for the help, I think speed has a lot to do with it.

Saltcod

02-05-2019 10:14 AM

I’ll keep checking mpg. Thanks all you guys!

Robert m

02-05-2019 12:23 PM

Mixing 91 octane in with 87 isnt doing anything for "pep". Higher octane doesnt mean more power. All you are doing is wasting money

RAD4Runner

02-05-2019 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RJR (Post 52417632)

...Pure highway miles at 65 mph or less will generally give me 2 mpg greater....

Quote:

Originally Posted by Saltcod (Post 52417636)

I think speed has a lot to do with it...

Agree^^^
I think the 55mph speed limit was based upon fuel economy studies, not safety, so O.P.'s speeds in Mexico are around the more efficient range. I can feel the engine strain significantly more when I run over 65mph in fifth gear.

ev13wt

02-06-2019 12:16 AM

I get between 220 and 250 miles per tank. Mixed. 70-80 on the highway

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