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Welcome To Mopar1973Man.Com LLC
We are privately owned, with access to a professional Diesel Mechanic, who can provide additional support for Dodge Ram Cummins Diesel vehicles. Many detailed information is FREE and available to read. However, in order to interact directly with our Diesel Mechanic, Michael, by phone, via zoom, or as the web-based option, Subscription Plans are offered that will enable these and other features. Go to the Subscription Page and Select a desired plan. At any time you wish to cancel the Subscription, click Subscription Page, select the 'Cancel' button, and it will be canceled. For your convenience, all subscriptions are on auto-renewal.
I though i would post up what I know about better fuel mileage thus far. Gearing and tire size have a lot to do with it as well as driving habits. there are many variables. My truck is a mainly stock 2nd gen 3500 dually with a 5 speed manual so I will speak to this truck in the post. others can add their tips pertaining to their setup as we go. I know some of you have tuners that make a huge difference but not all do. the Quadzilla adrenaline seems to be the go to for mileage and power among other things. That being said, here are some basic tips to get a bit more MPG's
!. A well maintained engine.
Change oil, a clean engine is more efficient, good fresh oil helps
check your air filter minder, change filter if needed
How many miles on your injectors? (see article in tech section to determine their condition)
Low Pop Pressure and detecting it - Fuel - Mopar1973Man's Dodge Cummins Forum
2. Tire pressure.
we should all know by now that a flat or low tire doesn't roll as well as a fully inflated one. Check your pressure!
I don't really recommend over inflating your tires since it will cause uneven wear, lower the contact area to the road and ride rougher as well but in my experience a few extra lbs of pressure don't hurt. Do not go over the pressure on the sidewall of the tire! My sticker from the factory states 65lbs/front and 50lbs/rear. Tire sidewall says 80psi max. I normally run what the sticker states because I don't haul all the time. Most of my miles are an empty truck. That being said I still wear the center of the rear tires since there is not enough weight back there to flatten the contact area to the pavement.
While we are on tires, alignment is important as well, have it checked or check it yourself. it can be done. Also check for worn suspension parts at this time. You wont get good results with worn out parts in place.
Oversize tires, well you kinda knew your mileage would fall off didn't you? There are ways to get some back but I wont go into that here. I am using my truck and experiences with it. Someone else may chime in.
3. Drum brake guys.
Make sure you keep your rear drums adjusted properly but try not to allow them to drag when the brakes are not applied. This will create a parasitic drag on your drive train. Like pulling a small trailer. It will lower you MPG's
4. Do you really need all that stuff in your truck?
Reduce the weight! I have a tool box behind the cab, i carry jumper cables, straps, a chain and a few other things. I have used all the items I carry at one point so I leave them in there. I do not carry an entire tool set with me as it's not needed. Any extra weight you can leave at home will help.
5. Winter fuel
Winter fuel will not yield the same MPG's as summer fuel. I live in Northern Ohio so we do get winter blended fuel when the temps drop. I do notice a difference. There is more of that ex[plained on this site, maybe someone could post a link for me? Thanks
6. Driving habits
If you are one to go full throttle from stoplight to stoplight then well, that's not gonna help your mileage. I have a 5 speed manual and usually drive pretty conservatively. I shift gears at around 2000-2200 RPM. I don't try to drive my truck like a race car. I average 17.5 MPG just daily driving. Prior to this truck I owned a 1999 Chevy suburban that only got 16 MPG doing the same thing. Now i have twice the truck (if not more) with better MPG's. Drive conservatively and you will save a little at the pump.
I thought I would put this up with the fuel prices getting out of control in most places. Some will be looking to find ways to save a few $$ here and there. If anyone else has something they would like to add or if I missed or forget something please feel free to toss it in here. I feel most of my suggestions are basic but sometimes get overlooked.