MPGS on my truck suck

[bcjag72]

Any ideas why I am only getting 12 mpg with the 210 tune? I am not flooring it. I do a lot of stop and go and short drives.

[DFW64]

Sorry to hear that...I have experienced some of the same, but no one can figure it out without other crucial factors such as the truck configuration, engine and trans strategy codes, weather, mileage, etc. The best thing to do is to email 64calibrations@spartandieseltech.com and talk to them. Then you can have some datalogs analyzed and maybe they can figure it out. I know that a majority of people are seeing good gas mileage but its not guaranteed.

[NuttyProfessor]

Any ideas why I am only getting 12 mpg with the 210 tune? I am not flooring it. I do a lot of stop and go and short drives.

First - you do a lot of stop and go and short drives which doesn't allow the truck to fully warm and does hurt fuel economy. Second - a lot has to do with how many miles are on your truck as well. You have very few miles on your truck which is definitely not helping. My personal truck (new) with the 210 file at the time was only getting 13mpg combined tuned, up from 11MPG stock. After 7k miles it went to 15 with cold weather driving for a few months in Michigan. At 10K miles with the 275 tune, the mpg went to 18.5 to 19 mpg combined and 23mpg highway. Even when recently loading a 210 file for some tweaks to be made, it still saw 16ish mpg combined and 19 highway. What were you getting stock before the tuner?

Nutty

[built4dtuff]

Any ideas why I am only getting 12 mpg with the 210 tune? I am not flooring it. I do a lot of stop and go and short drives.


LMFAO you are complaining about MPG I only dream about!!! My pig gets 5 towing 7-8 down hill with a tail wind coasting when possible!!!

I have been lurking around here for a bit and have sent an email to the powers that be asking a few questions. My truck would leave the garage for a damn JOY ride rather than just work if I got 12!

Where did your truck start at before Spartan Technologies??

[bcjag72]

all stock it got about 8-9

[CDriver]

Also one thing Nutty left out that he has mentioned before is Job 2 & 3 trucks get better mileage. Job 1 trucks can be updated but to the latest flash from Ford but its not quite the same as 2 & 3 trucks.

I'm getting about 13.5 with a 210 loaded. Soon as my broken ribs heal, I'm getting under my truck to put the DPF back on and heading to Ford for the latest flash. I'll report back if it makes any difference.

[mick1955]

bcjag7 - From 8-9 to 12, for the 210 tune, not too bad! For me running the 250 tune I can only see 3-3.7 running around 2000 rpm. Any improvement on these trucks is something to be happy about. Try it on the highway, running around 1750-1800 rpm. Bet you'll see an improvement then.

[nczn]

New and stock up until about 8K miles I was getting 8-9 mpg.

After some tuning and around 8-10K I was getting 10-12 mpg city with 15.5 hwy.

I have 19K miles on the truck so it seems to be broken in with several long hauls with my 15,000lb fifth wheel.

Now I have updated to the 250hp tune with the dpf delete. 16-17 city/combined driving and 20-23 hwy.

That is where I am at. Still testing and will still be reporting weekly to see how it keeps up.

Any one else seem to get 1-2 mpg better right after an oil change? I do. And then it fades away slowly.

tommy

[sledneck57]

I just want to say that diesels aren't made to be grocery getters. They should be warmed up everytime you drive it and especially when theyre new should be pulling something to build cylinder pressure to seat the rings.the better the break in at the first life of the motor the better mileage you get. Same with sythetic oil. Is it good.... Yes the best. But not right away. Sythetic oil lubricates and penetrates so well that the rings may never seat in your truck if ran before proper break in.

I guess what I'm trying to say instead of using it as a gas...use it as its supposed to be used for the first ATLEAST 10k miles. If this is done I believe you will see a huge increase in mileage and power.

[Pahrump]

I broke mine in like I rented it and picked up the rental coverage insurance. And with the 250 tune and 38's GPS confirmed I see about 14 average, some highway, mostly town, and usually towing a 16ft trailer.

And on a highway trip empty I see about 18mpg...

Overall I am happy no doubt

[mick1955]

I would be ecstatic if I could get 18. Only have a little over 7000 miles on it and it's almost a year old. Getting almost 4 mpg better than stock, so I'm happy.

[hotlicks2go]

I'm just over 10,000 and getting a whopping 10-11mpg when driving like Gran-Dad. 250 tune. calculation averaged of 1600 miles.

[bcjag72]

I'm just over 10,000 and getting a whopping 10-11mpg when driving like Gran-Dad. 250 tune. calculation averaged of 1600 miles.

That sucks worse than mine!

[brad g]

I just want to say that diesels aren't made to be grocery getters. They should be warmed up everytime you drive it and especially when theyre new should be pulling something to build cylinder pressure to seat the rings.the better the break in at the first life of the motor the better mileage you get. Same with sythetic oil. Is it good.... Yes the best. But not right away. Sythetic oil lubricates and penetrates so well that the rings may never seat in your truck if ran before proper break in.

I guess what I'm trying to say instead of using it as a gas...use it as its supposed to be used for the first ATLEAST 10k miles. If this is done I believe you will see a huge increase in mileage and power.

From day one of running my truck (Aug) i partially blocked my rad by slipping a piece of cardboard in front of my rad .. I slipped it between the condensor and the ran so im ONLY blocking air flow threw the rad this keep the engine temp up while im driving around town and keeps the thermostate working. I dont tow anything really heavy (8000 pounds) but i dont even take the cardboard out I let the engine work and get hot .. belive it or not but i got 2mpg more out of a tank driving in town ... I only have 8000km on my truck mileage went from 10mpg and is now at 17mpg hiway 13 in town ... zero mods as of yet but after break in I will be placing my order.

[NuttyProfessor]

From day one of running my truck (Aug) i partially blocked my rad by slipping a piece of cardboard in front of my rad .. I slipped it between the condensor and the ran so im ONLY blocking air flow threw the rad this keep the engine temp up while im driving around town and keeps the thermostate working. I dont tow anything really heavy (8000 pounds) but i dont even take the cardboard out I let the engine work and get hot .. belive it or not but i got 2mpg more out of a tank driving in town ... I only have 8000km on my truck mileage went from 10mpg and is now at 17mpg hiway 13 in town ... zero mods as of yet but after break in I will be placing my order.

These diesels do like to run hotter than most...

[sledneck57]

That's the way too do it brad. If I was you just before I put a tuner on it I would hook on too a ton of weight and drive the shit out of it for about 500 miles. Put sythetic oil in it(amsoil I run) and if you ask me after that the only thing you can do is drive it. Put the 275 on it and have some fun.lol.

[mick1955]

hotlicks2go - Wonder how much your truck weights compared to my F350??? I don't even know how much mine weights, but I bet you are a lot heavier...

[ARPEE]

From day one of running my truck (Aug) i partially blocked my rad by slipping a piece of cardboard in front of my rad .. I slipped it between the condensor and the ran so im ONLY blocking air flow threw the rad this keep the engine temp up while im driving around town and keeps the thermostate working. I dont tow anything really heavy (8000 pounds) but i dont even take the cardboard out I let the engine work and get hot .. belive it or not but i got 2mpg more out of a tank driving in town ... I only have 8000km on my truck mileage went from 10mpg and is now at 17mpg hiway 13 in town ... zero mods as of yet but after break in I will be placing my order.

Hey ---------- I'm going to try this.
We're about to "migrate" (Cdn Snowbirds) to Palm Springs area next week; hauling a couple of Dressers in an enclosed trailer (5,000 lbs?). I have approx. 6000 km now, and averaging a poor 8MPG towing. I've just had latest Flash (TSB) done, and will use this trip to monitor what, if anything, has changed.
Once in the desert, I may make the leap for Spartan, DPF, AFE II.
I'm hoping Stock MPG will improve a bit on this trip, and anticipate more if mods are done thereafter?????
Our other trailer (34' 5th) weighs in at about 12K. Still need to decide on tunes to select (for off road towing;))------ maybe 40/75/150, or 210???????

[mick1955]

ARPEE - Is your truck a F250, 350, 450? Which rear-end do you have? 4x4, or 2 wheel drive. Mine is a F350, with the 4.10 rear-end. Before the tune 12 was the best I could get. Towing was from 5.5-7 pulling a little more than 13000. Now running unloaded, 15.7 on the highway. I towed with the 75 hp tune, same load and got 8.8. That was before we couold monitor the pre-turbo egt's. Next time I'm going to try the 150, and if that works good will try the 210. You will love the DashDaq, it is quiet an instrument. Can monitor almost anything you wish. The power is amazing! Just ask some of the others. Don't think you will be disappointed.

[ARPEE]

ARPEE - Is your truck a F250, 350, 450? Which rear-end do you have? 4x4, or 2 wheel drive. Mine is a F350, with the 4.10 rear-end. Before the tune 12 was the best I could get. Towing was from 5.5-7 pulling a little more than 13000. Now running unloaded, 15.7 on the highway. I towed with the 75 hp tune, same load and got 8.8. That was before we couold monitor the pre-turbo egt's. Next time I'm going to try the 150, and if that works good will try the 210. You will love the DashDaq, it is quiet an instrument. Can monitor almost anything you wish. The power is amazing! Just ask some of the others. Don't think you will be disappointed.

Hi Mic
Mine is a Job1, F350 Lariat Crew, 4x4, Longbox, SingleRearWheel, 3.73.
Thanks for encouragement:D

[mick1955]

There are two other on the forum that live in Canada. Sledneck57, and I think Stroken. They will be more than happy to tell you about how their trucks are performing. If you can get any increase now days with the price of fuel, you would probably come out ahead. Good luck, and if you do get one and need any help, just let me know....

[ARPEE]

Thanks Mick

[sledneck57]

Yes I am in alberta. Stoken and diesel fool are as well. To keep pauls long distance bill down you can just call one of us and we will tell you what we know. Don't know exactly where you are but feel free to message me and ill contact you if you give me your number.

[ARPEE]

Yes I am in alberta. Stoken and diesel fool are as well. To keep pauls long distance bill down you can just call one of us and we will tell you what we know. Don't know exactly where you are but feel free to message me and ill contact you if you give me your number.

Thanks Sledneck
I'm west of the rockies, Abbotsford!
Like I wrote earlier, we're about to head for the Desert for the winter, and may order needed items there; will likely wait with install until we return to home base next March (shop, tools, time, etc.)
Thanks a bunch for your offer to share your knowledge/experience.
Rudy:)

[hotlicks2go]

hotlicks2go - Wonder how much your truck weights compared to my F350??? I don't even know how much mine weights, but I bet you are a lot heavier...

Around 14,500 dry. Almost 16,000 fully fueled w/Aux tank and 5th hitch in bed.

[mick1955]

hotlicks2go - Damn! No wonder you don't get any mileage. You might as well be driving an Army Tank...

[ARPEE]

From day one of running my truck (Aug) i partially blocked my rad by slipping a piece of cardboard in front of my rad .. I slipped it between the condensor and the ran so im ONLY blocking air flow threw the rad this keep the engine temp up while im driving around town and keeps the thermostate working. I dont tow anything really heavy (8000 pounds) but i dont even take the cardboard out I let the engine work and get hot .. belive it or not but i got 2mpg more out of a tank driving in town ... I only have 8000km on my truck mileage went from 10mpg and is now at 17mpg hiway 13 in town ... zero mods as of yet but after break in I will be placing my order.

Hi Brad.
Re using cardboard between condenser and rad.
How much (size, or percentage of the rad) did you block with the cardboard?
We're towing into the desert (100F) this coming Wednesday.:rolleyes:
Thanks
Rudy

[gleesonkd]

Hey guy's

I'm from bc canada lots of hill. I have the f450 4.30 gears with 245 tires. i just did a long haul to lake havasu arizona towing a 7000lbs trailer with my zo6 in it on the way back home. i got 13.5 mpg doing 70 mph average on the way down. on the way home with the extra 3200lbs for the car i got 13 mpg but the highway speed way 55-65 mph max mostly 60mph. speed plays a big deal on mpg. oh ya this was with the 210 file loaded down and back. and hit 118 in the desert fucking hot. truck ran great. except for the tranny shifting hard when you take your foot off the go peddle and then try to go again it hits very hard i thought the trailer let go. i hope that matt and nutty can fix this......

Kevin

[hotlicks2go]

I wish my dash calculator was accurate... I'd be 16.5mpg but it's not and hand calculations are the only true way. Though you absolutely have to fill until you see diesel level to top of fill neck. I can always get 3-5 gals. more after the pump shuts off due to foaming. It takes a little while but is necessary to get an accurate calculation.

[mick1955]

hotlicks2go - Mine is the same way. Almost every time I fill up, I do the same thing. Takes a lot longer, but that's the only way I can accurately calculate my mileage.

[Black06]

Around 14,500 dry. Almost 16,000 fully fueled w/Aux tank and 5th hitch in bed.

14,500 lb ? ? ? --- are you certain - according to Ford 9,340lb dry for a F450.

[ARPEE]

Hey guy's

I'm from bc canada lots of hill. I have the f450 4.30 gears with 245 tires. i just did a long haul to lake havasu arizona towing a 7000lbs trailer with my zo6 in it on the way back home. i got 13.5 mpg doing 70 mph average on the way down. on the way home with the extra 3200lbs for the car i got 13 mpg but the highway speed way 55-65 mph max mostly 60mph. speed plays a big deal on mpg. oh ya this was with the 210 file loaded down and back. and hit 118 in the desert fucking hot. truck ran great. except for the tranny shifting hard when you take your foot off the go peddle and then try to go again it hits very hard i thought the trailer let go. i hope that matt and nutty can fix this......

Kevin

I'm envious, Kevin.

What part of BC?
Lower mainland where we need to run through Aircare after "grace period"??

Running 4.3's and 13 mpg?
MPG based on Digital "estimate", or calculated to USA, or Imperial Gallons?
Altered Intake, DPF, Cat, Muffler/Tailpipes?????

As mentioned in my earlier posts, I'm heading for CA desert Wednesday, and hope to see improved towing MPG.:mad:
Rudy

[hotlicks2go]

14,500 lb ? ? ? --- are you certain - according to Ford 9,340lb dry for a F450.

Yes, the GVWR is 14,500. Pulling capacity of 24,000lbs. I had to add it to my commercial policy because it's beyond the limits for a standard personal insurance policy.

[Pahrump]

GVRW is not the weight of your truck.

[brad g]

Hi Brad.
Re using cardboard between condenser and rad.
How much (size, or percentage of the rad) did you block with the cardboard?
We're towing into the desert (100F) this coming Wednesday.:rolleyes:
Thanks
Rudy

Rudy Im up In northern Alberta and the temp up here is only around 70f right now but im blocking 3/4 of my rad .. the rad is huge and it took me a 3x3 foot piece of heavy cardboard I cut it a little taller so I can easily pull it out. It just sits on the lip on the bottom of the rad so make sure you push it all the way down.If I was pulling in 100f heat I wouldnt cover more than half, and if the temps go up to high you can always remove some material . The purpose is to get the engine hot and make it work, You want to hear the fan working trying to cool the engine. Im running the stock tune on the truck during break in.

hope my hillbilly but cheap trick works for you and be sure to post you fuel economy before the trip and after

[hotlicks2go]

GVRW is not the weight of your truck.

Sorry, My mistake.:o

[hotlicks2go]

14,500 lb ? ? ? --- are you certain - according to Ford 9,340lb dry for a F450.

Your right, sorry.. my mistake!:o

[Pahrump]

Its all good....a 14K+ lb pickup would be one big SOB!!!

[gleesonkd]

I'm envious, Kevin.

What part of BC?
Lower mainland where we need to run through Aircare after "grace period"??

Running 4.3's and 13 mpg?
MPG based on Digital "estimate", or calculated to USA, or Imperial Gallons?
Altered Intake, DPF, Cat, Muffler/Tailpipes?????

As mentioned in my earlier posts, I'm heading for CA desert Wednesday, and hope to see improved towing MPG.:mad:
Rudy


Hi,

north vancouver bc, i don't care about air car as i'm a f450. and running 4.3 and yes i'm hand calculating it to us gallons, stock intake, dpf removal, and everything else stock.

[oilburnr]

I am still not getting mileage worth a damn. With the 250 tune and more than half of the tank extended highway and my Lie o meter showing 22.6 mpg I still can only manage a best of 15 mpg. Which is almost exactly the same as it was able to do stock. I hate this truck.

[Eastern]

Well I must be one of the people who bought my tune for the power :D But to have a truck with close to 500 hp with only a programmer and delete is awsome. Hell I'll be lucky if I see 12 mpg

[bcjag72]

I have been getting around 13-14 city and 17 highway, running the 210

[hotlicks2go]

No idea how everyone gets their numbers.. I see about 10-11mpg w/250 and delete mixed driving hand calculated and averaged over time of at least several tanks full (stock tanks). Now with larger capacity of 160 gals. I hand calculate about the same. Towing shows about 8 mpg.:confused:

[Eastern]

I have noticed that most of the dually trucks came with 4.10 rear. With my truck I have to run around 65-70 mph to keep the rpm around 3000 or less and that is where my best fuel milage is.

[Pahrump]

I have noticed that most of the dually trucks came with 4.10 rear. With my truck I have to run around 65-70 mph to keep the rpm around 3000 or less and that is where my best fuel milage is.

At 75mph my truck is not even turning 2000

[smokinpete379]

I have noticed that most of the dually trucks came with 4.10 rear. With my truck I have to run around 65-70 mph to keep the rpm around 3000 or less and that is where my best fuel milage is.

With 4:10's and stock tires you should be around 2600 rpm at 75 - 80 mph. I noticed you have increased the size of your tires which should in turn lower your rpm's at the same speed. "Life's too short to worry about fuel economy!"

[hotlicks2go]

Wheels/tires are stock but I guess I'll never get great mpg w/ the 4.3 gearing.

[mick1955]

Wheels/tires are stock but I guess I'll never get great mpg w/ the 4.3 gearing.

I'm just curious what kinda mileage did you get before the tuner? Also have you had any long runs unloaded trying to keep it under 2000 rpm? I do know every time I run above the magic 2000 rpm my mileage drops like a rock.

[hotlicks2go]

No, not much change from stock. Although I'm not at all complaining about adding 250 hp and not getting better mileage. I'm happy that it hasn't dropped with the extra performance. My truck is at 2000rpm at aprox. 60mph. I hardly run at that speed, expecially unloaded. I tried keeping the trottle/rpm range/boost low for about 1500-1600 miles and hand calculated about the same as driving it normally and "getting on it" once in awhile. I'm hoping as the motor breaks in and I get a few more miles on the truck, it will get better. Definitely not thinking about trading the Spartan in any time soon.:D

[Pahrump]

2000rpm at 60...thats why you get no mileage...at 2000RPM I am going about 82..according to my GPS

[mick1955]

No, not much change from stock. Although I'm not at all complaining about adding 250 hp and not getting better mileage. I'm happy that it hasn't dropped with the extra performance. My truck is at 2000rpm at aprox. 60mph. I hardly run at that speed, expecially unloaded. I tried keeping the trottle/rpm range/boost low for about 1500-1600 miles and hand calculated about the same as driving it normally and "getting on it" once in awhile. I'm hoping as the motor breaks in and I get a few more miles on the truck, it will get better. Definitely not thinking about trading the Spartan in any time soon.:D

Now I see why you don't get any mileage. My truck is pretty close to yours, and a little lighter on the weight side of the scale. At 63 mph I'm doing 2000 rpm, and it's just hard to drive anywhere at that speed. Especially, if it's a long trip. One thing I'm going to do after the new year, is have a GearVendors overdrive unit installed. Not cheap, and not made for towing, but at least I'll be able to run empty and get a little mileage improvement out of it. It will drop my rpm 500. So, I should then be able to run 70 and still be under the 2000 rpm range.

[Pahrump]

Just get bigger tires...lol...cooler than a gear vendor

[hotlicks2go]

Wow.. I guess these F450's are just geared to Pull. :cool: