Ok so recently I have been putting significantly more miles on my truck. Got her upto 150k this summer. Recently I noticed that it seemed as if I was using more gas then normal.

Checked. Im getting 10mpg on my daily 30 mile round trip. 2 miles city at the start. 13 miles highway at 55. I used to get approx. 13-14 city and 20 highway.

Only difference in driving habits has been more miles. Used to only be a 4 mile daily commute and I never checked mpg on that because it was to short to even get the engine upto temp.

I do not idle or warm up the truck in the morning. I turn off the truck in the drive thru, when a train is in the crossing, when Im leaving the truck for more then 3 seconds.


So far this summer I have done: New plugs and wires. Fixed vacuum leak, New belt. Year ago replaced water pump.

Known problems: Oil leak from oil pan seal. AC clutch will not engage 50% of the time, Exhaust has multiple leaks and rust holes(not leaving fumes into cab)

I fill up at Maverik after 10pm normally. Get 87 grade unleaded. Will fill to 1/2 tank and run till 1/8th tank.


Is there anything that anyone can see here I can change to get a few mpg?

 

Any engine codes? Know I started having mpg issue's and changed Map sensor helped. Try cleaning Throttle body. Take it off the engine and clean it real good. Be surprise the amount of junk on the back side. Clean the IAC plunger too.O2 sensors tend to be a item that gets overlook and can effect Mpg's. The exhaust leaks may have a effect.Try running a fuel additive like Seafoam or Marvel Mystery Oil through the tank to clean out the fuel system.

 

i agree with mmguy18, check the o2 sensors, fix exhaust leaks, oil leak could be an issue aswell.. as long as it isnt pissin oil out, u should be fine.. it does need attention though.

ac clutch isnt really an issue, mine does that too. clutch still works, but stock wiring is junk.

to get solid numbers on ur MPG... FILL THE TANK 100% reset ur tripometer, then when ur empty, take the milage and divide by ur tank capacity.

my truck is getting overall mpg avg, 16.4 the math is like this (on calc)

 

Def take a look at the throttle body and clean the map sensor. Also you didnt mention that you replaced the cap and rotor when you did your plugs. Thats a cheap part to replace so might as well just go and replace it. Make sure your brakes are dragging and that your tires are properly inflated

 

Just put in a bottle of stp fuel injector cleaner. Cap, rotor, and coil are still old, Tires are at 45psi. Oil leak, well its leaves a small puddle, Usually it gets low every 3k and I just get the oil change done then. I have no clue of codes, no CEL though. (Wish i had a 00 to check the code without a tool)

So, cap, rotor, coil? map sensor (not sure of location), throttle body cleaning, IAC? (whats that where is it?) o2 sensor (Where are they?) I dont have enough money for a new exhaust. Shop said i got to many small leaks, and rust holes to be worth repairing.

 

No need for a coil they usually either work or they dont. Map,iac,and tps are all on the throttle body. O2 sensors should just be 2 on the exhaust 1 before the cat and 1 after. The key trick should work on 97- and newer. It worked on my 98. Its weird cause rams didnt pick that up till 01 even tho my 98 dakota had it.

 

Yes if need the codes turn key on off than on off again and on again leave on and codes will appear in mileage window.

 

Ok, so gona take the TB off soon, what should I clean it with, and what is good for cleaning the sensors?

 

Throttle body cleaner or carb and choke cleaner as long as it says safe for sensors on it.

 

Yes throttle body cleaner and make sure it is safe for your sensors. When cleaning your sensors try to stay away from spraying the actually electrical connections. If you need to CRC makes some cleaner that works on electrical connections.