Ways to add MPG in a $$$ Gas Price Economy!
- Thread starter DWs-TTEB
- Start date
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At this point, I just walk into the gas station & lean on the counter, like...
ManUpOrShutUp
Full Access Members
All kidding aside, I have just been driving the Expedition as little as possible.
Tire pressure, and rolling resistance is a BIG factor on MPG. Run the recommended pressure or SLIGHTLY higher. Remember, too much air, and you decrease your contact patch, which also increases stopping distance.
Yes! Honestly the plugs coming in the 4th Gen from the factory are CRAP. Sure, they are good for 10K, maybe more if driven easy. Do hard accel or towing, replace them with a better plug like the NGK's. Just search for the threads. If tuned, or regularly running it hard, decrease the gap slightly. These motors are hard on plugs.
You SHOULD NOT be adding this type of fuel system cleaner everytime. It can begin to cause issues, and could actually cause your plugs to start having issues even quicker. As long as you are using quality fuel, and it is E10 or above, your fuel system is pretty clean. Maybe running a cleaner through every 10K or so, but more often just isn't needed.
JennyD
Active Member
Great ideas! It's just about time to replace the not-so-great original Hankooks, so I will probably get the spark plugs mentioned here at the same time - thank you!
I average 19-19.5 street driving, but that's almost always in Eco and coasting as much as possible in my hilly area (which probably just evens out my semi-lead foot).
I average 19-19.5 street driving, but that's almost always in Eco and coasting as much as possible in my hilly area (which probably just evens out my semi-lead foot).
bryz_expy
Well-Known Member
Can you share the specific p/n you used. I’m familiar with colder plugs from a previous vehicle that I supercharged. Would like to try this out in the Expedition. Thanks
duneslider
Full Access Members
I would be interested in the plugs too and would the colder plug still be recommended with a stock vehicle, or only if you have a tune? I have 45k miles so thinking it is time to do plugs.
ROBERT BONNER
Full Access Members
Lot's of interesting ideas. The only mod I've made is a K&N Air filter, which I doubt made much of a difference over a "Clean" paper filter; but, it did give me about .3 mpg around town over the dirty paper filter that I removed.
You're all going to hate me; but, my MAX is the economy car in my fleet. I consistently get 18+ in my small town driving and 20+ at 75-80 mph on the freeway on 87 Octane. It definitely gets better MPG and runs better on 93 octane; but, not enough to justify the price difference. I keep OEM Michelins at placard cold inflation, except when I'm loaded for vacation or hunting, then I'll take the rears up to 38-40 psi.
Only "secrets" are very heavy use of regular constant-speed cruise control even at residential speeds and longer stretches in town, even when accelerating from a light or stop sign. I'm retired; so, I can avoid rush hour traffic on local roads and on highways. When I'm going more than a couple of miles in light traffic at highway speeds, I always choose the "leaf" drive mode. At freeway speeds it seems to be worth about 0.3 mpg vs. normal mode. I also make sure the the A/C compressor is off when I don't need it. The A/C compressors on these vehicles cycle on and off frequently and draw 10-15 HP when engaged (not to mention the vibration).
Best advice to improve mileage for any vehicle without regenerative breaking is to avoid traffic at any speed (it also saves travel time).
Best advice overall is: Drill baby Drill, and vote the idiots out who are math, physics, climate, and geo-politically challenged enough to think that propellers, panels, and batteries are the solution.
You're all going to hate me; but, my MAX is the economy car in my fleet. I consistently get 18+ in my small town driving and 20+ at 75-80 mph on the freeway on 87 Octane. It definitely gets better MPG and runs better on 93 octane; but, not enough to justify the price difference. I keep OEM Michelins at placard cold inflation, except when I'm loaded for vacation or hunting, then I'll take the rears up to 38-40 psi.
Only "secrets" are very heavy use of regular constant-speed cruise control even at residential speeds and longer stretches in town, even when accelerating from a light or stop sign. I'm retired; so, I can avoid rush hour traffic on local roads and on highways. When I'm going more than a couple of miles in light traffic at highway speeds, I always choose the "leaf" drive mode. At freeway speeds it seems to be worth about 0.3 mpg vs. normal mode. I also make sure the the A/C compressor is off when I don't need it. The A/C compressors on these vehicles cycle on and off frequently and draw 10-15 HP when engaged (not to mention the vibration).
Best advice to improve mileage for any vehicle without regenerative breaking is to avoid traffic at any speed (it also saves travel time).
Best advice overall is: Drill baby Drill, and vote the idiots out who are math, physics, climate, and geo-politically challenged enough to think that propellers, panels, and batteries are the solution.
I know not many want to hear it, but the number 1 thing you can do is keep your foot out of it. Accelerate slowly. It's plain laws of physics. On my 2011, I get 16.4-17.1 at 75mph, I get 17.5-18 at 55-60mph. 2011 5.4 King Ranch EL. Those numbers were noted after excess of 500 miles driving at each of the speeds in question, to get a more accurate number. I can also gain a couple of extra points by manually turning off the A/C compressor when weather allows. Much of what I have seen here is "I want to get better mileage, but ---- I don't want to change my driving habits.". The question would be, which do you want more?
I do suggest better driving habits, including reducing highway speed when possible. I'll drive 75 at times, especially on a long trip, but I understand that I'm paying for it with increased consumption and have no valid reason to complain. Slowing down is the absolutely most effective way to increase mpg, but everyone has to make their own decision. Drive fast and burn more, or drive slow and burn less. One might also point out, if you dislike low mpg numbers, why drive an Expy in the first place? I happily drive my Expy and use only premium pure gasoline fuel, and have no complaints with mpg. For a large heavy vehicle, I think it does quite well. The nearest city is 40 miles, so at 60mph, I lose possibly 7 minutes in time, but save $$ at the same time. In the end, which is more important?
Here you go...This company will pregap them lower too if you want it. For a cost of course!
Set of 6 NGK LTR7BHX (95605) Spark Plug | ZFG RACING LLC
NGK Ruthenium HX is designed for newer engines which demand high ignitability. Projected Square Platinum Electrode (PSPE) design promotes spark energy concentration and ignites a wider range of air-fuel ratios, offering improved performance in rich or lean engine conditions. 0.4mm Ruthenium...
www.tunedbyzfgracing.com
Yes, they will help even stock. You will notice a smoother idle, and should see a MPG increase.
