Ok guys I think it's time, drastic times call for drastic measures. I think it's time we had a constructive discussion about fuel mileage and how to improve it. Let's not get into the flame wars over one guy getting 17's and the other getting 22's lol But let's have some ideas.

I'm thinking obviously when pulling empty use a lighter foot (duh) but what about little things, do you think leaking boots would cause a drop in fuel mileage? I was reading a thread on the dieselsite boots a few days ago and I'm almost thinking they would? Any other constructive ideas?

Are there really better mileage tunes out there?

 

I try not to worry about mileage my thinking being there is not much you can do to improve it other than driving like your Grandfather or Grandmother but wait I'm a Grandfather and yes I do drive slower than most on the road and haven't heard a tire squeel for years and my mileage is average at best, the best I ever got figuring it by hand was just under 17 if I remember correctly. One trick is to shut off the flow before it clicks off thereby giving you a nice mileage for one fill up then you can get on computer and post it here..please I'm not saying anyone would stretch the truth..

 

It is hard to separate fact from slick marketing when buying aftermarket components to improve fuel mileage and performance. IMO I notice that the graphs they display your biggest gains are in the higher rpm ranges that my truck rarely sees. Years ago Diesel Word did a few articles on the 6.0. They claimed improvements with things like, changing out all oil type fluids to synthetic. Replacing the intake and exhaust for better flow. Up sizing the tires to lower the trucks axle ratio. Installing a tuner for better performance. Drive the trucks at the lower end of the power band when possible, 1800 to
2500 when not towing. After all this expense it is going to be a long time to see any real payback unless you drive allot of miles every year. Just my opinion. Perhaps those that have tried some of these will give their opinions.

 

I've been curious of replacing the stock electromechanical clutch with a purely electric fan. From what I have seen in gas engines, going from a stock mechanical fan to an electric usually gains between 1-2 mpg. In my application since my truck will rarely pull a load over 7500 lbs (car on a car trailer) I think an electric fan would easily be able to keep up. Also the nice thing about electric fans is that if you are getting hot in stop and go traffic you can have the fan turn on keeping the engine at idle.

I don't know if it would be worth the conversion for people who are pushing the limits of these trucks as an electric fan probably can't keep up with the stock setup in the extreme cases.

 

I know alot of people on here are not a fan of the edge but one of my friends with his 6.0 added a 4 inch exhaust and added an edge. He just drives it normal but with the edge on gives it better fuel mileage. He picked up 2 to 3 mpg adding that. He has never lost a tranny or anything. He mostly just drives it normal but on setting 2.

Just a thought.

 

Just like bariatric surgery limits the amount you can eat:

This should limit the amount of fuel you use:
Sutticar Fuel Saver Kit, Model# Sutticar0001 | Fuel Savers | Northern Tool + Equipment


but seriously, driving style is the biggest improvement you can do, secondly is proper maintenance....

Regarding an electric fan, have had 3 deezle ex's since 2002 and can remember 2 times that the fan actually came on - it actually startled me in that I had never heard it before
Now maybe it might hep a v-10, but how long of a payback ?
just like a tuner, they do help a tiny bit with mpg, but it takes a long time to payback $400 in fuel savings.... (much less to rebuild a tranny cuz of the edge)