Fuel Mileage Improvement

[Spooky]

Hi Folks:

Just returned home (Indy, IN) from Apache Junction, AZ driving the 02 Journey w/330 Cat, towing cargo trailer (7,300#).

Got 7.93 mpg on trip. When I did same trip last year, only got 6.81 mpg.

This year, the difference was cleaning CAC/RAD unit, which allowed engine temp to average 186-192 degrees versus 198-210 degrees (last year), resulting in lowering RPM due to less overheating issues.

Also checked and adjusted tire air pressure each morning.

Total savings was worth the effort to clean the CAC/RAD and check tire pressures.

Thanks for all your suggestions in previous postings for cleaning the CAC/RAD.

De Oppresso Liber - Spooky - 02 Journey 36DL

[Spooky]

Hi Folks:

Just returned home (Indy, IN) from Apache Junction, AZ driving the 02 Journey w/330 Cat, towing cargo trailer (7,300#).

Got 7.93 mpg on trip. When I did same trip last year, only got 6.81 mpg.

This year, the difference was cleaning CAC/RAD unit, which allowed engine temp to average 186-192 degrees versus 198-210 degrees (last year), resulting in lowering RPM due to less overheating issues.

Also checked and adjusted tire air pressure each morning.

Total savings was worth the effort to clean the CAC/RAD and check tire pressures.

Thanks for all your suggestions in previous postings for cleaning the CAC/RAD.

De Oppresso Liber - Spooky - 02 Journey 36DL

[Gary CA]

Spooky, good tips, good results. Follow that upward trend and next year get 9mpg.

[John_Canfield]

After a diesel gets a certain number of operating hours on it, fuel efficiency improves also. We are getting about 0.5 mpg better mileage after putting 25-30,000 miles on the coach. Everything help!

The mileage improvement was much more dramatic with our diesel Jeep Liberty - we started with about 18 mpg when new and we now regularly get 25 mpg on the highway after 30,000 miles of use.

[Randy Chesnutt]

Spooky, it's sounds like your on the right track. I have a 04 Journey 34FT 330cat and pull a CRV. My last trip from Hou. to Vegas and back I got 9.5. The trip i made before was 8.5. I change to Synthetic oil I just change my air filter to AFE air cleaner.I found that about 60 to 62. The coach seem to easy along at that speed.With the AFE filter it will give more air to the Cat. I will see what it does on my trip to the ralley.

[becks]

I know it falls under ...just common sense...but it seems this is simply a good time to all remind ourselves that with the high costs today we should all be more diligent in doing all the things that help improve mileage and overall performance. Including tire pressure, weight, speed, engine and radiator maint, etc,etc. Even if the improvment is small, every little bit helps. I plan to buy a air comp and carry with me. It is not always easy after sitting awhile to find air. That way I have no excuse.

[FleetMan]

I don't know if the Laws of Physics have changed but when I was researching and writing specs for a public transit agency, the optimum operating temperature for a diesel engine at that time was 195 degrees. We spec'd radiators, thermostats, automatic fan controls and radiator shutters to insure those temps were maintained as much as possible to help insure the best overall fuel economy. (Every little bit helped in that constant full throttle to no throttle operating environment.)