Proud of my F150 bad mpg

[lovemyLS]

Is there a chip or anything that may help with my mpg's Big truck and just got it last week so I don't wanna just buy anything that sounds good but has proof that it works. Any ideas???
JP

[mechhound]

Year and engine? I doubt if you can get a chip to improve the mpg. You may be able to get a chip that will improve performance, if that is what you want. If your truck is under warranty, don't chip it or you'll likely void the warranty.

[Blue)(Fusion]

Yeah trucks are going to have lower MPG but it might also just need a tune up. What is your current MPG? How many miles on the engine?

[lovemyLS]

01' f150 supercrew 4x4 w/ 138k 5.4 triton
Would the dealership have done a complete tune up before they sold it? They changed the brakes all around but that's all I can tell

[Blue)(Fusion]

I really don't know what dealerships do when they go to sell a used vehicle. I suspect they'd try to spend as little as possible and go with the "if it's within spec and works, don't fix it" mentality. I could be wrong, though.

You can always pull plugs and check them for proper gap, check the plug wires, filters, and fluids yourself.

dfordski also has a point about the timing. Although you don't have to advance the timing, you should determine whether it is set appropriately. If it's retarded too much, it will kill your mileage and performance. The more advanced it is the more power you extract from the fuel. There's only so far you can advance though before it starts pinging.

[RahX]

The dealership will not do anything related to maintenance before they sell it UNLESS it is running like crap and it needs plugs or something. They definitely go for the 'if it ain't broke don't spend any money on it whatsoever' Some cars are lucky to get tires =\

[ken_man_1]

Just so you know, this truck doesn't have plug wires - it has COP (Coil Over Plug) - no distributor! I've got 3 of these trucks, and you're getting the same as me with mileages. Hope that opens the window for the obvious - just have no clue about the chip situation.

[Blue)(Fusion]

Since he has COPs, the OP and anyone else with COPs may find a benefit from a computer tune. Although for the price of one, it may not make sense in the end. A good tune will advance the timing to the point where peak efficiency and power is created. The tune is just doing the same thing that advancing the distributor would do. Oh and a tune can also optimize shifts for better economy, too. It can change shift schedules and TCC lockups. This is what I did to my car, except tuned it for better performance, which also boosted economy as a side effect. Just do NOT get one of those pre-programmed chips/devices. They are a ripoff. I get my tunes done by Lonnie at Blue Oval Chips but not sure if he does trucks. Alternitavely, you can get a dyno tune which will be the most expensive but give you the best results.

But putting the above expensive modification aside, proper tire pressure, tire alignment, and driving style can make a big difference in overall economy. Don't do jack rabbit takeoffs and you will improve economy in the city. Stick to the speed limits on the highway to improve economy on highway. Remember, the drag increases exponentially with speed.

[RahX]

Being that it is COP and that the computer controls every aspect of ignition timing, you would have to edit the timing tables manually. As it stands now the ignition is probably 85%-95% effective as far as gas mileage goes. You will see slim gains tinkering with the timing. A more aggressive timing curve will improve performance noticeably and (without detonation) fuel mileage slightly

[lovemyLS]

Thanks for all the great advice. I'll do some tinkering on it today. I did discover the previous owner used silicone to stop a leak in the sunroof. He covered it up with a wind deflector. I took all the silicone off and the front corner (gasket surrounding the glass is ripped up. It looks like something fell on it. Does anyone know where I can buy another glass piece? I have to replace some mechanical parts as well on it.
Thanks
JP