Looking to Increase MPG ['89 F-250 7.3L Diesel]

[Nighthawkinlight]

Hey there,

I'm looking to purchase a truck and have come across a good deal from a friend for his near mint '89 F-250. The only issue I have is that the 7.3L burns 11 mpg.

What modifications could I add on to improve the fuel economy? Short of a turbo which I don't have the cash for, I've thought of getting myself a performance chip and cold air intake. I've only been able to dig up one or two chips that advertise compatibility with a diesel that old. The one that keeps coming up in searches is this: http://www.streetbeatcustoms.com/Dia...-R1000/560661/

Unfortunately I have not been able to dig up any information regarding that chip that does not come from a variation of the website it is shown on in the link. Has anyone ever used that chip? Or any sort of chip on a ford diesel as old as an '89?

Any other fuel economy suggestions?

Thanks
-Ben

[dfordski]

Seafoam treatment.

[Blue)(Fusion]

I don't think a PCM reflash will help much whatever the program. I strongly discourage the use of "pre-made" tunes, too.

I agree with dfordski to do a Seafoam treatment through the intake. I'm pretty sure it's safe to run trough diesel fuel system, too. If it is, go ahead and do that. To combat sludge and varnish in the crank case, I strictly use Auto-Rx. It isn't a solvent so it's very safe and does not change the chemistry of the oil. Works wonders.

Replace the filters - air and fuel. Check tire pressures. Drive intelligently.

[dfordski]

Originally Posted by Blue)(Fusion

I don't think a PCM reflash will help much whatever the program. I strongly discourage the use of "pre-made" tunes, too.

I agree with dfordski to do a Seafoam treatment through the intake. I'm pretty sure it's safe to run trough diesel fuel system, too. If it is, go ahead and do that. To combat sludge and varnish in the crank case, I strictly use Auto-Rx. It isn't a solvent so it's very safe and does not change the chemistry of the oil. Works wonders.

Replace the filters - air and fuel. Check tire pressures. Drive intelligently.

"Seafoam" use started w/ Marine Diesel's to address buildup resulting from prolonged idling.

[Blue)(Fusion]

So that's where the name came from. I always wondered that

[Nighthawkinlight]

Thanks guys for the suggestions. Sorry for the delay in the reply, I've been out of town. I'll be sure to use some seafoam and look into auto-rx.

Any other thoughts about chipping a vehicle that old? I'll likely avoid doing so, but I would like to know if it's even possible. I'm suspicious from a little reading I've been doing on the subject that suggests Ford vehicles aren't reprogrammable whatsoever until 1994.

[Blue)(Fusion]

I'm not sure what the old Ford PCMs are capable of, especially when it comes to the diesels. If anyone would know it is the folks over at SCT. They make the X3 handheld tuner I have (but I got a custom tune from someone else loaded on the device). SCT has the ability to mail chips if your PCM supports it since the handhelds are for OBD-II only.

[Nighthawkinlight]

Thanks for the link, I just sent them a message. Even if it doesn't get me anywhere on the 250 I appreciate the recommendation.