One more question about fuel economy

[miwise]

Hello again,
I back because I forgot to ask one question about this Ford Econoline Van.
I have a 1990 ford econoline custom van. Does anyone know what type of mileage these things get? Mine has a 351 efi mated to a e4od tranny and is getting about 10 mpg. I just don't know if I should expect better. I thought it should be getting close to 15. Thanks!

[gbic1]

I have heard of people getting that milage but dont count on it. I dont have a van but do have two Ford trucks and one Bronco. Bronco has 5.0 overdrive and gets 10/13. Both trucks are 5.8 and get 9/14.5 and 9/15.8 and I have had these for many years with constant results.

[miwise]

I am glad to hear that it is normal and not just engine problems! Thanks for the info!

[miwise]

BTW, should I tow my boat in third gear? My manual says to leave overdrive engaged, but others tell me to force it to stay in third gear. Which should I do? It doesn't have enough power when going uphill. (mostly when towing boat, but engine bogs even without boat)

[miwise]

One more thing, sorry :-). . .Is compression of 120 psi on all cylinders bad, good, or indifferent? Could that be an indication of my low oil pressure problem? When I stop, sometimes (especially right after turning vehicle off then starting back up) I hear a grinding noise from the engine. What could cause this? Some have said that it could be main bearings, but it doesn't do it all the time. It doesn't do it if the engine isn't warmed up.