Increasing MPG on 2001 Durango (5.9)

[mizzoudude1]

Anyone have some ideas on how, besides driving the speed limit, to improve my crummy gas mileage? I was thinking about buying one of those Tornado's that you install inbetween your air cleaner and throttle body but I thought I'd run it buy you guys to see if this is a viable solution, or if there is more than I can do.

[wafrederick]

Do not buy it and it is a waste of money.Consumers Reports did a test on the tornado and 5 other gas saving devices,they do not work and they said you are wasting your money on this stuff.The gas saving devices do not work and Mythbusters did bust 3 or 4 of them except Biodiesel,which was confirmed

[mizzoudude1]

Hey thanks that should save me some money. I was soooo close to buying one.

[ghoghunter]

Is it time for a tune up?Or an oil change. go to napa or autozone and buy a can of seafoam,it will make a difference.just pore it in at a fill up and drive.

[rimfire,22]

Originally Posted by mizzoudude1

Anyone have some ideas on how, besides driving the speed limit, to improve my crummy gas mileage? I was thinking about buying one of those Tornado's that you install inbetween your air cleaner and throttle body but I thought I'd run it buy you guys to see if this is a viable solution, or if there is more than I can do.

mizzoudude,

Do not buy that junk "Tornado"!!! It doesn't work.

I'd check your records to see when you had a decent tune-up on the engine. Assuming it's been done this is what I'd do:

1. Change your oil to synthetic and use a 5W-30 weight brand like Mobil 1

2. Change your air filter for a fresh one.

3. Check your tires for proper inflation.

4. Don't run your AC

5. Take your long trips early in the morning or during the night hours

6. Try different brands of gas.


rimfire,22

[jdmccright]

I started a similar thread in the Toyota Camry section (my commuter beater). But I would add the following:

1) Remove extraneous appendages from the exterior (roof racks in particular) and dead weight from the trunk.

2) Check the alignment and brakes.

3) Take it easy starting from a stop, especially when you know you'll have to stop again in a block or two. Enough gas to get going, then coast to the next light.

4) If you know your truck's shifting habits, try to get it to upshift as soon as possible. Lower rpms and light throttle is better.

5) If you're stopped at a light and you know the cycle will be long, shut it off. You can keep the electrics on to run the blower fan to keep air circulating. Be sure to shift into neutral (it won't restart in gear!) and watch the lights so you can restart just before you have to go.

6) If A/C is a must (and there are those days!) turn it on only long enough to cool the cabin down. Then turn just the A/C off and use the blower and recirc to take advantage of the "swamp-cooler" effect your evaporator will get from the water condensate that forms on it. I use a cheap vent thermometer to gauge when the A/C is pumping the max cold air and when the air gets hot enough to need the A/C on again...abt 85 degrees for me.

7) I've found that shifting into neutral on long downhill stretches will help mileage since the gas fed into your idling engine is less than when in gear and the engine is serving as an engine brake. I can't say if you'll actually increase speed (my 4wd Dak doesn't!), but the column shift may make this maneuver a little harder to do. Remember to keep speeds in line with traffic, but a little slower and in the right lane won't piss anyone off.

Hope this helps!