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Doing this will help the MPG

21K views 67 replies 39 participants last post by  BenchTest 
#1 ·
I will like to contribute with my first official post with something I did with my Jeep TJ and JK in the pass. Did this yesterday with my FJ and I can confirm I gain 3 - 4 MPG (tested today).
1 - Change air filter
2 - Change Spark plugs with quality one
3 - Engine clean and oil change with synthetic
4 - 91 oct

Drove 4 hours stock, than I changed everything in the list, drove 4 hours back and bingo!

Be safe!
 
#2 ·
For an engine clean what have you done in the past? A Seafoam treatment?
 
#3 ·
I could definitely use a clean/new air filter for my TRD cold air intake. And I need to replace my spark plugs, at my last oil change they suggested that to me.
 
#7 ·
#17 · (Edited)
Use the UK gallon.... as it's 4.546 litres instead of 3.785 litres for the US gallon your miles per gallon goes up significantly....

(Yes I know if I haven't anything constructive to say then I should say nothing, actually all very valid points from those being sensible, thanks!)
 
#30 ·
I prefer running stock Denso 3421 (Toyota SK20HR11) gapped at .043 They were made for that engine (and yes, they fit others) and perform well and have longevity.

There are many other brands available that work and probably do so equally well.
 
#24 ·
On a recent trip from Pittsburgh to Nashville and back, I got about 210 miles per tank on the first leg. Going back to Pittsburgh, I got about 280 miles per tank.
The only difference? A substantial head wind versus a substantial tail wind. (10 to 15 mph)
I was surprised at the (almost) 5 mpg spread!
 
#63 ·
On a recent trip from Pittsburgh to Nashville and back, I got about 210 miles per tank on the first leg. Going back to Pittsburgh, I got about 280 miles per tank.

The only difference? A substantial head wind versus a substantial tail wind. (10 to 15 mph)

I was surprised at the (almost) 5 mpg spread!


In a brick shaped FJ everything is a headwind ;)


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#27 ·
I don't use Sea Foam, but wash the engine and bay about every third time the FJ is washed (with high pressure soap & rinse at the car wash, but don't hold the wand too close). Dirt and Grim on the engine act as an insulator, and incrementally increases the running temperature of the engine. Besides, I like opening the hood and seeing a clean engine. It sends the message the owner cares about his ride.

Regular oil change, ensuring the spark plugs are replaced according to maintenance schedule and gapped properly, and replacement of the air filter are good common sense. Replacing an extremely dirty air filter will make a noticeable difference in mileage and performance, as proper air/fuel mixture is essential to good fuel economy.

I recommend that you pay attention to the antifreeze in the radiator (it is one of the fluids commonly overlooked today). About once every 15 to 20 thousand miles inspect it. Draw a sample from the radiator (when the engine is cool), and save it in a small vial. At the next interval draw another sample and compare color. Have the system flushed and replaced if color change is significant. However, at 100,000 miles flush and replace regardless. IMO

Regular monitoring of tire pressure is always a good idea. If you pull a trailer, add 3-4 psi to the rear tires. Trailer tongue weight will increase the rubber contact with the road, unless you boost the pressure a bit. Also, when pulling a trailer on the freeway, limit your speed. Out west speed limits are 75 and 80, but I limit myself to 65-70 when pulling a trailer (California law is even stricter). Even with trailer brakes, you don't want to apply emergency braking when driving too fast. Also, limiting the speed improves the reaction distance (reaction time doesn't change, but feet travelled per second is less; hence reaction distance).

Every once in a while I add my dos pesos to a conversation. Happy trails and be safe.
 
#29 ·
Agreed. For daily driving I run the cheap stuff because my combined city/hwy driving yields about 16mpg, sometimes 17. Straight highway with the cheap stuff gets about 18-19, while running 91-93 octane provides 21-22mpg regularly.
 
#32 ·
Back to the Sea Foam thing...I have used it in the past in my GM vehicles with great results. My favorite go-to for internal cleanings is Marvel Mystery Oil. Some hate it, some love it, some have never heard of it. I run it in every internal combustion engine that I have or have had. Lawn mowers, string trimmers, chainsaws, cars, trucks, etc. Engines run marginally cooler, definitely cleaner, and more efficiently. It's suitable for oil and gas use (fuel system and in the crankcase). I have been running this product for over 20 years with great results. All that said, I do not use it in my FJ crankcase as I believe the 0w20 Synthetic that I use regularly is more than sufficient. I have been into the top end of the engine and have seen very little deposit formation and I'm currently at 100k. I do use it in the fuel system and have consistently scene +1mpg increases vs. not running it. $5/qt at Wally World or $7-9/qt at your local parts house. It's been around a long time and is used by lots of bigshot mechanics. Take it for what you think that's worth.
 
#36 ·
Fluids are cheap, components are not. As a service writer at a repair shop, I will tell you that basic oil changes at 3000 miles, all fluids exchange at 30,000 mile intervals, spark plugs, induction service, air filter and fuel filter, thermostat at every 50K. Life is good for your FJ for 300,000 miles plus. Truly an easy ****tail with basic common ingredients. Synthetic oil add 1500 miles plus or minus. Oil changes every 3000 miles by a repeatable shop insures a free inspection of belts, fluids, drive train and basic operational systems. Should cost $20 bucks plus parts.

Change fluids religiously, inspect all components every 3000 miles, wash & repeat.


Recent rip mileage summary.



12-26-16 – Monday – leave home @ 09:00
Moriarity, NM – 9:40 - SUL
$34.50 - ??/gallon (no receipt) – 12.551 gallons – 190.2 miles = 15.15 mpg

Amarillo, TX – 13:20 – MUL
$32.00 - $2.27/gallon – 14.84 gallons – 250.6 miles = 16.88 mpg

OKC, OK – 17:00 – MUL
$33.43 - $2.22/gallon – 15.864 gallons – 237.7 miles = 14.98 mpg

Ozark, AR – 21:30 – MUL
$36.00 - $2.48/gallon – 14.520 gallons = 15.25 mpg

Memphis, TN – 00:45 – MUL
$31.00 - $2.19/gallon – 14.096 gallons – 221.9 miles = 15.74 mpg
Stop for $50 dollar flea bag room at 03:40

12-17-16 – Tuesday
Hurricane Mills, TN – 13:45 – MUL
$25.00 - $2.26/gallon – 11.068 gallons – 171.7 miles = 15.51 mpg

Sonora, KY – 16:50 – MUL
$31.00 – 2.48/gallon – 11.293 gallons – 179.7 miles = 15.92 mpg
Arrive Lloyd KY @21:00

12-28-16 -
Greenup, KY – MUL
$39.00 - $2.58/gallon – 15.121 gallons – 242.7 miles = 16.05 mpg

Oil Change, Ashland, KY – 16:40 – 113,491 mileage

12-30-16 – Friday
Grayson, KY – 18:30 – MUL
$33.50 - $2.70/gallon – 12.431 gallons – 205.0 miles = 15.2 mpg

Corydon, KY – 21:30 – MUL
$32.50 - $2.64/gallon – 12.314 gallons – 187.1 miles = 15.2 mpg

Mt. Vernon, ILL – 23:00 – MUL
$27.50 - $2.52/gallon – 10.918 gallons – 157.4 miles = 14.42 mpg

12-31-16 – Saturday
St. Robert, MO – 02:45 – MUL
$36.00 - $2.48/gallon – 14.520 gallons – 216.5 miles = 14.91 mpg

Vinta, OK – 06:15 – SUL
$35.00 - $2.46/gallon – 14.233 gallons – 202.4 miles = 14.22 mpg

OKC – 12:00 – SUL
$28.00 - $2.42/gallon – 11.573 gallons – 171.9 miles = 14.85 mpg

Claude, TX - 15:30 – MUL
$35.00 - $2.45/gallon – 14.291 gallons – 216.8 miles = 15.17

Tucumcari, NM – 16:30 – MUL
$19.01 - $2.39/gallon – 7.968 gallons – 134.4 miles = 16.88 mpg
Arrive at home 19:00

NM via Memphis/Nashville = 1,545 total miles – 36 total hours with hotel in Tennessee
NM via St Louis/Tulsa = 1,475 miles (< 70 total miles) - 29 hours with 3 hour nap in Sapulpua OK at 06:45 Saturday
Trip to Kentucky - @15.68 mpg - $260 in gas. Trip back to New Mexico - @15.10 mpg - $246 in gas (up hill)!~


Ateamnm
 
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