Surprised by my gas mileage

[FX4Offroad]

I get the economics.

But using lower octane fuel gives you a greater chance of knock and preignition. Coupling that with the higher rpms and therefore boost levels of sport mode is not ideal.

Understood that the computer will adjust for it. But it does so by sensing bad things that I'd prefer not happen at all.

IMHO, turbo cars get the best fuel available. I find it cheap insurance.

I have no evidence to back it up, but I believe that most people with major Ecoboost engine problems were using cheap gas and a poor maintenance schedule.

I don't disagree with you however, I would need some evidence that what you say is a fact. Regarding cheap gas, lets not confuse cheap gas with lower octane quality gas. The price doesn't necessarily mean the gas is cheap or potentially harmful to turbo engine. Doesn't the owners manual recommend 87 octane and higher octane under certain conditions?

Regarding the maintenance schedule - I agree 110% that maintenance is absolutely paramount to the longevity of any vehicle.

I certainly don't want to harm the engine but I'm also no longer a "gearhead" that's into racing Tacoma's - oh wait, I did recently do that. Oops.

Sponsored

 

[Leftcoast]

I get the economics.

But using lower octane fuel gives you a greater chance of knock and preignition. Coupling that with the higher rpms and therefore boost levels of sport mode is not ideal.

Understood that the computer will adjust for it. But it does so by sensing bad things that I'd prefer not happen at all.

IMHO, turbo cars get the best fuel available. I find it cheap insurance.

I have no evidence to back it up, but I believe that most people with major Ecoboost engine problems were using cheap gas and a poor maintenance schedule.

AFAIK Ford just doesn't wing it when specifying octane ratings. They are not going to spec an octane rating that will grenade motors. There is now a significant number of vehicles in operation and Ford hasn't issued a TSB.
If you believe your no evidence gut feeling supercedes Ford's engineering department, go for it. Just don't piss down my neck and tell me it's raining.

 

[P. A. Schilke]

AFAIK Ford just doesn't wing it when specifying octane ratings. They are not going to spec an octane rating that will grenade motors. There is now a significant number of vehicles in operation and Ford hasn't issued a TSB.
If you believe your no evidence gut feeling supercedes Ford's engineering department, go for it. Just don't piss down my neck and tell me it's raining.

Hi Folks,

As part of any new program at Ford, there is a Octane sensitivity test procedure. The fuel station at the Test Track in Arizona has fuels of various octane ratings and the test vehicles have fuel drains. Last time I ran Octane was at the old Yucca Flats proving ground and the actual testing was done at Needles California due to very dry and HOT temps. Ford does not use "gut feeling" but a specific test process with a documented engineering test report that is then shared with the Program and Engine Engineering. The PCM calibration staff usually conduct the test. The final report is then archived in the program archives.

Best,
Phil Schilke
Ranger Vehicle Engineering
Ford Motor Co. Retired

 

[D Fresh]

I don't disagree with you however, I would need some evidence that what you say is a fact. Regarding cheap gas, lets not confuse cheap gas with lower octane quality gas. The price doesn't necessarily mean the gas is cheap or potentially harmful to turbo engine. Doesn't the owners manual recommend 87 octane and higher octane under certain conditions?

Regarding the maintenance schedule - I agree 110% that maintenance is absolutely paramount to the longevity of any vehicle.

I certainly don't want to harm the engine but I'm also no longer a "gearhead" that's into racing Tacoma's - oh wait, I did recently do that. Oops.

I know my personal fuel requirements go above and beyond. But here's what the manual says...

Your vehicle is designed to operate on
regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum
pump (R+M)/2 octane rating of 87.

Some fuel stations, particularly those in
high altitude areas, offer fuels posted as
regular unleaded gasoline with an octane
rating below 87. The use of these fuels
could result in engine damage that will not
be covered by the vehicle warranty.
For best overall vehicle and engine
performance, premium fuel with an octane
rating of 91 or higher is recommended. The
performance gained by using premium fuel
is most noticeable in hot weather as well
as other conditions, for example when
towing a trailer. See Towing (page 210).
Do not be concerned if the engine
sometimes knocks lightly. However, if the
engine knocks heavily while using fuel with
the recommended octane rating, contact
an authorized dealer to prevent any engine
damage.
We recommend Top Tier detergent
gasolines, where available to help minimize
engine deposits and maintain optimal
vehicle and engine performance. For
additional information, refer to
www.toptiergas.com.

I live in the high plains, due to altitude our "regular" is 85 octane. The cost difference between mid and premium, 91, is worth it to me. Also, note that grocery stores with loyalty fuel discounts and big box stores are generally not "top tier" rated. At least I've never seen it on their pumps. I try to avoid them as well.

AFAIK Ford just doesn't wing it when specifying octane ratings. They are not going to spec an octane rating that will grenade motors. There is now a significant number of vehicles in operation and Ford hasn't issued a TSB.
If you believe your no evidence gut feeling supercedes Ford's engineering department, go for it. Just don't piss down my neck and tell me it's raining.

1. I certainly didn't piss down anybodies neck, and I don't think I ever gave a weather report.

2. Ford, like all manufacturers will balance their recomnendations with their warranties. Their requirements are designed to last through warranty. I like my vehicles to last a little longer than that. Will a motor that uses the internal knock sensor to adjust for lower quality grenade on you, certainly not. But it will not last as long as one who has seen half the knock events.

3. Put what you want to in your vehicle. To me a little piece of mind is worth the 3-4 cents a mile running premium costs.

4. The manual basically says premium is recommended, but regular will suffice. I don't normally do the minimum in anything.

5. The 2.3l EB engine has a compression ration of 10:1. And stock can hit 20 lbs of boost. That means an equivalent of a 23.6:1 compression ratio under full boost. Nobody in their right mind would run regular fuel in an engine with a static CR that high.

6. Knock is BAD, even if only detectable by the knock sensor.

 

[Langwilliams]

I try to get only top tier fuel...maybe one out of 5 tanks isn't top tier. I prefer Shell an premium is $.70 more than regular, Marathon is $.50 but isn't as close to me....Running premium costs me about ten bucks a week so one less trip through the drive through covers it....I calculated I'd have to see a two MPG increase from using premium to "break even" for the cost increase an personally I haven't seen it. If regular 87 hit's $3.50 a gal I might go back to the 87 tune for principle...paying over $4 p!$$e$ me off.

OP have you done hand calculated tanks to verify your MPG on the trip computer? I got mine calibrated to within .05 every time.

 

[ranger-rick-roll]

Is there any ability on the Ford tune to adjust for octane? Or just disable it entirely for the times I may need to use 87?

 

[NickTheEnforcer]

2019 crew 4x4 20,200 miles now, originally getting 17-ish which sucked b/c I'm not as lead footed as I used to be! then switched up to Sam's Club 93 and the intermittent idle-shake stopped [especially when IL goes to winter fuel mix]. MPG's went up to 20.7 to 22 average around town. Not sure how much oil weight/type plays but I run Castrol Edge full-synth 5w-30..

 

[FX4Offroad]

I know my personal fuel requirements go above and beyond. But here's what the manual says...


I live in the high plains, due to altitude our "regular" is 85 octane. The cost difference between mid and premium, 91, is worth it to me. Also, note that grocery stores with loyalty fuel discounts and big box stores are generally not "top tier" rated. At least I've never seen it on their pumps. I try to avoid them as well.



1. I certainly didn't piss down anybodies neck, and I don't think I ever gave a weather report.

2. Ford, like all manufacturers will balance their recomnendations with their warranties. Their requirements are designed to last through warranty. I like my vehicles to last a little longer than that. Will a motor that uses the internal knock sensor to adjust for lower quality grenade on you, certainly not. But it will not last as long as one who has seen half the knock events.

3. Put what you want to in your vehicle. To me a little piece of mind is worth the 3-4 cents a mile running premium costs.

4. The manual basically says premium is recommended, but regular will suffice. I don't normally do the minimum in anything.

5. The 2.3l EB engine has a compression ration of 10:1. And stock can hit 20 lbs of boost. That means an equivalent of a 23.6:1 compression ratio under full boost. Nobody in their right mind would run regular fuel in an engine with a static CR that high.

6. Knock is BAD, even if only detectable by the knock sensor.

Fortunately, I live in Florida where we are 1" above sea level (possibly less). The only hills here are bridges and trash dumps.

Regarding Number:

1. Didn't I see you on the weather channel?

2. I hope your wrong about that and they design these engines to last longer that the warranty when using the minimum of anything. I'd like Phil's take on this one.

3. Makes sense.

4. I'm usually the same - except for this it seems. ?

5. I should have considered this when I blew the doors off the brand new (sticker still on the window) Tacoma. Now that I think about it, I was running 93 at that time. ?

6. Ok

 

[Porpoise Hork]

Took a trip from NJ to NC this past weekend. I averaged a little over 25 mpg and most of my driving was at 70 mph using the adaptive cruise control.

Does Virginia use winter fuel?

I have never seen 25 mpg in my truck before. I currently have around 23,000 miles on it.

Yeah I am very impressed with the mileage I get out of mine. Running the 5 Star 93 octane tune on it. Took a trip last week from Houston to Waco and back (approx. 370 miles). My average speed 68 MPH with cruise control and got 28 mpg out of it. City driving it gets 24-25mpg as long as I keep my foot out of it. I also have a K&N drop in and free flow muffler on it that may also contribute to the mpg as well.

 

[FX4Offroad]

Yeah I am very impressed with the mileage I get out of mine. Running the 5 Star 93 octane tune on it. Took a trip last week from Houston to Waco and back (approx. 370 miles). My average speed 68 MPH with cruise control and got 28 mpg out of it. City driving it gets 24-25mpg as long as I keep my foot out of it. I also have a K&N drop in and free flow muffler on it that may also contribute to the mpg as well.

I ran a 5 Star tune on my previous 2014 F150 5.0 L FX4 with a 4" lift. Thing was a beast however, I promised myself I wouldn't make any engine mods on this truck. I've got - oh - probably 4k in non-mechanical mods but nothing with the suspension or engine.

Upgrading to 93 would be the most I'll do with this truck. Getting too old for that stuff.

 

[D Fresh]

Fortunately, I live in Florida where we are 1" above sea level (possibly less). The only hills here are bridges and trash dumps.

Regarding Number:

1. Didn't I see you on the weather channel?

2. I hope your wrong about that and they design these engines to last longer that the warranty when using the minimum of anything. I'd like Phil's take on this one.

3. Makes sense.

4. I'm usually the same - except for this it seems. ?

5. I should have considered this when I blew the doors off the brand new (sticker still on the window) Tacoma. Now that I think about it, I was running 93 at that time. ?

6. Ok

I'm sure my take on Ford's requirements and warranty are a bit cynical. But there are always bean counters involved.

I'd certainly take it easy on the go pedal if running regular gas.

 

[rang19ca]

IMO, turbo engines require the best octane I can find. If Ford recommends 91 or higher octane for best performance, that is what I use. This truck will be with me for a long time and I want to keep it running well.

 

[Leftcoast]

I know my personal fuel requirements go above and beyond. But here's what the manual says...


I live in the high plains, due to altitude our "regular" is 85 octane. The cost difference between mid and premium, 91, is worth it to me. Also, note that grocery stores with loyalty fuel discounts and big box stores are generally not "top tier" rated. At least I've never seen it on their pumps. I try to avoid them as well.



1. I certainly didn't piss down anybodies neck, and I don't think I ever gave a weather report.

2. Ford, like all manufacturers will balance their recomnendations with their warranties. Their requirements are designed to last through warranty. I like my vehicles to last a little longer than that. Will a motor that uses the internal knock sensor to adjust for lower quality grenade on you, certainly not. But it will not last as long as one who has seen half the knock events.

3. Put what you want to in your vehicle. To me a little piece of mind is worth the 3-4 cents a mile running premium costs.

4. The manual basically says premium is recommended, but regular will suffice. I don't normally do the minimum in anything.

5. The 2.3l EB engine has a compression ration of 10:1. And stock can hit 20 lbs of boost. That means an equivalent of a 23.6:1 compression ratio under full boost. Nobody in their right mind would run regular fuel in an engine with a static CR that high.

6. Knock is BAD, even if only detectable by the knock sensor.

Please provide documentation to back up another one of your bogus remarks. Provide documentation that states Ford only engineers their vehicles to last through the warranty.

 

[P. A. Schilke]

Please provide documentation to back up another one of your bogus remarks. Provide documentation that states Ford only engineers their vehicles to last through the warranty.

Hi Left,

We engineer and test to 150,000 miles of the 90 percentile customer...not the warranty period.

Best,
Phil Schilke
Ranger Vehicle Engineering
Ford Motor Co. Retired

 

[Rp930]

Is there any ability on the Ford tune to adjust for octane? Or just disable it entirely for the times I may need to use 87?

No.

Sponsored