so uh what do i need to fix to get the mileage im supposed to be getting?

[CHKNFKR]

2) 1-1/2 hours of idling, I know you're not using a lot of fuel but when idling you're getting 0 mpg.

this sounds like the most obvious to me. I let my diesel warm up for 15 - 20 minutes a day, over three weeks (average tank life) that adds up. it costs me between 4 - 6 mpg average on the tank. the cold however does not effect my instant mileage while driving.

 

[doorgunner]

idling is usually necessary.....but it burns atleast 1 gallon of gas per hour....

I did an experiment and turned my engine off at traffic lights that I normally get stuck at in heavy traffic for a minute or more....also I shut the engine off in backed up traffic...I got an extra day of traveling to work by doing those things...

Yep...it was a pain at first getting used to restarting the engine, but 52 extra days a year of not idling pays off....

and it's not that bad on the starter either.....


BUT.....the engine needs to be tuned up first!!!!!

 

[v8318cid]

You may also want to check your secondary coil pack. If you're having to floor the gas (or something near that) to get to 55, that sounds suspect. I had a 92 that had completely lost the secondary coil pack. No warnings, no CEL. Just didn't work. Had spark once in a while (and usually only if I disconnected the plug wires from the top of the coil, of which I don't recommend while the truck is running), but apparently not enough to fire the secondary plugs. End result was a very sluggish engine and poor fuel economy. I have seen people say the secondary plugs were only for emissions, but I counter that. I promise you that without them, you'll notice a difference.

 

[dmassey]

You may also want to check your secondary coil pack. If you're having to floor the gas (or something near that) to get to 55, that sounds suspect. I had a 92 that had completely lost the secondary coil pack. No warnings, no CEL. Just didn't work. Had spark once in a while (and usually only if I disconnected the plug wires from the top of the coil, of which I don't recommend while the truck is running), but apparently not enough to fire the secondary plugs. End result was a very sluggish engine and poor fuel economy. I have seen people say the secondary plugs were only for emissions, but I counter that. I promise you that without them, you'll notice a difference.

Agree with the need for the secondary plugs and pack. My DIS module went on the link and whenit would act up, it knockedout one of the packs and the plugs it controlled - CEL cam on, idle dropped as well as performance. Replaced the DIS with a used module ($35) and the world was at peace again.