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With no obvious signs, what raised your MPG?

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by Caslon, Jun 7, 2022.

  1. Jun 8, 2022 at 3:35 PM
    #21
    UnloadedRex

    UnloadedRex Tire and alignment guy

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    Oscar
    Jacksonville, FL
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    Make sure you’re doing regular maintenance. I was rocking 19mpg doing pretty much only highway then I cleaned my throttle body and changed spark plugs and got up to 21 mpg consistently. Still riding that high but it’s about to go down again because I’m putting bigger tires on :rofl:
     
    Key-Rei likes this.
  2. Jun 8, 2022 at 3:39 PM
    #22
    manapiko

    manapiko Well-Known Member

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    Would a bed cover help I wonder?
     
  3. Jun 8, 2022 at 3:43 PM
    #23
    UnloadedRex

    UnloadedRex Tire and alignment guy

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    I know TFL did a video on this relatively recently, I can't remember the exact numbers they got but I don't think there was much of an improvement if any. My truck came with a bedcover my grandpa put on and I use it too much to justify taking it off.
     
  4. Jun 8, 2022 at 4:08 PM
    #24
    manapiko

    manapiko Well-Known Member

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    I remember an old myth busters where MPG's were better with the windows up, even with the A/C on, than with the windows down.

    The truck profile is a much different than a sedan though.
     
    UnloadedRex and treyus30 like this.
  5. Jun 8, 2022 at 4:23 PM
    #25
    treyus30

    treyus30 70% complete 70% of the time

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    Trey
    Mesa / AJ, AZ
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    Historic plates and 2 bar
    The new Rivian trucks have a rear cab spoiler that disrupts the vacuum generated directly behind the cab, decreasing drag
     
    chrslefty likes this.
  6. Jun 8, 2022 at 5:34 PM
    #26
    sonoran

    sonoran Big Loop

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    Brob
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    Tires: BF Goodrich TA KO2 235/85-16 Matching Spare (in rotation) Rear Suspension: King 2.5 shocks Custom Alcan springs OME greaseable shackles Front Suspension: King 2.5 coil overs Total Chaos UCAs New OEM LCAs Total Chaos Steering knuckle gussets Total Chaos Steering rack bushings Rear Diff: ARB locker (Zuk-Built diff) ARB HD Compressor Rear diff breather extended Armor: Custom full-coverage skid plates Stubbs sliders CBI rear bumper CBI Frame plates Engine: 3RZ Custom over leaf spring exhaust LCE Heavy Flywheel, Pro clutch LCE Stage 1 Head LCE Stage 1 Cams LCE Balance Shaft Delete Bed: Flip-PAC Camper Spray-in bed liner Footman’s loops Canyon Cooler KIST bottle opener Recovery: Custom and very complete tool/service kit including angle grinder and impact HiLift (I know how to use it) and/or Solo skid floor jack depending on trip Glock e-tool (shovel) Strap Interior: Fire Extinguisher Saddle Blanket seat cover Alpine sound Exterior: Anza Headlights WeatherTech wind deflectors “One Less Sprinter” bumper sticker
    Ethanol free fuel, pizza cutter tires, balance shaft delete. Probably the most noticeable is the ethanol free 87 oct fuel. Starts crisp, idles smooth and about 2mpg better economy. I get about 22 mpg with my std cab, 3rz, 4x4 with 235/85-16 tires and a heavy camper shell. The no-eth is about $.50 more per gallon than E10 87. You can do the math.
     
    TWJLee and Key-Rei like this.
  7. Jun 8, 2022 at 9:26 PM
    #27
    LiftedOn35s

    LiftedOn35s Graduated!

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    Already mentioned, but driving with the windows up seems to bring significant improvements.. but I also drive with the windows down almost everywhere! :rofl:
     
  8. Jun 9, 2022 at 5:13 AM
    #28
    Jakuku Pahwheenis

    Jakuku Pahwheenis i provide useless forum contributions

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    J Phoenix
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    First tank of gas in new(old) taco...~18mpg. Changed oil/plugs/airfilter, put seafoam in the fuel tank. 2nd tank of gas ran ~20mpg.
     
    UnloadedRex likes this.
  9. Jun 9, 2022 at 6:54 AM
    #29
    leid

    leid Well-Known Member

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    ECGS & ZUK diffs w lockers/Marlin R150F/NITRO axles/winches
    My '97 Taco 4X4 V6 engine has always run like a Swiss watch with instant throttle response to the R150F 5 speed manual tranny. For many years, I got right at 20 MPG highway when driving the 436 miles to my hunting camp. And this was with all my hunting gear in the cab and several boxes of tools in the bed hauling a-- down the interstate at 75-80 MPH. I put a can of Berryman carb cleaner in the gas tank 1 or 2 times a year when filling it up. And I use Mobil 1 5W-30 oil with Toyota filter from Walmart. When the mileage would drop off, it was a "tell" that it was time to change the oil & filter. My 2020 V6 TRD 4X4 OFF ROAD does not get 20 MPG highway even with no load in it.
     
    Last edited: Jun 9, 2022
  10. Jun 9, 2022 at 3:15 PM
    #30
    chrslefty

    chrslefty Well-Known Member

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    What's a balance shaft delete?
     
    sonoran[QUOTED] likes this.
  11. Jun 9, 2022 at 3:41 PM
    #31
    manapiko

    manapiko Well-Known Member

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    Thats an interesting idea if it was pulled off well.
     
  12. Jun 9, 2022 at 4:17 PM
    #32
    treyus30

    treyus30 70% complete 70% of the time

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    Looks like it was made in a way that sacrificed upforce for breaking that vacuum. But not like trucks are known to be squeezing out downforce, so I think it was a good idea.
     
  13. Jun 9, 2022 at 4:23 PM
    #33
    Key-Rei

    Key-Rei Well-Known Member

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    The balance shaft is rod that's spun by the timing chain in a 4 cylinder motor (I don't believe they're in the Toyota v6s but I might be wrong on that one) it has eccentric weights on it that when spinning helps cancel out vibration generated from the combustion cycle.

    That said it's been more or less determined that it's unnecessary; while it does prove provide a smoother idling engine the extra vibrations aren't really noticeable beyond idle so you can remove it which reduces rotating mass therefore freeing up the engine response and improving mileage by reducing drag and spinning mass.
     
    Aardvark13 and chrslefty[QUOTED] like this.
  14. Jun 9, 2022 at 4:57 PM
    #34
    sonoran

    sonoran Big Loop

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    3RZ Thing. You wouldn’t understand :thumbsup:
     
    chrslefty[QUOTED] likes this.
  15. Jun 9, 2022 at 5:24 PM
    #35
    Jakuku Pahwheenis

    Jakuku Pahwheenis i provide useless forum contributions

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    how hard is it? Can/should I do it? Is there a how-to?
     
  16. Jun 9, 2022 at 6:10 PM
    #36
    sonoran

    sonoran Big Loop

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    If you find yourself with the timing cover off and see Balance chain assembly damage or a spun b shaft bearing then yes I would do the delete. But just to go in there only to do the delete? Probably not. That’s a big job. I see you have 245k on your 3RZ. I’m at 240 and did a major service/overhaul and discovered a cracked b chain tensioner. Since I did a LCE stage 1 head, cams, 35lb flywheel and some other fun stuff I decided to eliminate the balance shafts rather than repair them. Glad I did.
     
  17. Jun 10, 2022 at 12:48 AM
    #37
    Jakuku Pahwheenis

    Jakuku Pahwheenis i provide useless forum contributions

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    I’ll put that on my to do list for the timing chain job then (which is probably multiple times overdue). I’m in the process of examining my engine and making a plan for its overhaul. Is 35lb heavier than stock flywheel? What’s the advantage of switching that out?
     
    sonoran[QUOTED] likes this.
  18. Jun 10, 2022 at 7:33 AM
    #38
    vern650

    vern650 Well-Known Member

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    HBS leveling kit, 31x10.50 mudders, header/imco exhaust, rear billies, LR ucas, home brewed onboard air, cb radio
    Timing chain is a “lifetime” part and doesn’t need regularly replaced like the belts on the v6, unless some sort of issue arises. My 3rz has 345k and still going strong. I wouldn’t worry about the chain or balance shafts until you actually have a reason to rip the front cover off the engine. Heavier flywheel will allow the engine to lug a bit better without stalling, but will probably hurt responsiveness a bit. They’re popular for off-roading
     
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  19. Jun 10, 2022 at 8:05 AM
    #39
    Jakuku Pahwheenis

    Jakuku Pahwheenis i provide useless forum contributions

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    I see, thanks for the clarification. Can you describe some indicators that would tell me its time for a replacement? My fear is an old oil pump going bad without warning and I figured a pre-emptive replacement would be wise due to the high mileage, which would provide an opportunity to replace the timing chain/guide/tensioner while I'm at it. Just to keep things fresh.

    OP, sorry if I :threadjacked:
     
  20. Jun 10, 2022 at 8:37 AM
    #40
    Wulf

    Wulf auto dismantling & hoarding disorder

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    changing from AT to all seasons picks up 1-2 mpg in my experience, even for 35s
     
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