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1st Trip, MPG Question

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by Phillyguy, Jul 31, 2009.

  1. Jul 31, 2009 at 6:01 AM
    #1
    Phillyguy

    Phillyguy [OP] Member

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    So I took the truck for its first road trip and noticed the gas mileage was surprisingly low, but maybe I am just not used to it.

    Full tank of gas: 21 Gallons
    Total Miles driven on one tank: 320 (all highway, average 77 mph, 3 total people, no cargo)

    That averages out to be 15.2 MPG.

    This is a brand new truck and I figured to get at least 400 miles out of it. Does this seem low?
     
  2. Jul 31, 2009 at 6:06 AM
    #2
    Burgman

    Burgman I KEEEEEL YOU

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    might be a break in period but mine 2wd DC gets an avg of 19.5 and hwy 21+
     
  3. Jul 31, 2009 at 6:12 AM
    #3
    MassTaco

    MassTaco Well-Known Member

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    Did you run the tank dry?

    To somewhat accurately figure out miles per gallon: fill the tank, drive until it needs to be filled again, record how many gallons you put in on the second fill-up, then divide the number of miles driven by the volume of fuel put in.

    When my fuel light goes on, I can only put ~17.5 gallons in my tank. The most I've ever put in is just under 17.9 gallons after driving 408 miles (22.8 mpg)
     
  4. Jul 31, 2009 at 6:16 AM
    #4
    Untamed_SS

    Untamed_SS Stayed Up Too Late

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    I range anywhere from 14.8 to 15.6 depending on how I feel! :bananadance:
     
  5. Jul 31, 2009 at 6:18 AM
    #5
    wiscdave

    wiscdave Lets Do It!

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    Good luck going 400 miles between fillups. Mixed city and hwy is 18-19 in my neck of the woods with the 10% Ethanol BS additive. 100% gas and its 20-21mpg
     
  6. Jul 31, 2009 at 6:22 AM
    #6
    MassTaco

    MassTaco Well-Known Member

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    E10 is definately BS! But I'm still able to average just over 21 with 10% cornbooze.

    If I could run 100% gasoline, I would bet I'd be able to average 23 mpg, and do up to 24-25mpg on all highway road trips.

    I think that's impressive for a truck that will still tow my 6000 lb boat!
     
  7. Jul 31, 2009 at 6:40 AM
    #7
    Phillyguy

    Phillyguy [OP] Member

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    The truck is completely on empty right now (Needle on E). You are saying I should go fill up and see how many actual gallons I drove (320 miles/next fill up to full)?

    Good idea. Still would like to squeeze 400 out of it. Maybe a tonneau cover and less road rage will help.
     
  8. Jul 31, 2009 at 7:00 AM
    #8
    MassTaco

    MassTaco Well-Known Member

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    Exactly.

    I'm sure your tank still has a good bit of fuel in it. Like I mentioned before, when my low fuel light goes on and the needle is on the E, it still has 3.5 gallons left in it.
     
  9. Jul 31, 2009 at 7:02 AM
    #9
    Phillyguy

    Phillyguy [OP] Member

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    Somewhat comforting. I'll fill up and reply back.

    Thanks!
     
  10. Jul 31, 2009 at 7:27 AM
    #10
    DanGer

    DanGer Avatar approved by 98tacomav6

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    hey philly,

    I just want to add that you shouldnever run the tank lower than the fuel light. The fuel filter is cooled by sitting in the fuel left in the tank, and running it that low can lead topremature burn upof the filter.

    Wow i hope that made sense!
     
  11. Jul 31, 2009 at 7:52 AM
    #11
    senna

    senna Well-Known Member

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    The pump need's cooling not the filter.;)
     
  12. Jul 31, 2009 at 7:53 AM
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    Burgman

    Burgman I KEEEEEL YOU

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    good to know guys... are fuel pumps warrantied items?
     
  13. Jul 31, 2009 at 7:54 AM
    #13
    DanGer

    DanGer Avatar approved by 98tacomav6

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    haha thanks! I was in the correct mindset:D
     
  14. Jul 31, 2009 at 7:57 AM
    #14
    Phillyguy

    Phillyguy [OP] Member

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    Did not know that but I appreciate the advice. I do enjoy gambling at casino's but I am pretty sure I grew out of rolling the dice with empty light. I remember the days (high school and college) riding that light out as far as I could, periodically having to call a few buddies to nudge me the nearest station.

    But thats good info to know, thanks!
     
  15. Jul 31, 2009 at 8:03 AM
    #15
    MassTaco

    MassTaco Well-Known Member

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    I definately wouldn't recommend running the tank dry, but as long as fuel is flowing through the pump, it should be cooled. Is there something special about the tacoma fuel pump that's different than any other vehicle with an in-tank pump?
     
  16. Jul 31, 2009 at 8:04 AM
    #16
    DanGer

    DanGer Avatar approved by 98tacomav6

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    I have stated all I know haha. Chris 4x4 would be much better at answering you question and anything more advanced?

    I know if you run the tank dry, you start picking up all the sediments that settle to the bottom of the tank.
     
  17. Jul 31, 2009 at 8:08 AM
    #17
    senna

    senna Well-Known Member

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    I have all way's contended the same thing. But there are many that would argue that the fuel surrounding the pump does the majority of cooling. I can't prove it either way, but would have to see conclusive testing to be convinced that fuel running through the pump is not capable of doing the job.
     
  18. Jul 31, 2009 at 8:27 AM
    #18
    MassTaco

    MassTaco Well-Known Member

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    hahaha, I understand. Chris4x4 is a great resource.

    I kind of disagree with you about sucking up sediment from the bottom of the tank if you run the fuel level too low. Think about it, the fuel pick-up always draws from the bottom of the tank, not just when the fuel level is low. If there's junk down there, the pump will suck it up regardless of the level in the tank.
     
  19. Jul 31, 2009 at 9:32 AM
    #19
    FL4x4Taco

    FL4x4Taco Well-Known Member

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    You have to fill it til the pump clicks. drive X amount of miles. then fill it back up til the pump clicks. now you can divide the miles driven by the gas put back in. For me I just filled up yesterday and was surprised I went 313 miles on 16.0 gallons of gas; 19.6MPG. That was driving it hard for a few days to, using 4wd on wed roads, driving back and forth to work, errands etc. All I have access to is 10% Corn Crap. That shit is a joke. Gas prices are high enough, and to water them down 10%. WTF.
     
  20. Jul 31, 2009 at 12:58 PM
    #20
    06dak

    06dak Well-Known Member

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    Shoulda bought the 4 cyl... I can routinely go 400mi+ on 17~18 gallons of gas!

    :)
     

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