ab882007

I have a 1990 Ford F150 5.0L 5SPD that seems to use a lot more fuel than a 5.0L normally does. It seems as the whenever I am into the excelerator had I can almost watch my fuel gauge deplete. Not sure if its actually using the fuel or if the gauge just doesnt work right some how. Has anyone else had this problem or seem to know what the problem is or if there is one?

ab882007

Okay... so I was out driving today and put five gallons of gas in and my gauge read 1/4 tank. I proceeded to drive 40-50 miles and I ran out of gas. I know this isnt normal, so what is the issue? I do have a slight exhaust leak just after the catalytic converter that runs off the engine to the exhaust. I know exhaust leaks contribute to a fraction of fuel milage. SO..Could that be some if not all of the problem??

smokinbutnotbroken

Not a whole lot of information to go off of.
Is this exhaust leak you speak coming from the 3/4"-1" pipe that connects from the exhaust up and to the egr system? If so i would definitley get to repairing that asap, the egr system is their for a reason and if it isnt functioning as it should it will affect gas mileage along with cylinder head temps, and overall running of the engine..

What i would do if i were you is pull diagnostic codes, very straightforward if you can follow written directions, im sure a how to is post here in the forums somewhere.

Before even pulling codes i would check all vacuum hoses are plugged in to the correct locations and dont have holes or cracks ANY where (very common problem)

come back and post the codes you get, and well go from their.

Best of luck,
Josh

ab882007

ok...ive been told it is the air tube... I have just made an appointment to get it fixed....as for codes, the check engine is not on right now.

smokinbutnotbroken

Your computer stores all problem codes in its memory (unless you reset it by unplugging the battery for a few moments) that have occured during drives, meaning just because your lights not on now doesnt mean it hasnt had problems come up and stored. If your taking it to a reputable shop they should know how to pull codes and be able to do it free it only takes 10 minutes tops.. After they do the repairs they SHOULD clear the computer and test drive then pull codes to be sure the problem has been fixed anyhow.
"air tube" sounds like somthing ford would name the part i described.

Josh

P.S. id still like to hear what, if any codes you retrieve before and or after your appointment for future reference.

Alweeja

Could there be a leak somewhere?

bullrider794

I'm having the same problem with my 1990 f-150 4x4. im getting 7.6 mpg highway and maybe 5 city i don't know tho because i live in the country i do have a camper shell and exhaust leak from the cat or headers what could i possibly do to get the mpg where it should be?

garbill2003

Fix your exhaust and go from their also egr

smokinbutnotbroken

Any exhaust leak within 2-3 feet from the block is no bueno performance theirs a HEGO after most of your guys cats or at the resonating chamber (which is within 2 -3 feet from the block). and while your under there fixing the leaks in the front make sure you look at/ repair leaks all the way through the system, dont want to hear about anyone getting carbon-monoxide poisoning.
That "air tube" that was talked about sucks exhaust after its been "filtered" through the cat up to the smog pump then dumped in the motor when needed.

Josh

ab882007

I just did mileage calculations and I am getting 12.8 even after I towed a Chevy S10 on a car trailer to the scrap yard. So I am going to chalk it up to just sitting too long. Thanks for the help guys.