Dirty_Fingernails

First post here and still getting used to where to find threads etc. so any help pointing me in the right direction would be appreciated!

So here's the story,

Bought the truck in March 2018. Since then I have replaced the thermostat, spark plugs, alternator (exploded), and have cleaned the throttle body, MAF sensor, done a Sea Foam top end clean*, have done a few Sea Foam in the gas tank/oil treatments. Anyway, just pretty basic maintenance stuff.

The current issue is that it's going through a lot of fuel. This past summer/fall I was getting ~15L/100km (16M/Gal) (99% highway). Then I did a top end Sea Foam*.. Might be a coincidence but I'm now getting a whopping 20.75L/100km (11M/Gal) which is a difference of approx 200km (124M) per tank. It is winter in so I can accept that it's a factor in a hit in consumption, but this seems a little ridiculous. I don't smell gas, but it's hard to tell with snow and slush/dirt on the driveway if there's something leaking. Fuel filter has not been done but is the next thing getting done.



The other issues that I have noticed that might help with troubleshooting are the shudder at 60km/h (coils?) and the fan is intermittent at idle (air bubble in the coolant system?) and of course, the classic ticking.

No mechanic here. Any advice/links if any of you have encountered this sorta thing. If I'm missing any details let me know!

Thanks.

techrep

iTrader: (1)

Dirty_Fingernails

Ha! Hindsite 20 20 eh.

techrep

iTrader: (1)

powerstrokeaaron

The shudder at freeway speeds is usually worn plugs. If you have a bad coil you will feel it also at lower speeds at part throttle. Since you said you have the common tick I would say that your cam phasers are done either from failure or lack of proper oil pressure which will kill fuel mileage and the power band. If you plan on keeping the truck plugs and a timing job is probably needed.

650NutKase

99% of the time fuel consumption is determined by the right foot. A truck is much more sensitive to throttle input than a small car because of the engine size and weight it has to lug around. Pay close attention to throttle pressure and learn the "pulse and glide" technique. 16 is not bad at all. I get roughly 18 mpg mostly highway, 2wd and stock tire size.

diver64

I have the same truck not much more mileage. Do a timing job and change the cam phasers right now. Just suck it up and trust me on this one as I didn't and it cost me better than $2,000. I get 17mpg with mine running 285 tires and a leveling kit so something isn't right if your down that much. Change the fuel filter, change the coil packs and after the timing job let us know what your mileage is doing.
Also, don't discount such things as tire pressure, ball joints, tie rods, type of tires etc in this. All add up and as has been mentioned, don't run off the line at a stop light like Richard Petty doing a hole shot at Talladega.