Increasing Fuel Mileage...

[Corey Bechtold]

Airjer or any other Mechanical wizards,

I recently bought a 1998 Chev 1500 with the Vortec motor. I have been trying to get it in tip top condition. First I replaced the brake pads and one rotor. Next I scanned the "Service Enging Soon" light and the code lists the EGR valve as a possible culprit. I don't know what that means but I'm sure it's nothing major (according to the dealer the compuer can reset the perameters to turn off the light). The truck has had a lot of warranty work from the original owner and it's in great shape.

That being said I have ran 3 tanks of gas through the truck and the fuel economy has been right around 15mpg. That is a mix of highway and stop and go driving. Is there anything I can do to improve the gas mileage? Also, should I worry about the "S.E.S" light? Lastly, are there any maintanence issues I should look out for with that engine?

Thanks,

Corey Bechtold

[DinkADunk]

Quote:

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In addition, car and truck manufacturers are now (for the last several years) starting to deny ALL engine warranties if it comes in with an oil-wetted gauze filter installed.

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Are you sure about that statement? Do you care to site GM, Ford, or Dodge service letters that state that engine warantees are voided by the use of these filters?

[Valv]

I don't understand what's the problem stating a product is not as valid as claimed. K&N has been "the best" filter for many years, until recent studies proved the opposite.

Yes many mfg won't even work on your vehicle if they see it installed, and definitely won't honor any warranty.

I run several diesel trucks and I don't even come close to the K&N, there's a lot better filters out there and they don't cost as much.

[Whoaru99]

Manufacturers can't flatly refuse service or warranty repair for using aftermarket parts/fluids/filters unless they prove the damage or incorrect operation is the direct result of using said products.

IMO, this falls into the "Tie-In Sales" provisions of the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act.

How far one takes it just depends on how hard you want to push the buttons and how many bridges you choose to burn pursuing it...

[Sonicrunch]

^^^As of late, I have been hearing of problems with the MAF and oiled filters. It seems the oil gets on the MAF's heated sensor wire causing erronoeus readings and premature failure. I can neither prove nor disprove this, it is only what I have heard via the grapevine.

Regarding fuel mileage, everybody has given good advice. I would like to add synthetic oil to the list. At the least, synthetic in you differentials. People may argue over synthetic in the engine and tranny, but I don't think anyone will argue against synthetic in the differentials.

[Jeremy airjer W]

Corey, I read up on that code last night. Basically the computer comes up with a desired EGR position based on the readings from the MAF and TPS. The computer then commands the EGR to match this position. It can monitor the posistion of the pintle and it needs to be withtin a certain percentage of the desired EGR position. I would imagine that you guys have a Snap-On scanner or equivalent? If you do then there is a test under the special tests function to check EGR. You can use the scan tool to open and close it while watching the actual posistion and the desired position. You will hear the engine start to struggle to run or even stall while you open the EGR. This is good! Even though the numbers may not match we know that it is functioning. As far as driving around with the check engine light on I personnally would not long term. If anything else fails you'll never know it. Little problems can turn into bigger problems if left unchecked!!

[Bassboy1645]

I sure hope you kept it! Its against federal law to remove or alter your emissions components or to even install an unapproved replacement converter. I believe it is also illegal to sell a vehicle that has had the converter removed.

Mcguyver55...I know...It still has a cat on it....it had 2 but ones gone...Everyone in town does that and the cops dont care as long as they dont catch you and your buddies reving engines in the neighbor hood at night same thing as straight piping in my book only I was cheap enough to not buy the pipes

[ScoutII]

Human nature is to use gadgets to make something better. A little improvement when I use this or that, but the real way to get better gas mileage is to drive responsibly. Avoid JACKRABBIT starts, slow down before a turn(brakes are not the only way to slow down, just take your foot off the gas pedal will slow you down), drive the speed limit or a little less, all things you can do and they don't even cost you money. I know it is a gadget world out there, but sometimes a simple less reactive way can get the job done better. Also it is a good idea to have your vehicle in good repair and operating at manufacurers recomended specs. Some fine tuning doesn't hurt, but it still takes energy to move an object.