I have a 1998 F150 XLT with the 4.6L and automatic transmission. It has 196,000 miles on what I am fairly sure to be an all original power train. It has been well maintained.

The problem is it only gets about 15 MPG on regular unleaded. The plugs were recently changed with Motorcraft plugs and good wires put on.

What I need to know is what are the best dollar value improvements that can be done to improve the gas mileage. I do not carry any heavy loads or pull anything. The truck is only used to drive around town and short trips.

I tried to do a search but a search for better gas mileage kinda brings back very random results and there was not a how to on this.

I plan on keeping the truck so do not mind investing in it.

Please only post suggestions that you know to work.

Thanks.

 

If you're doing short trips in the city, then 15 MPG is good mileage.

 

Few are going to tell you what works in the context of what you are looking for.
If you would be looking for 17 mpg average, that is a large order to have on a 'regular basis'.
It's about a 3 mpg increase from 15.
On 196k mile motor your looking at harder tires, change the ox sensors and driving style plus 5w20 weight oil and plugs kept fresh often and assuming the cats are not getting restricted.
Mileage depends on ambient temperature, barometric pressure, fuel quality plus how you drive and system condition.
It's just not simple changes trying to fool a computer system that constantly varies it's operating conditions as all these items very.

Otherwise it's not going to happen on an average increase basis for real.
Good luck.

 

Pump up the tires to 40 psig. Install a program. I'm very pleased with my Superchips program.

At 119k miles, I drove my truck from Homestead, FL where I was working to Wilmington, NC where I live (800miles). It was mostly interstate and I ran 10mph over the limit everywhere which meant I was doing 80mph much of the trip. I checked the mileage carefully and got 14.4mpg. I checked the tire pressure and it was 30psig in all four tires. That week I was home, I replaced my plugs for the first time and pumped u the tires to 40psig(Michelin). With new plugs and higher tire pressure I got 16.0 mpg on the way back again running 80mph much of the way. (with Superchips before and after)

 

I had to buy a new 2013 F150 with the Eco to get 17 mpg on my commute and 21 mpg on the hwy.... Traded in a 97 F150 with the 5.4 in it that got at best 17 mpg on the hwy and about 15 on my commute.

I think you are doing pretty good at 15 mpg as it is, so unless you know how to do that "hyper mileage" thing or suck it up and just accept it for what it is, there is no magic add on that's going to make any significant gain... Well, there is the "Tornado", but that won't work either..

Good luck!

Mitch

 

Moped! lol. Truck is a truck man. I wouldn't sweat or spend excess money to gain one or two mpg. Just being honest.

 

I run close to max inflation on my tires as I regularly have loads in the truck. It helps. Stock sized tires are better than oversize tires. As well, a narrow 30" tire is better than a wider 30", as an example. Check your brakes. I didn't realize I had a problem until I noticed a rubbing noise. Part of one of the rear backing plate guides had rusted and separated and was dragging. Slow down. None of these are sexy but they do help.

 

Why would they be, -and help with what...exactly ?

Must be a Typo of sorts ?

 

Lower your truck! less wind resistance

 

What oil are you using? When I switched to high millage oil I noticed a little bump in mpg and it's an easy thing to do.

 

If you really want gas mileage buy an economy car! If you spend all the money on needed maintenace you might get that truck up to 18 on the highway if you are lucky..