I've got a 2000 V6 4.2 5-speed F150. I've been averaging around 15 miles to the gallon. What's the deal? I never really go over 3000 rpm's before shifting, and usually am under that. I drive it on the parkway to school and back mainly, and drive in the city sometimes stop-and-go driving. Also, what's the "red-line" on these trucks on the RPM? 4000? What's the standard that everyone goes to before shifting on these too on the RPM? Thanks in advance for any help that is posted. I need to get better mileage!

 

I've got a '99 4.2 Auto and am only getting 16 MPG..

jt

 

First of all, you have to realize that it is a TRUCK. Good gas mileage usually doesn't go hand in hand with them. But a couple things that can be done that might help A LITTLE are:
1. Spray the MAF wire with some Brakleen (sp?) or any brake cleaner that evaporates fast and doesn't leave residue.
2. Change fuel filter (pain in the frickin' A!)
3. Run a bottle of Redline Complete Fuel System Cleaner
4. Change the PCV valve
5. Go light on the right foot

However, all of these things are not really needed because your truck is so new.(except #5)
Some people might disagree with me with the stuff above, but you will probably just have to deal with it. Not all 4.2's get the same gas milage. Some get above 20, some in around your area.

Personally, I think it is worth it because it is such a great truck!

Oh, and welcome to the forum y'all!

 

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll look into them. I guess you're right about keeping the right foot from slamming on the gas. Like I said though, I'm generally pretty light on the gas. Oh well. What's the average/standard RPM that you should rev in each gear for a 4.2 V6 5-speed? I've been going around 2500 to 3000 before changing gears. Is this good or bad? Can I go higher and not hurt the truck? I'm new to this stuff. Thanks in advance.

 

be happy im getting 12.57 in town......

thats really exspensive.........

 

lol im with you guys, 13 in town, 15 freeway and like 12 towing on a good day, and mine only has 4 k miles just got it last sept....... O well....

 

I recently re-charged my K&N, changed the fuel filter, changed from motorcraft dino to valvoline durablend, cleaned the MAF, and put a bottle of Redline cleaner all over spring break and i saw a decent increase in my mileage when I made the trip from alpharetta, ga back to auburn, al.. My mileage is now about 17.5 highway even though I have 33" tires. I probably saved one to two gallons. (I also put my tailgate down)

And sorry, I don't know sh*% about manuals. I can't even drive one!

 

electric fans are cheap if you fabricate em (lil more than a hundred bucks) and will add 1 mpg for the most part.

For the rpm thing, check your manual, they have a chart that shows the best rpms to shift at to get the highest possible milage. Im betting you can rev safelt to about 5000 after that its quite a bit of stress with the rev limiter cutting in at 6000 i believe. 2500-3000 sounds a little high but you are a 6 cly so its nartural for you to be revving higher than a v8 so im just not sure, check the manual its a great guide.