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Don Peter
Dodge Dakota
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12/11/2002
14:17:20

Subject: better milage blocking radtiator
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I have noticed my milage on my 99 5.2 has gone from 16.8 highway to about 14.8 in the past month, I live in new england its been real cold and I notice my temp gage runs about 140-150. If I black the radiator and bring the temp up to the 180-190 range will my milage get better?



REKER
*GenIII*
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12/11/2002
15:19:09

RE: better milage blocking radtiator
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hmmm... i dont know if that would raise gas mileage. But it might also be the crappy winter mix of fuel. I have a 4.7 CC 4X4 and i was getting around 16.5 to 17 city/highway mixed and now im getting between 12.5 and 13.5. The worst this year so far was 9.8!!... I didnt start seeing the 13.5 mark this cold season until i added Techron fuel system cleaner. Im not sure if that is why i went up to 13.5 but when i added it to a full tank, my avg didnt go up to 13.5 til it hit half tank.

Try that out, or if ur using a colder range plug like the Autolite 3923s, ive heard that u should gap ur plugs at .35.

ROB aka REKER

Mods: Alpine CD Head Unit, Pioneer 3-Way 6 1/2 in the Cab, Home Brew Grille(soon to be silver with clear coat), Autolite 3923 plugs, Custom Air Intake (blue fading into silver), GunMetal Black Altezza Taillights, Switched over to Mobil 1.
Next Mod: Performance Accessories 3

Clevite 77
GenIII
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12/11/2002
15:45:33

RE: better milage blocking radtiator
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when your truck is running warmer, the computer tells it to lean out. But of course, you go too lean you have spark knock. What kind of t-stat are you running?


Line-X over the rail
Grille-Tech Grill Insert
Clear Corners
Krypton 4300K Lights
H - Brew Intake
Dual Exhaust
Autolite Plugs
TPS Mod
180 R-Shaw T-stat
Removed Rubber Flap
Mobil - 1
JVC KD-SX980 MP3 Player

Donpeter
Dodge Dakota
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12/12/2002
06:18:03

RE: better milage blocking radtiator
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I don't know what is in it for a T-stat, I bought it used with 28,000 miles. I have a robert shaw 180 but planned on installing it before summer. It also has Cat back flowmasters and it has never pinged once since I have owned it. I have not tried injector cleaner or the 3923's but I thought the plugs were suppossed to stop pinging, a problem I do not currently have.

It just seems to me a colder ritcher mixture would cause worse milage, but I thought the thermostat should always keep the motor at 180-190 no matter how cold it is out.



BigBlue QC
GenIII
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12/12/2002
07:56:27

RE: better milage blocking radtiator
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the factories have in general been designing engines to run hotter to keep MPG figures up for the EPA.

2002 QC 4x4 Sport Plus, 4.7L, auto, Patriot Blue, Tire & Handling group,
Heavy Duty Service group, Leer cap w/out windows, Mopar Step bars and roof rack, Rhino liner in bed and on step bars, Pace Edwards Power Tailgate lock
3.55 rear, 4-wheel anti-lock brakes, all possible fluids are AMSOIL

Clevite 77
GenIII
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12/12/2002
10:41:50

RE: better milage blocking radtiator
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that's right, a rich mixture would cause bad gas mileage, and running a cooler t-stat will cause it to run richer. That's why when your blocking the radiator, it gets hotter and brings up your mpg


Line-X over the rail
Grille-Tech Grill Insert
Clear Corners
Krypton 4300K Lights
H - Brew Intake
Dual Exhaust
Autolite Plugs
TPS Mod
180 R-Shaw T-stat
Removed Rubber Flap
Mobil - 1
JVC KD-SX980 MP3 Player

Andy
Dodge Dakota
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12/12/2002
12:26:13

RE: better milage blocking radtiator
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Verify your temp gage is working right. If it is do something about the water temperature. Running at 140-150 will quickly create sludge in your engine. Also if your truck is not probably warmed up it is hard on it. Possibly your thermostat is broken or stuck open. Its not a bad idea to buy grille inserts either for the winter.



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