[Shotimes] gas mileage issues

Donald Mallinson dmall@mwonline.net
Wed, 14 Jan 2004 14:56:17 -0600


Jason,

24 on the highway for an automatic is not that bad.  MTX 
SHO's can regularly get high 20's and even low 30's, but ATX 
SHO's 24-27 is about the range.

If you were doing 70+ most of the time, then I would say you 
  are just fine.  If you were in any cold weather, or 
mountains then it was really good.

Total miles also depends on how much you filled it up before 
taking off.  I do NOT recommend that you fill much past two 
or three clicks though, it can lead to the charcoal canister 
(vapor recovery system) getting soaked and other problems.

Running it empty is also a bit hard on the fuel pump that 
relies on fuel for cooling.  (sounds a bit dangerous doesn't 
it?)  Another reason why Ford and most manufacturers 
calibrate the fuel gauge so it reads pessimistic.  Keeping 
the gas tank full also helps prevent moisture accumulation 
and rust in the fuel system.

Don M.
SHO Club

Hartberger, Jason M. ATAN wrote:

> I found out on my way back from Pittsburgh that my SHO will go precisely
> 421.6 miles before the engine dies. Fortunately, I found this out as I was
> coasting into a gas station, so no harm done, but it raised some questions.
> At that gas station, I put 17.6 gallons in my tank. Having done the math,
> that averages out to 24mpg. That seems a bit low to me... is there anything
> wrong with this number? this is going all highway, so I thought I'd be
> getting closer to 30mpg. Am I just delusional, or do I need to have a
> look-see at my engine?
> 
> Any help would be appreciated.
> 
> ATAN Hartberger, USN
> USS Theodore Roosevelt CVN-71
> 
> 94 red ATX, 19320 miles -- it's hexed, I swear (get it? huh?)
> _______________________________________________
> Shotimes mailing list
> Shotimes@autox.team.net
> http://www.team.net/mailman/listinfo/shotimes
> 
> .