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Rising Fuel Costs - Consumer's Phenomenon Here

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10-19-2011, 10:07 PM
billyt53
Rising Fuel Costs - Consumer's Phenomenon Here
For those of us who own oil burners, aka diesels, we use a pyrometer which measures exhaust gas temperature. The higher the number the more fuel is being consumed (BTU's are being generated)thus giving you a good idea of the load being placed on the engine. Our EGT's run between 750 & 850 degrees at 65 MPH cruise on flat land with no wind. At 750 degrees we average 8.5 mpg and @ 850 degrees we average 7.5 mpg. The single most contributing factor to mpg is speed, like Sammy Hagar proclaimed, I can't drive 55 but I did compromise at 65, down from 75. While I do accept the fact that ultimately it takes what it takes to move our rigs down the road, driver discipline is the single most contributing factor in our cost per mile to operate our vehicles.


Billy & Helen Thibodeaux

Retired from Billy Thibodeaux's Premiere RV, Inc. Scott, LA 70583 I-10 Exit 97
The Farm is near Duson, LA I-10 Exit 92 then N 1 mile on right
Three Full 50 Amp RV Hookups !
billynhelen@me.com
Data Tag: 9404-3908-36XI-2C
1994 Sovereign 36' Widebody on Spartan IC (Mountain Master Lite) Chassis.
Powered by Cummins ISL9-450
Onan 8,000 Quiet Diesel Genset
Toad: 2018 Chevy Colorado ZR2 Diesel with M&G Car Brake
10-19-2011, 10:26 PM
Rusty
Amen to that. My smaller engine (than billyt's) runs around 550°F at cruise, ~3 psi boost.

I'd add to billyt's advice that the boost gauge is also a good indicator, as boost will rise faster than EGT (but only slightly faster).

Comparing boost, EGT, and coolant temp - when they get out of their usual harmony - can indicate tme to do something, like change air filter or clean the radiator.

One device can definitely increase your fuel economy: The right foot.


Rusty


MilSpec AMG 6.5L TD 230HP; built-to-order by Peninsular Engines:  Hi-pop injectors, gear-driven camshaft, non-waste-gated, high-output turbo, 18:1 pistons.  Fuel economy increased by 15-20%, power, WOW!"StaRV II"

'94 28' Breakaway: MilSpec AMG 6.5L TD 230HP

Nelson and Chester, not-spoiled Golden Retrievers

Sometimes I think we're alone in the universe, and sometimes I think we're not.
In either case the idea is quite staggering.
- Arthur C. Clarke

It was a woman who drove me to drink, and I've been searching thirty years to find her and thank her - W. C. Fields
10-19-2011, 10:52 PM
billyt53
10-4 on that Rusty!


Billy & Helen Thibodeaux

Retired from Billy Thibodeaux's Premiere RV, Inc. Scott, LA 70583 I-10 Exit 97
The Farm is near Duson, LA I-10 Exit 92 then N 1 mile on right
Three Full 50 Amp RV Hookups !
billynhelen@me.com
Data Tag: 9404-3908-36XI-2C
1994 Sovereign 36' Widebody on Spartan IC (Mountain Master Lite) Chassis.
Powered by Cummins ISL9-450
Onan 8,000 Quiet Diesel Genset
Toad: 2018 Chevy Colorado ZR2 Diesel with M&G Car Brake
10-20-2011, 11:26 AM
Shadow man
No turbo on my bus, so no boost gauge and also no pyrometer. I just watch my exhaust. If i can see black smoke i know i am wasting fuel, so i let up on the pedal a bit or downshift if needed.
10-20-2011, 11:37 AM
Moonbeam-Express
My Detroit Series 60 comes with a thing called ProDriver. It measures fuel consumption constantly. I believe it was designed to track efficiency of multiple drivers in 18 wheelers as it has ability to put in many driver names and compare trips. It also tracks idle time which is a big factor in mileage in urban settings.

I've had the vacuum type gauges on my passenger vehicles, but this is a first for me on an RV. It has a great influence on how I drive as it appeals to my competitive nature to try to beat my last run economy Wink




Formerly: 1997 Barth Monarch
Now: 2000 BlueBird Wanderlodge 43' LXi Millennium Edition DD Series 60 500HP 3 stage Jake, Overbuilt bike lift with R1200GS BMW, followed by 2011 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited,
“I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list.”