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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 69,390 Likes: 4
Campfire Kahuna
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Campfire Kahuna
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 69,390 Likes: 4 |
I went to several dealers looking at F250 , with the 7.3 used vehicles, from mid trucks all the way to most expensive, none had over 30-k, looked on steering wheel at current mileage from last owner, everyone ha 12 to 14 mpg recorded, don’t know what rear end or transmission they had, but decided I would keep my Ram that gets 18.5 mpg , not much difference between premium and diesel fuel prices. Mine doesn’t require or get premium. Manual calls for 87. At higher elevations (over about 2000'), 85 will work fine. Elevation affects octane that way. We're at about 3500 and all the stations here sell 85 as regular.
“In a time of deceit telling the truth is a revolutionary act.”
― George Orwell
It's not over when you lose. It's over when you quit.
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Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,054 Likes: 3
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,054 Likes: 3 |
I went to several dealers looking at F250 , with the 7.3 used vehicles, from mid trucks all the way to most expensive, none had over 30-k, looked on steering wheel at current mileage from last owner, everyone ha 12 to 14 mpg recorded, don’t know what rear end or transmission they had, but decided I would keep my Ram that gets 18.5 mpg , not much difference between premium and diesel fuel prices. were it makes sense is when buying new. the extra cost of the diesel engine, the regular Maintenace costs, fuel etc all add up.....bob
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,528
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,528 |
I went to several dealers looking at F250 , with the 7.3 used vehicles, from mid trucks all the way to most expensive, none had over 30-k, looked on steering wheel at current mileage from last owner, everyone ha 12 to 14 mpg recorded, don’t know what rear end or transmission they had, but decided I would keep my Ram that gets 18.5 mpg , not much difference between premium and diesel fuel prices. why do you need premium?
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 11,352
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 11,352 |
I put everything from 85 to 91 in mine and like to run non ethanol when I can find it. I can't tell too much difference. Last long run with a load of locust in the bed, I got 15.6 at 72 mph. Its a very capable truck for me and all I wanted was basically a heavy half ton. I still like mine.
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Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 1,007 Likes: 1
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 1,007 Likes: 1 |
Premium? I never thought that any output motor today would run on anything but mid grade on emergency, but premium required, this cubic inch motor and horse power should run its best on Ethel and best mileage, my 6.4 is premium, why would Foed not be, sounds to me like yall don’t want to spend the money. I’m going to Ford site and find out what factory says, not trying to be smart ass, just doesn’t sound right for any high output motor.
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Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 1,007 Likes: 1
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 1,007 Likes: 1 |
Well, I have read several Ford sites and can’t get a definitive answer on octane on 7.3, but it is only a 430 HP motor, my 6.4 is 473 HP, which may be why it’s 91 to 93 octane, I know when I test drove the Fords they had plenty of pep. My Dodge 6.4 gets 17 mpg , but it only weighs 63 hundred pounds in a Grand Wagoneer, decided I had enough trucks.
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Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 8,183 Likes: 1
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 8,183 Likes: 1 |
In today’s world of variable timing and constantly self tuning engines why wouldn’t a manufacturer design the engine they’re pushing as a work truck engine to run on cheap gas? It’s a big block designed for HD pickups, freight vans, and small dump trucks, jobs and people who might not have premium available at every corner store.
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 69,390 Likes: 4
Campfire Kahuna
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Campfire Kahuna
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 69,390 Likes: 4 |
Googling the 7.3 octane requirements, I didn't find any that require more than 87. At higher altitudes, over about 2500', 85 works just as well. Octane is a chemical they add to prevent pre-ignition, or knocking. At higher altitudes, the air pressure is lower and that results in less knocking. Using higher grades is just a waste of money. The gas is the same. The only difference is the amount of the ignition retardant they put in it. Many stations have 2 storage tanks. One holds the lowest octane gas, the other holds the highest. The pump mixes them to get the in between grades. The high octane prices are just a big money maker for the stations. Many drivers use it when it's not needed thinking it's better gas. It hits the wallet hard.
Alcohol is a pre-ignition retardant, too. It has some less than beneficial properties as most of you know.
“In a time of deceit telling the truth is a revolutionary act.”
― George Orwell
It's not over when you lose. It's over when you quit.
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Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 195
Campfire Member
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Campfire Member
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 195 |
I like my 7.3, all the power I need in a gas motor. MPG isn’t the greatest, but I didn’t buy it for that. Zero complaints.
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Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 6,165
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 6,165 |
I know they're HD pickups meant for towing, not MPG, but I've still got to ask:
Mileage running empty on the highway and @ what speed if you don't mind? As high as 17 at 70. Hills and headwinds affect. Daily driving 13 with 50-50 California freeway driving. I had to have a catalytic converter replaced at 20,000 miles, otherwise it has not been in the shop. 22 F250 XLT premium package, 28,000 miles. I know they're HD pickups meant for towing, not MPG, but I've still got to ask:
Mileage running empty on the highway and @ what speed if you don't mind? 22 f250 70-75 11 mpg......around town 10-11.......I was hoping for 15-16 on the open road. 16,000 miles. had to have evap can filter cleaned because of intake location....sucking up dirt....bob Which gear ratios if you don't mind please. Mine has the standard 3.55. First gear is lower than the older 6 speed trans with 4.30s.
Fight fire, save lives, laugh in the face of danger.
Stupid always finds a way.
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Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 6,309
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 6,309 |
I know they're HD pickups meant for towing, not MPG, but I've still got to ask:
Mileage running empty on the highway and @ what speed if you don't mind? As high as 17 at 70. Hills and headwinds affect. Daily driving 13 with 50-50 California freeway driving. I had to have a catalytic converter replaced at 20,000 miles, otherwise it has not been in the shop. 22 F250 XLT premium package, 28,000 miles. I know they're HD pickups meant for towing, not MPG, but I've still got to ask:
Mileage running empty on the highway and @ what speed if you don't mind? 22 f250 70-75 11 mpg......around town 10-11.......I was hoping for 15-16 on the open road. 16,000 miles. had to have evap can filter cleaned because of intake location....sucking up dirt....bob Which gear ratios if you don't mind please. Mine has the standard 3.55. First gear is lower than the older 6 speed trans with 4.30s. Mine is 10 speed with 4:30
Buy once, cry once.
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,872
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,872 |
2022 with the tremor package. 4:30 with 35” off-road tires. About 11.5 around town. 14.5 Hwy.
Between 8.5-9.5 towing a bumper pull trailer with a 10,000 gvw. Probably only weighs 8,500-9,000
No issues so far with 28,000 on it.
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