Odd MPG increase

[Warlord]

On my first tank using GTX 10w30 I have recorded my best mixed driving MPG numbers yet. I was running 5w-20 before this. My little truck is a 2003 ranger with a duratec 2.3 and a 5spd manual gearbox. Anyways on my commute to work I was averaging about 28-29 US mpg but on my last tank I got 31mpg. The only difference was the oil. I know this is probably coincidental but it still seems strange. I love this truck, on purely highway trips I can get 33mpg with ease. Not too bad for a pickup eh?

 

[JeepZJ4.0]

I noticed an increase by simply taking off the Westin side step bars I had on the Jeep. I don't really need them, although, it makes washing this thing much easier with them on.

 

[LouDawg]

Quote:

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On my first tank using GTX 10w30 I have recorded my best mixed driving MPG numbers yet. I was running 5w-20 before this. My little truck is a 2003 ranger with a duratec 2.3 and a 5spd manual gearbox. Anyways on my commute to work I was averaging about 28-29 US mpg but on my last tank I got 31mpg. The only difference was the oil. I know this is probably coincidental but it still seems strange. I love this truck, on purely highway trips I can get 33mpg with ease. Not too bad for a pickup eh?

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Do it over several fill-ups then see how it averages out. I'd be surprised if you saw a significant increase in FE just based on a change in pcmo, especially if you went to 10w30 from 5W-20. (Don't know what you used before, though.)

BTW, how do you like your 2.3L Duratec? We have that in the Escape and have been really impressed with it. No, it's not gonna win a race, but it seems solid, gets decent FE for us (24.5 mpg average), and from what I've read is a reliable, durable little mill.

 

[Warlord]

The oil I was previously using was motomaster sythetic 5w-20. I love my duratec. It has enough power to do my little bit of towing and returns stellar fuel economy. The only complaint is that I understand they are partially unrebuildable. This shouldn't be a problem since modern engines shouldn't need a rebuild throughout their life.

 

[Max_Wander]

That Duratec 23 is a Mazda motor (The 'L3-VE', variable timing, or 'L3-DE', fixed timing) that's licensed to Ford and called Duratec by them. The same motor as Mazda6, Mazda3 etc with a different tune. Probably does not have the balance shaft though. You should expect great performance and a very long life from this engine!

 

[Junior]

For what it is worth, I have gotten my best MPG using 5w30 compared to 5w20. Although, I don't consider my single tank numbers to be significant and just chalk it up to closer to perfect driving conditions.