Milage.....how can I increase 20mpg on this car from CA?????
 

Anybody have any ideas??? 300D has 312k, with diesel fuel up to $2.45 per gal, it's a big concern. Car came from California, are there any anti pollution devices on this that I don't know about, as well as any ideas on how to increase MPG?

All feedback welcome.

Thanks

Without being sure how the car is driven, your expectation shouldn't be for much more than 25 combined city- highway. To get it at peak performance, it's fairly simple- new air and fuel filters, frequent oil changes, proper valve adjustment and IP timing. Also get timing chain checked for excessive stretch. Take note of any other symptoms of poor performance- excess smoke, significant speed loss on steep hills (once cruising at 65, it shouldn't drop below 60 on a long steep grade). Also, make sure the brakes are'nt binding, and that tires are well inflated to at least 32 PSI- I keep mine at 36. Anyway I just did a pure highway trip with my '76 300D yesterday- 273 miles nonestop at 70 MPH, and got 29 MPG Imperial (Canadian) on winter Diesel, which translates to approx 23.5 U.S. With summer Diesel I was getting a little better but not much.

Dave

'76 White 300D W115 "Pearl"

One thing to check is to make sure your odometer is measuring the miles correctly. The 123's are notorious for slipping gears in the odometer, which gives you a false milage reading. You can it check versus mile markers along the highway.

Good luck!

I have an '82 300D that was delivered in California. It has no emissions equipment that was specific to CA. I get 25mpg average, 28mpg on the highway (55 mph).

Keep in mind that an engine with 312K on the clock is likely to have dropped a few points in the compression department. You cannot achieve fuel economy in the 26-27 range with such an engine. However, with checking on all the little details, as noted above in previous posts, you should be able to get it up to 23-24 or so.

Also, note that speeds that reach or exceed 70 mph will kill any chances of getting any serious mileage improvements. If you are serious about fuel economy, spend another 4 minutes for the commute and drive it at 65 mph.

One additional item, not posted above, but important for fuel economy, is to disconnect and plug the EGR.

Where are you?
 

If you are in the far south, run 100% WVO.
If far north, cut the WVO with 75% diesel.
Both will cut the cost.