What do you do to increase your bus's fuel mileage?

sandra@BCM · July 21, 2022, 01:21:43 PM

QUESTION!!

What tips and tricks have you learned and practiced to increase your bus's fuel mileage?

luvrbus · July 21, 2022, 01:52:47 PM

Park It ,drive slow and easy is best and only way to increase your fuel mileage with a diesel engine,a cruise control helps

Bustle · July 21, 2022, 03:36:26 PM

Keep it at 55...

richard5933 · July 21, 2022, 03:56:34 PM

Quote from: Bustle on July 21, 2022, 03:36:26 PM
Keep it at 55...

This ^^^

The best way to increase MPG is to slow down.

Bill Gerrie · July 21, 2022, 04:11:30 PM

I installed the famous Bill Teal overdrive and the mileage went from 6.5 to 8.2 average per Imperial gallon. It dropped the engine rpm approx 500 rpm.

buswarrior · July 21, 2022, 05:25:50 PM

No idling.

The B.S. mythology about running a diesel...

If it isn't pushing you forward, shut it off!!

Happy coaching!
Buswarrior

RichardEntrekin · July 21, 2022, 07:15:13 PM

Adjusting the valves, injectors, and jakes resulted in 0.8 mpg increase for my S60 engine.

I set the cruise just above where the tranny, Allison World 4000, wants to downshift from 6 into 5th.

luvrbus · July 21, 2022, 07:49:06 PM

What engine are we speaking about ? the right gear ratios and weight are a important part of fuel economy on a diesel engine .The trend now is high HP engines for fuel economy so the engine doesn't work as hard..My 600 hp ISX Cummins does not like speeds under 65 mph it likes to run @ 1300 to 1400 rpm, the fuel mileage will drop by a 1.5 mph at 55 mph it likes 68 mph my friends Newell with the same engine does the same thing.Don't waste your money buying a fuel additive telling your fuel mileage will increase either not going to happen.I use a additive because my ISX is a EGR engine and Cummins recommends it but the mileage stays the same at 8 mpg give or take a 10th mpg @ 53,000 lbs

Van · July 21, 2022, 08:37:08 PM

I make sure the Ol' lady is prohibited from collecting rocks on our travels, that's as good as it gets,

you'd be surprised. My bus has a sweet spot also and that is where we like to run it, slowing down doesn't increase mileage only prolongs the trip some. If the question is about trying to increase fuel mileage to save money lol, no free lunch there I'm afraid, that's for sure.

at a buc a mile
enjoy the ride

TomC · July 22, 2022, 08:32:42 AM

Cliff there is nothing saying you have to be running in 6th gear. Slow down to 55 and run in 5th-I guarantee your mileage will go up. Good Luck, TomC

HB of CJ · July 22, 2022, 02:27:52 PM

Reduce idle time to the absolute minimum. No more then 2-3 minutes to cool off after high speed high load runs.

Same with a cold start and take off. Establish oil and air pressure, then about 1 minutes for good luck then drive off.

Increase throttle and speed when water temperature starts of come off the peg. Keep an eye on fuel pressure and turbo boost.

If not on a tight schedule or if you do not want to race CHP cars keep it at 60 which translates to right at 1500 rpm.

Keep an eye on the air intake restriction gauge.

chessie4905 · July 22, 2022, 08:24:28 PM

make sure generator runs off a dedicated tank. Some brands of tires have energy efficient fuel savers. leave off throttle when the light turns yellow before you come to the intersection sooner is better, and easier on brakes too. Easy start out, instead of full throttle. anticipate upcoming grade before you hit it. keep tire pressures up where they are supposed to be. be sure your front end toe in is spot on. synthetic oil in differential. waxed surface or ceramic coated surface of coach. run engine in most efficient rpm. not against governor on two stroke.1750 to 1850 on 71's. less on 92's, even less on 4 cycle. SLOW DOWN! Even if you run at say 55. you'll get used to it in short time and it won't seem slow.

luvrbus · July 25, 2022, 03:40:46 PM

Quote from: TomC on July 22, 2022, 08:32:42 AM
Cliff there is nothing saying you have to be running in 6th gear. Slow down to 55 and run in 5th-I guarantee your mileage will go up. Good Luck, TomC

Doesn't work for me with 4:56 rear gear

luvrbus · July 25, 2022, 03:42:00 PM

Quote from: TomC on July 22, 2022, 08:32:42 AM
Cliff there is nothing saying you have to be running in 6th gear. Slow down to 55 and run in 5th-I guarantee your mileage will go up. Good Luck, TomC

Doesn't work for me with 4:56 rear gear

TomC · July 27, 2022, 08:57:42 PM

Let's see-you have 315/80R-22.5 that is 491rpm with 4.56 rear end gives 2234 in 4th, 1656 in 5th, 1432 in 6th. At 55 you would be at 2047 in 4th, 1515 in 5th, 1310 in 6th. Sounds good to me. Good Luck, TomC