You have to wonder what is going to happen this summer when all the people who are bleeding at the pump realize that if they reach across the dash and turn on their AC they will cut their mileage and increase their fuel consumption even more. I suppose we will see more things like this:
http://www.efuel100.com/default.aspx
Our reliance on fossil fuels is about to hit us hard where it really hurts. And it comes at a time when we can least afford it.
what I wonder is where is the tipping point? people claimed it was 100 dollar oil, which we zoomed by. people claimed it was 120, which were zooming by. now theres talk of 180-200 later this year... but people still have to work, kids still need to go to school, families still need trips to grocery stores, at what point do these stop? And if so, will we see wage increases to match and get people coming back? monthly gov stimulous checks direct deposited automatically? the japanese muddle-through seems very possible right now, we are the proverbial frog in boiling water that will sit there forever as long as the changes are incremental enough.
Somehow we will muddle through. Gas prices are all over the map. I think the price in Venezuela is about 12¢ per gallon where as the Dutch pay $6.48 (http://money.cnn.com/pf/features/lists/global_gasprices/). Anyone want to carpool down to see Hugo Chavez?
(http://news.google.com/news?q=Hugo+Chavez&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&imgefp=0YMhyKcVplIJ&imgurl=www.presstv.ir/photo/20080512/gholamali20080512021254062.jpg)
$6 for a gallon of gas (or a loaf of bread) will be painful but few will starve. Americans are already starting to change their lifestyles. More to come I expect. ???
The American consumer lifestyle is like an ocean liner... slow to change direction. However, that works on both sides of the equation. My grandmother, who raised two kids in the dust bowl years on a dirt farm in South Dakota, saved string and never spent an unnecessary dollar up to the end of her frugal (but long) life. My grandfather (a carpenter) built birdhouses for Christmas presents. But his wife wouldn't let him buy any lumber and he would bring home cutoffs from the job site and straighten nails he had salvaged. This was in the 60's when younger folks were learning how to use a Visa card and buy a new car on credit.
Quote from: John Raabe on May 13, 2008, 03:09:24 PM
Somehow we will muddle through. Gas prices are all over the map. I think the price in Venezuela is about 12¢ per gallon where as the Dutch pay $6.48 (http://money.cnn.com/pf/features/lists/global_gasprices/)
$6 for a gallon of gas (or a loaf of bread) will be painful but few will starve. Americans are already starting to change their lifestyles. More to come I expect. ???
Some are changing John. I still see the same old lifestyle from the majority though. My truck has been parked for a week now even though I have hundreds of gallons of diesel socked away. Neighbors are still driving their trucks a quarter mile to pick up the kids at the bus stop.
My wife and I have been driving our 100+ MPG Whizzers while her relatives are driving their SUV's.
My wife has left her Landrover parked and done the shopping in our 40 MPG Focus.
I planted a garden while everyone else around here had the lawn service fertilize their grass.
I bought a steer from a neighbor at the farm. My wifes brother in law bought a boat (big boat).
I'm just not seeing a lot of realization yet! I do agree that not a lot of people will starve...yet. The ones that do will be the ones that are least able to control their spending. The elderly and the very poor.
Being ahead of the curve you will likely be a silent role model for many of your neighbors. Maybe the same ones who thought you were a little strange only a few months ago. :D
I'm lucky enough to have two incomes in my household, and I find that the cost of fuel is causing us some issues. We have already modified our driving and spending habits, and I suspect we will continue to be more conservative. We don't eat out as often, nor do we take unnecessary trips in to town. I find myself driving the 4Runner more, and my F250 less.
We are more frugal when shopping, and are buying in bulk. I'm still surprised at the amount of folks on the highway. I wonder how many of them are swimming in debt and ignoring the conditions.
-f-
Hmmm.
On my recent trip, 785 miles total, I set the cruise control to 55 MPH and took an extra hour to get there and an extra hour to get back. It was difficult for me to do that, but I simply kept reminding myself there was no rush. I was still the first one to arrive at the appointed meeting/camping site; My Jeep averages 9% better mileage at 55 on the highway instead of at 65. (I did a test a number of years ago. I continued to drive 65 - 70 as it didn't seem too bad a trade off back then.) At todays gas prices it does make a difference in expenditure.
Cruise control use saves fuel especially for me with a wanton tendency to go faster and faster.
As for the A/C use; it Depends. :) If you are cruising on the highway you are better off with the windows up and the A/C on instead of having windows open. That has been tested. However, if you're situation is city, slower speed, stop and go, it's another story. Using the recirculate setting saves gas.
I also turn the engine off whenever I think I might be stationary for a minute or more. An idling engine gets Zero MPG. Super hot weather excepted more often than not though. Contrary to the belief of some, it does not use extra fuel to get a warm, modern engine started. People who believe that probably believe that fuel with an octane rating higher than the manufacturers recommendation is better as well. Is not.
What amazes me are the number of folks who still drive with a heavy foot on the gas to start up and then rush up to the next stop and lean heavily on the brakes. I'm usually one of the slower starters at traffic signals, stop signs and the like. I also lift my foot off the gas the moment I see an approaching light turn amber, unless it's one I'm familiar with and know it's a short cycle light.
Everyone should take a drive in a vehicle equipped with an instantaneous fuel use computer. Maybe that would help some folks realize the amount they waste with the heavy right foot. Maybe not. ???
Every extra pound you carry in the car/truck costs extra to get moving. It all adds up. Ditto roof racks and roof loads. I wish I could get everything inside the Jeep, but I don't like the thought of spare gas cans inside. And the firewood gets things messy unless I was to debark it.
I have used synthetic oils for over 20 years. I think I bought the first quart of Mobil One sold in Canada. Back then it was for it's excellent cold weather starting. It is more efficient at lubricating; parts move more freely, less friction. Don't use oil that's heavier than recommended or necessary.
I agree 100% with almost everything you said Don.
On anything my wife doesn't have a say in (My truck right now) I take the AC off. No sense in spinnng something I won't use. I've never owned anything that used the compressor for heat although some do.
I normally don't use cruise control because I like to keep constant and even pressure on the accelerator. Going down hills I gain speed and coming up the next one I lose it but haven;t changed the amount of fuel used.
I don't think things behind the vehicle cause any drag (as in spare tire or gas cans) the slipstream misses them altogether. Roof racks are a real killer though.
Every vehicle has it's own personality and you need to get to know it. It's not surprising that you know your Jeep inside and out. ;)
Yep, Peter, the stuff behind has little if any effect on the wind drag, the weight still counts though.
The only vehicle I ever did away with the A/C was an old Jeep and that was to enable the old twin piston compressor to be used for pumping air for re-inflating let down tires. We have guys in the club who have both a compressor for air pumping and one for he A/C on their Jeeps. Things get a little busy under the hood.
I could not live and travel here in the SW for parts of the year without A/C. Not without discomfort.
I used the A/C for a couple hours each day on the trail on this last trip.
I will admit to over-riding the cruise at times on hills, same as I over-ride the transmission computer at times in rolling hills, variable grades, etc. It wants to hunt, lock and unlock the converter, etc. I have manual selections and lockins for all the gears as well as converter locking.
I have purposefully unplugged the lock up convertor in many of my vehicles...I hate those damned things
Lockup is good - extra mileage -- if manual, added braking on hills and locked, the trans runs a 100f or more degrees cooler on mild grades to heavy pulls. It is the only way to run with an exhaust brake. I need to hook up a manual switch on mine and maybe even try to make my own brake -- or break loose with a $1000 for a real one.
What have you against lockup converters, Peter?
Where it drives me nuts is when the load, the grade, the speed all conspire to where it's releasing for a short time, then locking again, etc. etc. Sometimes gear changing gets involved too. That's when I usually take manual action.
I got a copy of the AW4 transmission manual. It has a nice explanation of what solenoid valve does what. They each have a couple positions. In one combination you get 1st, another = 2nd and so on. The lockup is controlled by another solenoid. Once you find the right wires it's a matter of connecting switches and deciding where to mount them.
You have to remember when you are messing with them and not forget to unlock it when you are going to stop for instance. ;D It's actually easy enough to remember because when you mess with the computer this way it decides something has gone badly wrong and the "check engine" light comes on. When you return control to "Hal" ;D it usually takes a couple engine stop and restart cycles for it to decide everything is copacetic again.
Having a normal running locking converter in normal everyday driving does good things for mileage. I don't think there's any argument about that. If the trans oil temp goes down when the converter is locked you know that means higher efficiency. Cooler oil = longer life. My trans oil is still pink after 81,000 miles. A have a Big auxiliary oil cooler installed. (...and a small one on the power steering system.)
I learned about the cooling when I put a gauge on mine.
On the dodge trucks when the hunting starts on the lockup, it means that the APPS has lost its memory - sometimes caused by dirty batt. cables. You need to unhook all batts for about 15 minutes then hook them up - turn on the key without starting - push the pedal slowly all the way to the floor then slowly release - turn off the key then run as normal. Shifting and lockup is usually better for quite a while.
That resets the APPS.
what I have against them is General motors terrible sensors that almost always malfunction and cause the lock up to fail and to make the truck drive like a bucking bronco
I am a firm believer in trans coolers... worth their weight in gold...I also love changing the fluid and filter... the saturn trans fluid filter isa stroke of pure genius...I have had 4 saturns in the last 2 years and it is so easy to screw off the old trans fluid filter and put another one on... easier than changing the oil.. I think all vehicles should have filters just like it... make it mandatory
I have currently a 1991 chevrolet 3/4 ton pick up I bought that has a brand new transmission in it and the lock up is acting up..So I had to unplug the damned thing...I have done this on half a dozen of these trucks... It shifts perfect with the lock up unplugged... plugged in it shakes and chudders and acts all haywire...
T/C clutch may be out. Usually when that happens the fluid gets burned if it does it for any time. The front of the converter may turn blue from heat.
fluid is pink and smells sweet...
I only bought the truck a couple weeks ago... it works amazing except for the lock up... but the trans is new and the convertor is a rebuild... 2 months old... If I thought a new Torque convertor would fix it I would put it on the lift at the shop pull the trans and install another rebuilt convertor
Probably not if it's that new. Maybe you can find something on a forum. I am only familiar with the diesel one but there seem to be forums for everything.
glenn
I have no faith in anything anymore... transmission shops use parts out of used transmissions in their rebuilds and they all do it...And with torque convertors they use the cheap dick type clutches that glue on...Saves a little money and time... but it is pure junk...
a friend of mine used to have a torque convertor shop back in Canada I saw just how cheap and poorly most convertors are rebuilt
I bought a high dollar DTT one for my diesel so know its good.
Well, I have never owned a GM vehicle so I guess I have avoided that TC problem. I've never had an AT give me grief with mechanical problems.
Don it is only the lock up that gives problems in the Gm pick ups for the most part... and concerning torque convertors... all of them are junk if they are rebuilt cheaply with inferior clutches.... This is not a problem that is GM specific...
I have replaced transmissions in Hondas Toyotas because the torque convertor was junk... and it was due to being rebuilt poorly
OK, agreed.
The thing that most folks don't realize is that IF they'd do maintenance the AT could easily last the life of the vehicle. One of my wheeling friends had a Cherokee XJ with 255000 miles on the engine and AT and it was running okay when he sold it off as junk. It had so many hard 4r wheeling miles on it the sheet metal areas in the suspension connection points was worn out. He removed the superior axles and t-case that had been upgraded over the years and the rest went to the junk man.
i agree
my father had many vehicles with 400,000 on them and the trans worked like the day it was new
My AT was still fine but the Factory T/C was junk as regards to heavy usage with a slightly modified diesel. It would be fine probably for the wife to carry groceries in. If I had allowed the T/C to go longer as the clutch was flying apart, it would have destroyed the transmission. I also put in a Suncoast valve body which raises pressures and improves holding power to take the higher HP and prevent tearing the new T/C apart.
Most manufacturers go to great lengths to see to it that their transmissions are not built excessively strong. When I found out that GM had put plastic parts in their transmission because the previous brass ones (available on rebuild) were lasting too long, I quit buying GM. Likely not just GM, but they got me so they had to die. heh
With the electricity crisis going on here right now (and $4.00 a gallon gas), we've had all kinds of changes. Though, not necessarily ones I like. Because we're living in a rental (moving the end of the month!) thanks to our house not having sold yet, we don't have a wood stove or other things that would help out. One change is that it is now cheaper to eat out than cook, and to buy things (bread) from the store instead of making it yourself. Miss that one...and the home-cooked tortillas. Just can't afford the electric oven/range to be on that much at 5X the cost now. Lovely, lovely! Just about two-three weeks and we'll be in "normal" costing Alaska instead of crazy Juneau with all it's bureaucracy.
Our lifestyle has changed a great deal. Part of that is natural as we've added more young children to our family...I don't feel the need to troup all over town trying to keep them all in line, etc. We go to the grociery store (well-planned so it only happens once a week or so) and to church, sometimes to friends' houses, and dh goes to work. That's it. I too have friends that drive 1/4 mile to pick kids up from the bus stop.
i cannot believe it is cheaper to eat in a restaurant than to cook at home...There are all kinds of meals that are cheap and use little to no electricity to prepare
Glenn
Yeah you have your head in the sand if you think that only one or two of the auto makers are using less expensive parts in their transmissions nowadays
It would not be so bad if a rebuild meant it would be fixed with better parts and that it would last forever...But the rebuilt transmissions contain used parts and what they replace they use parts that are absolute junk so the rebuilt trans is junkier than the new trans..
There are still a few good trans guys out there that will take the time to install better parts... But man there are not many left...and they are so expensive... even the guys that put used parts back in charge a fortune to rebuild a transmission
True.
we should almost start a transmission rebuild directory state by state to list who are the scam artists and who are the professionals that will take the time to install new parts and upgrade faulty factory defective parts...
Don't you hate it when a guy starts a thread about fuel prices and then leaves for a couple days. When he returns it has turned into a transmission clinic! ??? d* ;D
I thought that was normal for here. -- Somehow I have a hard time holding a topic. Anybody got any ritalin. hmm
Desdawg
Most of the worlds problems can be solved through inner transmission peace...
Okey dokey. The world would be a simpler place if I were more myopic. I have seen thread drift before, even started some myself but this is like a tsunami drift. I got real busy there for a couple of days and didn't make it back to follow up, then whew, there we were tearing down the tranny to improve the gas mileage.
...I'm sorry, you've lost me,,,what was the topic? hmm
I had bad luck with two trannies in a 1/2T suburban. Replaced two under warranty in less than 3 years. I have a 2002 F250 diesel, and installed gauges to watch boost pressure, tranny temp, and turbo exhaust temp. I wish I could install a tranny cooler, but I just put a front hitch on and i am running out of space. I watch my tranny temp when towing. It once hit 230deg as I was towing up over Wolf Creek pass and i pulled over to let it cool down.
I use Rotella T oil, and it has served pretty well. If I keep my foot out of it, I get amazing mileage. My last tank full to full measured at 20.3mpg. I don't drive like a grandma, but i am trying to do my best...folks at stop lights routinely get annoyed with my coasting to a stop and slow accelerations.
I like to keep the boost under 5psi and rev's under 2000. As soon as I can get into overdrive and stay below 2000 is a sweet spot for my powerstroke. Currently at 130k miles.
That's cool, NM. I am running around 27 PSI boost much of the time on the hills and probably average 10 to 15. My truck weighs near 12000 with welder - tools - equipment etc.
desdawg, I was thinking about the fossil fuel problem the other day.
I was thinking how the oil companies have Carte Blanche to write their own prices because they are running our government. Bush will just get that stupid look on his face and say he is going to investigate the oil companies for gouging. He will then say he (or his committee) was unable to find any evidence of wrongdoing (while they continue to stuff the cash in their back pockets).
It is true , that the A/C uses fuel, but around here I find that I end up too tired to work if I turn it off and sweat it out. I just add fuel into the cost of labor and make the consumer pay for my A/C. d*
I haven't figured out what will happen when they can no longer pay. hmm
Shooter
The ford diesel (international) are great...With a chip and some exhaust improvements you can really open that turkey up and get amazing mileage
We installed a chip on a friend's 2000 ford 1 ton car hauler... truck and trailer that pulls three....He goes to Atlanta and back mostly which is almost three hours each way to an auto auction every week...Anywho his mileage loaded is 12!....that is freaking incredible if you ask me...The truck is loaded like a bugger hauling three cars...I was impressed anyways
Well, I forgot to mention that I have a 4" exhaust from the turbo back.
I do have a superchips tuner, but unless I am towing I leave it untuned. I find that even the first level up from stock was causing my mileage to deteriorate. I do like the firmer shifts that the tuner gives you though.
Is there a company that makes a mpg specific chip? I'd even be happy with stock fuel algorithms and just firms up the shift points.
Would be nice to have something that I could force the tranny to upshift. I should have bought a standard. I thought that I needed an auto since my wife was going to be driving it on occaision.
She has driven it about 10 miles total since I have owned this truck. d*
I only know about Dodge specifically but a Suncoast or other aftermarket valve body will firm up the shifts and a good aftermarket torque converter will make it like a different truck. I used DTT from Farmboys Diesel. Gus gives lots of free information if you ask. Just talk to him about the problems -- he does Dodge - I don't know about Ford but he could probably refer you to someone good if not. He's in NC I think.
http://www.farmboysdiesel.com/index.htm
I must live right. My Chevy 2500 with the 6.5 L stock engine gets around 20mpg with tools on.
I do drive like an old lady though. That shotgun in the window keeps people civil I think. :)
Talking about prices NOT sinking in yet, I was in Chesterfield Wednesday going home. It's one of those counties with a light every hundred yards and they aren't sinked.
Truck drivers used to be the most savvy (and polite) drivers on the road. I guess all the independents are gone because they sure don't care about their mileage now. Must not be paying for their own fuel.
I'd feather foot it away from a light and two or so trucks would pass me just giving it hell. I'd have to stop at the same light as they did but I didn't have to sit as long or use as much fuel.
Well Peter you had better go easy on the deisel as it is $4.60 locally and at White Sulphur it is $4.50. I am about due to fill up. Probably look like the Clamets when I load up my fuel cans and head for Virginia across the line to get stocked up, Off road, on road and gasoline. A good 20-25 cents cheaper on the gallon than here. It is only 18 miles and it would pay for trip. The wife just came in and said that the real local went up to $4.79 today. I can't compihend that a $2 a barrel increase would drive upo the price by 19 cents. In fact it makes no sense and IMO it is BS that the public will not fight back in some fashion.
I like the idea to selectively boycot all but one brand. When the others see they are not getting the buisness then they will lower and then the first counter lower his until it's knocked down some. The day of $2 a gallon is gone for good but it doesn't have to be as bad as it is. GREED
Quote from: Redoverfarm on May 16, 2008, 08:41:36 PM
Well Peter you had better go easy on the deisel as it is $4.60 locally and at White Sulphur it is $4.50. I am about due to fill up. Probably look like the Clamets when I load up my fuel cans and head for Virginia across the line to get stocked up, Off road, on road and gasoline. A good 20-25 cents cheaper on the gallon than here. It is only 18 miles and it would pay for trip. The wife just came in and said that the real local went up to $4.79 today. I can't compihend that a $2 a barrel increase would drive upo the price by 19 cents. In fact it makes no sense and IMO it is BS that the public will not fight back in some fashion.
I like the idea to selectively boycot all but one brand. When the others see they are not getting the buisness then they will lower and then the first counter lower his until it's knocked down some. The day of $2 a gallon is gone for good but it doesn't have to be as bad as it is. GREED
Amen!!!!
The last I got was a little under 4.00 for off road and I bought a lot. I can't burn that in my truck of course. The real problem I have right now is delivering lumber etc to the farm. I can't do it on the Whizzer (Which officially paid for itself in fuel savings) Tomorrow I have to take an ATV, 2 stock gates and 1000 pounds of lumber there. Soooo, the truck gets another trip. :(
You might have mentioned it before but what is the round trip mileage to the farm? I had to make a trip to Lewisburg which broke my heart. 74 miles to PU mortar, tile and a mantle. Most of this tank was going on my 4 mile round trip to the cabin and back for the last three weeks. Still have 1/4 tank but that is going to hurt before long.
My boat averages about 3mpg.
Crap.
The last long trip we took was about 750 miles.
Burned 250 gallons of fuel @ give or take $2.80 a gallon.
Dollars per mile???
What are you driving, Sparks? Motor Home?
No Glenn, a 22 foot Four Winns Santara cuddy hull. Weighs around 3400. 205 HP V6.
By the time we load it with gear and my wife it's heavier. :)
I thought you were speaking figuratively. That's a lot of miles for a boat trip.
On the Mississippi, from the Quad Cities to Minneapolis/St. Paul two years ago. Honeymoon. Great trip. Nine days. :) Oh yeah, and back!! ;D
That must have been real interesting.
A bit more than interesting.........however...
The fuel prices on the Miss will most likely bust 5.00 or more a gallon.
And the road price won't be so far behind this summer.
No more long boat trips. :(
well you can float back down river can't you?...Burn gas one way only
Quote from: Redoverfarm on May 16, 2008, 09:17:40 PM
You might have mentioned it before but what is the round trip mileage to the farm? I had to make a trip to Lewisburg which broke my heart. 74 miles to PU mortar, tile and a mantle. Most of this tank was going on my 4 mile round trip to the cabin and back for the last three weeks. Still have 1/4 tank but that is going to hurt before long.
It's about a 200 mile round trip.
I got rid of my 2004 3/4 ton Chevy duramax diesel and got a 2008 1/2 ton gas burner. Cut my insurance rates and increased my mileage along with switching to a less expensive fuel. My truck payment got higher but at least I am not giving it to the oil companies. There is really no way to win. I am trying to sell off some of my equipment that is not being used. I was thinking of taking some of it to a Ritchie Brothers auction but they require 1/3 tank of fuel in any truck they take in for the auction. My semi has a 300 gallon fuel capacity so that would be $450 worth of diesel....to sell it at a no reserve auction. I believe they shot themselves in the foot with that requirement. I will find other ways to sell. The whole world is off the deep end right now.