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Realistic MPG expectations thread

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emoynier
Posts: 665

Re: Realistic MPG expectations thread

Post#41 » Sun Jul 14, 2019 6:18 am

What is realistic range for a W463 300TD?
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1997 W463 G300TD

dhc905
Posts: 48

Re: Realistic MPG expectations thread

Post#42 » Tue Jul 11, 2023 12:38 pm

Over roughly 1,400 miles from Austin to SLC in my 85 300TD Cabrio I got 25 U.S MPGs. I was driving 55mph (more or less my max speed, lol) for the vast majority of the time. There was a decided slope upwards as I started at close to sea level, went up to 9,000 feet twice and then settled at ~5,000 feet elevation.

G Nome
Posts: 7766

Re: Realistic MPG expectations thread

Post#43 » Tue Jul 11, 2023 1:20 pm

What RPM are you running at 55mph?

617 or 617a?
Kent
If you need help...I usually have extra zip ties and duct tape.

dhc905
Posts: 48

Re: Realistic MPG expectations thread

Post#44 » Tue Jul 11, 2023 1:51 pm

Ha, I don't know - my Tach doesn't work :) My gearing is also not ideal for roadtripping - 1,2 are super short, 3 can get me on a highway in no hurry and 4 is I think pretty long, but I'm also max speed 65-ish.

Engine is 617a.

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Chris
Posts: 4549

Re: Realistic MPG expectations thread

Post#45 » Tue Jul 11, 2023 5:43 pm

dhc905 wrote:Over roughly 1,400 miles from Austin to SLC in my 85 300TD Cabrio I got 25 U.S MPGs. I was driving 55mph (more or less my max speed, lol) for the vast majority of the time. There was a decided slope upwards as I started at close to sea level, went up to 9,000 feet twice and then settled at ~5,000 feet elevation.


Was this calculated with the odometer or some other method to measure distance?
IG: #traildustrestoration

dhc905
Posts: 48

Re: Realistic MPG expectations thread

Post#46 » Wed Jul 12, 2023 6:25 am

Odometer for exact calculation but sanity checked with actual distance driven (e.g. 200 miles driven between stops and ~8 gallons to fill) per fill-up. Are the odometers known to be inaccurate?

dhc905
Posts: 48

Re: Realistic MPG expectations thread

Post#47 » Wed Jul 12, 2023 10:44 am

It was off the ODO for the exact calcuations (e.g. 204/8.13), but it also sanity checked out on the distances driven.

I went back to all my receipts and using the $205.22 of diesel purchased (I added ~4 gallons from start to finish since tank was not full when I got the car) and an average price of $3.50/gallon suggests 55 gallons for slightly over 1,400 miles = 25 MPGs.

Reality is I paid more than $3.50 in most cases, and drove more than 1,400 miles, but I don't want to get ahead of myself and say I'm approaching econobox territory with my G! :)

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AlanMcR
Posts: 7729

Re: Realistic MPG expectations thread

Post#48 » Wed Jul 12, 2023 11:44 am

I found there to be a lot of variation in mileage, even with the same trip profile. A lot of my efficiency comes and goes with the wind direction. On the same trip profile I've had 24 mpg and 17 mpg, all dependent on tailwind versus headwind.

The aerodynamics of the G really suck.
...Alan

dhc905
Posts: 48

Re: Realistic MPG expectations thread

Post#49 » Wed Jul 12, 2023 12:35 pm

Also worth noting that I don't have AC. Plan is to clean out the fuel filter(s) because I think they're constricting flow - I've frankly been super disappointed by the anemic power I have...which might also partly explain the better than anticipated fuel economy.

I guess it's better than the alternative of no power and terrible fuel economy!

dhc905
Posts: 48

Re: Realistic MPG expectations thread

Post#50 » Thu Aug 03, 2023 3:06 pm

I just refilled and over 660 miles I used a touch under 34 gallons (19-20mpgs). I also swapped out both my fuel filters and then had trouble starting so spent a lot of time cranking/priming/cranking/priming. Alan (a true wizard) asked if I had tightened the screws to and from the plastic fuel filter...a few turns and voila the car started right up. Just in case anyone has that problem in the future.

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