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Topic: Does your fuel gauge read correctly? (Read 873 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: Does your fuel gauge read correctly?

Reply #25
Mine is an 87. Course they installed a Ford 460 in it when the diesel blew up before I got it. My gauge does work, but it moves back and forth so it gives only an approximation. The gas comes back up the fill tube when it gets close to full, there is an overflow valve on the tank so when it gets full it'll come out there. They put in an 80 gallon tank to replace the diesel fuel tank that was in there. I'm getting about 6 miles to the gallon :-(. I'm looking into changing the gears in the rear end to see if that helps.
EMT living in Missouri. Recently purchased 1987 Gran Villa 36 Ft. long,460 Ford engine with 40,000 miles on it, new tranny has 3000 miles on it, coach has 75000 miles on it, new 5000 watt genny new fridge, new tires. Am both excited and scared out of my wits at the size of this beast. Love it but need time to become accustomed to it's size.  I'm sure it will take time to experience all the secrets this RV has to offer. Any and all advice gratefully accepted.

Re: Does your fuel gauge read correctly?

Reply #26
6 miles per gallon is pretty normal for a 460 pushing that much weight. What is your rpm at 55 mph. That coach was built to go 55.
previous 1984 35 ft ORED 250 HP 3208 Cat       
previous 1998 40 ft U295 CAI 325 hp Cummins
previous 2003 40 Ft u320 build #6140 450 Cummins M11.                                                         
1999 Mazda Miata
Ron, Nancy, Tipper the cat, Max The dog
1997 U 270 36 ft build number 5174 8.3 Cummins

Re: Does your fuel gauge read correctly?

Reply #27
My RPM shows about 2500 at 65 MPH. On a level highway I can get speeds up to 70 MPH. I try to keep her around 55 MPH to stretch out the fuel mileage. Even at her age she is an elegant lady to drive. No unexpected surprises.
EMT living in Missouri. Recently purchased 1987 Gran Villa 36 Ft. long,460 Ford engine with 40,000 miles on it, new tranny has 3000 miles on it, coach has 75000 miles on it, new 5000 watt genny new fridge, new tires. Am both excited and scared out of my wits at the size of this beast. Love it but need time to become accustomed to it's size.  I'm sure it will take time to experience all the secrets this RV has to offer. Any and all advice gratefully accepted.

Re: Does your fuel gauge read correctly?

Reply #28
I dont think that a gear change will improve your MPG.  Based upon your RPM at 65.    Under 2500 should yield the best fuel burn ,IMHO.  You may look up the torque specs and try to cruise at max TQ.  Or just over . 
  WE got my Dads chevy powered P30 , RV up to mid 8s with a Banks exhaust and intake on it , from 6.5 . 
  Mass  is mass plus aero drag, so you are doing just fine,IMHO.   
  Free power might be, cold air intake,  Wide band Air / fuel ratio  monitor, to trim the fuel jets ,  bigger exhaust, electric cooling fans . 
   

Re: Does your fuel gauge read correctly?

Reply #29
I use mileage along with the "Mopeka Pro Check Water Sensor with Mounting Collar - Wireless Sonar Tank Monitor for Gray and Potable RV Holding Tanks" on my diesel tank to keep an eye on things.
1992 Foretravel 36' Grand Villa ORED - VC22RD Chassis - 8.3 Cummins

Re: Does your fuel gauge read correctly?

Reply #30
Thanks for the advice. It already has a short custom exhaust system on it with headers. Will need to do something if I ever plan on driving her out of state. I can afford to putt around in my home state, but any long distance driving will be a wallet killer
EMT living in Missouri. Recently purchased 1987 Gran Villa 36 Ft. long,460 Ford engine with 40,000 miles on it, new tranny has 3000 miles on it, coach has 75000 miles on it, new 5000 watt genny new fridge, new tires. Am both excited and scared out of my wits at the size of this beast. Love it but need time to become accustomed to it's size.  I'm sure it will take time to experience all the secrets this RV has to offer. Any and all advice gratefully accepted.