We have a 1997 class A Ford 450 gas engine. We aren't getting very good gas mileage and when we get near empty the engine misses a lot. Probably a lot of gunk at the bottom of the tank, but we really don't want to spend money on having the tank flushed. Someone suggested we add a fuel additive to the gas to try to clean it up and increase our gas mileage.
Our question is: would it be wise to put in a fuel additive? If so, what type would you add. If not, why not? We're still really new at this.
Another question, where do you go to get the oil changed on your RV?
Thanks for your help!
Racerguy said
09:09 AM Nov 9, 2011
The fuel additives will help clean the fuel system as far as carburetor/injectors but will do nothing about cleaning the tank if there is sediment.
53 Merc said
10:13 AM Nov 9, 2011
Since the fuel pickup tube takes gas from the bottom of the tank all the time, the missing is mostly due to a partially plugged internal tank filter. By that I mean the bottom of the tank filter is gunky, and the top of the filter less so. As the level gets low, the flow is restricted. A cleaner MAY help, but I doubt it. The only real help would be to pull the tank and clean it up. BTW your engine is probably a 460. Ford's workhorse for many years. But, saying good gas mileage and Ford 460 in the same sentence is an oxymoron. They are known as fuel hogs, second only to the Chevy 454. But that is probably open to discussion. Both use gas at alarming rates when under a load.
-- Edited by 53 Merc on Wednesday 9th of November 2011 10:18:13 AM
The Crumps said
10:32 AM Nov 9, 2011
Thanks for your help. My DH thought he might add something called "Heat" that might help clean the lines out. Do you think this would work? We don't really expect an additive to clean out the tank, but at least clean the lines some.
GENECOP said
11:08 AM Nov 9, 2011
Sea foam.....G
azrving said
12:33 PM Nov 9, 2011
Best cleaner is the Motorcraft PM5 or PM6 injector cleaner. It will also clean the lines but I would recommend changing the fuel filter too. It's probably a Motorcraft FG-800 fuel filter, located under the MH near the frame rail or tank.
Available online or at the local Motorcraft supply house or Ford Dealer. The stuff you buy at Auto Zone, Wal-Mart, etc, will not work as good. The Ford cleaner is concentrated and to get the best results I would add one bottle for every 6 gallons of fuel, be sure to run the tank until it's close to empty for the best results.
We have a 1997 class A Ford 450 gas engine. We aren't getting very good gas mileage and when we get near empty the engine misses a lot. Probably a lot of gunk at the bottom of the tank, but we really don't want to spend money on having the tank flushed. Someone suggested we add a fuel additive to the gas to try to clean it up and increase our gas mileage.
Our question is: would it be wise to put in a fuel additive? If so, what type would you add. If not, why not? We're still really new at this.
Another question, where do you go to get the oil changed on your RV?
Thanks for your help!
Since the fuel pickup tube takes gas from the bottom of the tank all the time, the missing is mostly due to a partially plugged internal tank filter. By that I mean the bottom of the tank filter is gunky, and the top of the filter less so. As the level gets low, the flow is restricted. A cleaner MAY help, but I doubt it. The only real help would be to pull the tank and clean it up. BTW your engine is probably a 460. Ford's workhorse for many years. But, saying good gas mileage and Ford 460 in the same sentence is an oxymoron. They are known as fuel hogs, second only to the Chevy 454. But that is probably open to discussion. Both use gas at alarming rates when under a load.
-- Edited by 53 Merc on Wednesday 9th of November 2011 10:18:13 AM
Thanks for your help. My DH thought he might add something called "Heat" that might help clean the lines out. Do you think this would work? We don't really expect an additive to clean out the tank, but at least clean the lines some.
Best cleaner is the Motorcraft PM5 or PM6 injector cleaner. It will also clean the lines but I would recommend changing the fuel filter too. It's probably a Motorcraft FG-800 fuel filter, located under the MH near the frame rail or tank.
Available online or at the local Motorcraft supply house or Ford Dealer. The stuff you buy at Auto Zone, Wal-Mart, etc, will not work as good. The Ford cleaner is concentrated and to get the best results I would add one bottle for every 6 gallons of fuel, be sure to run the tank until it's close to empty for the best results.
http://www.amazon.com/Motorcraft-PM6-Fuel-Injector-Cleaner/dp/B00130H8I8
http://www.amazon.com/Motorcraft-PM5-Fuel-Injector-Cleaner/dp/B0011DU14K