How to Increase Mileage on a Duramax
Towing and hauling are things the Duramax does well, but it is not known for its fuel economy. From basic maintenance to a few more complicated tasks, there are some fairly simple ways to increase the fuel mileage of your Duramax diesel. Even when performing fuel- consuming tasks, or conquering hills and fighting a headwind, the Duramax can put up some respectable mileage numbers with the proper modifications.
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Things You'll Need
- Tire gauge
- Hi-flow air filter
- Fuel filter
- Oil filter
- Synthetic diesel oil
- Computer chip
- Exhaust upgrades
Instructions
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Slow down and change your driving habits. Taking off slowly from lights and coasting smoothly to a stop rather than accelerating up to a light and braking suddenly are not only safer driving practices, but they also conserve fuel. Use cruise control whenever possible on highways. Steady engine speed spells more MPG.
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Check your tire pressure regularly. It sounds simple, but one of the biggest MPG killers is improperly inflated tires. Temperature fluctuations and driving conditions can greatly affect tire pressure, so check tire pressure at every fuel fill up.
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Change to a high-flow air filter such as K & N. The fewer restrictions to airflow, especially in turbo applications, the more efficient the engine. Typically these filters are also more efficient, can be cleaned instead of replaced and generally increase engine life. Change your fuel filter frequently as well. The less restriction to fuel flow, the less work for the engine. In the winter especially keep an eye on your water separator, and drain it more often. Condensation and moisture also inhibit efficiency.
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Change to synthetic oil designed for a diesel engine. This extends the drain time on your oil and can make your engine more efficient.
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Have your fuel injectors cleaned. This is not necessary until your Duramax is a little older, but having injectors cleaned once every couple of years (depending on mileage) can greatly enhance your fuel economy, and the life of the injectors themselves.
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Purchase and install or have installed a computer chip for your Duramax. There are several chips available, such as the one from Hypertech. They increase power and fuel economy by changing your fuel injection map with each situation. If you need more power it will be there, but if you can cruise along sipping fuel, the chip will change the computer's demand for fuel to match the engine's needs.
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Have a custom exhaust system installed. Increase the pipe size to at least four inches. The decreased restriction from exhaust will enhance fuel economy. Be sure you have this done at a reputable diesel shop, as the down tube from your turbo will also need to be changed.
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Explore other options. There are systems on the market that inject propane or water methanol to increase fuel mileage. Check with a knowledgeable shop, and research products before installation. Some of these products offer minimal gain in MPG and can be very expensive.
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Tips & Warnings
While you can implement many improvements yourself, consult a professional if you feel uncomfortable performing any task.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit gas station image by Mat Hayward from Fotolia.com
