This is not what I expected!!

[luckydad]

Hi everyone,

First, I have to apologize for this is a long one.

I’ve owned my Blue Traveler for about two months now. My normal usage is around town, the urban jungle, although I had gone to Seattle once with it. I never cared too much about the fuel mileage but noticed that it uses more than I had hoped for.

Two weeks ago, I took my family to the Okanagan via the old Hope-Princeton route. We were traveling with a friend in a 2000 Sienna and when he stopped for gas, I also “dieseled” up. Again, I never bothered noting down fuel usage. I only noted that we were putting in the same number of liters every time we fueled up.

This past weekend, I took my family to Portland, Oregon. This time, I decided to check my fuel consumption. IT WAS DISMAL!!!

I left with a full tank (one cubie of WVO and the rest dino fuel). No wait at the border as it was early morning. Stopped at the big mall south of Seattle to meet a friend, do some malling and eat lunch. About 20 miles before the Oregon border, I noticed that seven eights of my fuel is gone so I filled it up. 14.781 gallons (55.75 liters), 479kms traveled, average speed 110 km/hr. Consumption: 8.56km/liter. Ouch!! On the highway?

Next day was city driving in Portland, slower speeds, lots of stops, touristy stuff although we had some highway driving going further south. At the end of the day, I filled up again 6.669 gallons or 25.24 liters and 194 kms traveled. Consumption: 7.69 kms/liter. Ouch again!! Ok, some city driving.

Coming back, when I noticed that three quarters of my fuel was gone I filled up again. Distance traveled: 408 kms, average speed 110 kms/hr. 12.908 gallons or 48.86 liters. Consumption: 8.35 km/liter. I’m starting to wonder what I am doing wrong.

Did my final fill up after 95 kms traveled. 3.775 gallons or 14.29 liters. This time however, I was doing average of 115 kms/hr as the kids were eager to get home. Consumption: 6.64kms/liter. That really hurt. Hmmm.

Most of the time, the air-conditioning was turned off as soon as airflow was established while running on the freeway. No crazy driving as my family was with me.

Is this the normal fuel consumption? I have a Royal Exceed so LWB. Is that so much of a factor? The van seems to run very well, enough power, not smokey, starts well anytime. I consider myself to be a non-aggressive driver (more passive than active) if that makes any sense. My old Pajero did better at about 8.5kms/liter on the highway. My total average for this trip is 7.81km/liter!!! And this is mostly highway driving!!! I know, it is a bit higher speed but really?

Can any of the members diving L400’s share info on consumption? What is wrong with my Blue Traveler and what can I do to get better mileage?

Thanks,

Phil

PS. Any help will be appreciated

[fexlboi]

Don't have any experience with l400s, but your fuel consumption with a fully loaded van with an AVERAGE of 110km/h sounds not too excessively.

This thread might help you: http://www.delica.ca/forum/fuel-economy ... -7529.html

[jessef]

8km per liter

or

12L / 100km

is average for an L400

[luckydad]

Thanks guys. I forgot about that survey thread. I guess I was expecting better. This was mostly highway driving and the van was not fully loaded: 2 adults a toddler and a baby, cooler and food, beddings and clothes.

I wonder what it would be mainly city driving? Time to keep an eye! No wonder I ride my scooter to work every opportunity I get.

Phil

[jessef]

It doesn't matter whether you're the only person in the L400, it's fully loaded or you're towing a boat.

The fuel mileage doesn't change much.

That's the beauty of the diesel. It's efficiency doesn't fluctuate much under light or heavy loads.

Your fuel consumption will change when your RPM goes above 3,000. Usually over 110 km/hr.

The 4M40 engine purrs between 2,000 and 2,600 rpm. Keeping it at that rpm range while cruising will net you the best fuel economy.

Anything higher will sip more diesel. Anything above 3,000 rpm will sip it much faster.

[crushers]

24 mpg highway
not bad for a brick on wheels at 110 k/h
try slowing down to 90, remember these vehicles are geared for 80 k/h (speeds in Japan).
it seems every 10 k/h increase in average speed decreases fuel mileage by 2 mpg.
so try a slow steady drive on some back roads and see what your fuel mileage returns are.

the Pajero and the Strada both return better fuel mileage at lower speeds, i have drove both but have not driven the Delica version very far.
many factors affect the fuel mileage:
head wind
terrain, even a gently uphill slope can dramaticly change the fuel mileage.
tire pressure
roof rack
air temp
TYPE of fuel
air filter
timing

[ShaneA]

I find I'm usually getting around 12L/100km, slightly better when highway driving and slightly worse with more city driving. I think that's pretty darn good for a vehicle this size and age. My Mom has a 2008 Mercedes GL diesel 7 seater SUV and it gets about 28mpg with her average driving.

My last vehicle was a 2005 Mazda 3 hatchback. I averaged slightly less 10L/100km over the life of that vehicle. The best single tank I had averaged 7.5L/100km but that was very rare for me. It was far worse than the claimed 8.5L/100km city and 6.9L/100km highway.