How Do I Increase the MPG on a Ford Triton 5.4L?
by Dale Yalanovsky
The Ford 5.4L Triton V-8 engine is a modern truck motor. Currently, it is one of the engine options installed in the Ford model F-150 series of trucks. It is a single overhead cam (SOHC) engine design that burns regular unleaded gasoline rated at 89 octane. Its fuel economy is rated between 13 and 18 miles per gallon, and this figure will vary whether it is a two-wheel drive model or a four-wheel drive model. You can get better gas mileage by using tried and true methods.
Step 1
Refer to the Ford engine manual for the 5.4 liter V-8, and keep the engine tuned at its recommended intervals. If you do not keep this type of engine in tune, its gas mileage can lower by as much as 20 percent. The 5.4 liter engine is computer controlled and therefore needs specialized tuning that is only available from a certified Ford mechanic. That is the only way for it to be done correctly.
Step 2
Change the oil in the engine regularly, and always replace the filter with each oil change. New engine oil will reduce the friction on the engine's interior moving parts, and less friction means better gas mileage.
Step 3
Driving the vehicle efficiently is one of the best ways to increase fuel economy. Idling wastes gas, so keep the engine running only as long as needed. Don't "hot rod" the vehicle and don't rev the engine. The faster you drive the more energy the engine needs to produce to move this heavy vehicle. Increased wind resistance at higher speeds is also a factor: Your engine burns more gas to overcome it. If applicable to your make and model vehicle, use the cruise control whenever possible.
References
Tips
- Consider removing items that cause excess drag. Ski racks and bike racks cause more wind resistance due to drag. Removing these mounts when not in use will increase fuel efficiency.
- You also should remove excess weight. Heavy objects like golf clubs or bags of sand make the engine burn more fuel to haul them around.
Writer Bio
Dale Yalanovsky has been writing professionally since 1978. He has been published in "Woman's Day," "New Home Journal" and on many do-it-yourself websites. He specializes in do-it-yourself projects, household and auto maintenance and property management. Yalanovsky also writes a bimonthly column that provides home improvement advice.
