Fuel consumption - again...

Submitted: Monday, Jun 16, 2008 at 22:12

ThreadID: 58870 Views:3284 Replies:4 FollowUps:13

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Member - John F (NSW)

Apologies if you are all up to here with this topic, but for those who haven't noticed, it has become significant. Just had the 60000 km service done on the 06 Hilux diesel and noted that best average consumption went from 8.4l / 100 to 7.6l / 100. I say "best average" because these figures are around town - highway improves from about 8.9l /100 to about 8.0l / 100. I am confident of the accuracy as measured by the standard trip computer - if not in absolute terms then at least the variations.

The only difference apart from new oil was a new air filter. Have been changing them at 20000, but looks like 10000 interval would pay for itself, even at $53 per filter. Have stayed with genuine Toyota - the mechanic says to stay away from after market stuff in this critical area. The gradual increase in consumtion is not linear, happens more quickly in the last few thousand kms.

Moral of the tale - keep the filters changed. Could also keep the old ones for trips in dusty conditions...

Sorry for the boring post, but I reckon that's about 6 cases of amber fluid annually - not insignificant.

Regards, John.

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Reply By: Member - David P (VIC) - Monday, Jun 16, 2008 at 22:42

Monday, Jun 16, 2008 at 22:42

Diesels take quite a long time to fully free up compared to petrol, best is yet to come I suspect if maintained to the same standard....

AnswerID: 310425

Reply By: Member - Phillip S (WA) - Monday, Jun 16, 2008 at 22:47

Monday, Jun 16, 2008 at 22:47

John, I only buy genuine toyota filters, but I use Penrite synthetic oil 20w-60 ( the dear stuff) oil filter every 10,000 K's and oil every 5000 K's...etc......engine is fine...do my own servicing except the major stuff....I'm happy with it so far.

AnswerID: 310427

Follow Up By: Member - John F (NSW) - Monday, Jun 16, 2008 at 23:04

Monday, Jun 16, 2008 at 23:04

Phillip, yours will never wear out!! We use Penrite HPR 15-50 and as it never does short runs or tows anything we reckon the factory spec 10000 interval for oil and filter is ok. The Penrite rep reckons the lighter oil - I think it was 5-50 or 5-40 would be ok, and give better economy, but I can't see the value - sounds too thin for me.

I didn't make it very clear before, but my main point was that a clean air filter gets you about 0.8l/100 km better economy.

Regards, John.

FollowupID: 576446

Follow Up By: Member - Phillip S (WA) - Monday, Jun 16, 2008 at 23:22

Monday, Jun 16, 2008 at 23:22

Yeah, I meant to also say that I replace the air filter rather than clean it...I try to clean it but I finish up tossing it....a new one is only $50 anyway....REMEMBER because I do my own services..that is money I can spend on the old girl...shhhh, dont tell SWMBO

FollowupID: 576450

Follow Up By: Member - Warfer (VIC) - Tuesday, Jun 17, 2008 at 00:54

Tuesday, Jun 17, 2008 at 00:54

*I meant to also say that I replace the air filter rather than clean it*

Only way to go Phil,I use Penrite in mine too...

Cheers

FollowupID: 576471

Reply By: Kiwi & "Mahindra" - Monday, Jun 16, 2008 at 22:57

Monday, Jun 16, 2008 at 22:57

we have always, almost always i should say...used after market stuff and never had any difference in consumption.

Laura

AnswerID: 310429

Follow Up By: Member - John F (NSW) - Monday, Jun 16, 2008 at 23:08

Monday, Jun 16, 2008 at 23:08

Laura, I think it may be the CRD type motors that are more sensitive. Definitely works for mine - the trip computer thingy shows it straight away.

Regards, John.

FollowupID: 576447

Follow Up By: Member - John F (NSW) - Monday, Jun 16, 2008 at 23:26

Monday, Jun 16, 2008 at 23:26

Laura, sorry, didn't mean there was any difference with after market vs genuine - just that with ours, conumption is about 10% better straight after the new air filter goes on.
May not be as obvious if you check consumption other ways, but definately shows up straight away on the dash readout...

Regards, John.

FollowupID: 576453

Follow Up By: Member - Phillip S (WA) - Monday, Jun 16, 2008 at 23:26

Monday, Jun 16, 2008 at 23:26

Forgot to mention also that it does not make ANY difference to my fuel consumption...never thought about it...just love the old girl...some of the places I've been with her and she's so reliable

FollowupID: 576454

Follow Up By: Member - Bucky (VIC) - Tuesday, Jun 17, 2008 at 05:14

Tuesday, Jun 17, 2008 at 05:14

John
I have never been one to trust those trip computers, ( accuracy ? )

Perhaps with the rising fuel prices, ect, they have their place, and that would be to help change driving styles, which in turn can only be a good thing, economy wise.

As I have said in earlier posts, by holding throttle position, in the one place, and letting the turbo "whistle up", you can improve economy.
ALso by not driving off from the lights at a "gr8 rate of knots", is the other.

Cheers Bucky

ps ... our Navara does not have one of these computers onboard, so I have to go the old fashioned way,...easy does it !

FollowupID: 576476

Follow Up By: Member - John F (NSW) - Tuesday, Jun 17, 2008 at 07:41

Tuesday, Jun 17, 2008 at 07:41

Bucky,
I think you would be surprised at just how accurate they are if you used one. That is really why I posted - it showed up so clearly the remarkable change to consumption that a new filter makes, and I just wanted to share this info. As I said before, though, probably not as critical in a non CRD type engine - but once again, only speculation. I have had some training in scientific method and have a very high degree of skepticism - like most of the blokes and blokettes on this site - and don't make assertions unless confident.

The consumption figures reflect what the windscreen sticker said when we bought the car (7.8/100), and you can see how this changes with different driving styles - that's why I'm confident of what I'm saying. Doesn't matter to me, but others may benefit from this observation.

In a similar vein, would be interested to check the ram air effect with a snorkel.

Regards, John.

FollowupID: 576486

Follow Up By: Kiwi & "Mahindra" - Tuesday, Jun 17, 2008 at 08:18

Tuesday, Jun 17, 2008 at 08:18

its intersting though John, the only time we suffer from consumption loss is when we use the "discount" fuel places....!

Laura

FollowupID: 576491

Follow Up By: Rock Ape - Tuesday, Jun 17, 2008 at 09:02

Tuesday, Jun 17, 2008 at 09:02

Laura, just a point, I use BP and discount not so fresh vege vouchers. E10 Ethanol blend from BP in Mackay and no ethanol blend in Townsville. between Caltex and the Bp fuels I get no consumption differences at all. The only time they change is through the weather. Rain increases my consumption and of cause wind (forgot to add so does coming home a night from Townsville (might have something to do with the right foot and lack of disco lights)

With most regional centres up and down the coast the fuel comes off the same ship.

Have a safe one
Rockape.
Walk softly as you enter and gently close the door cause the apes knuckles are dragging again along the bloody floor

FollowupID: 576496

Follow Up By: Member - Bucky (VIC) - Tuesday, Jun 17, 2008 at 16:33

Tuesday, Jun 17, 2008 at 16:33

John F

Those figures are incredible !

Better atomizing of diesel, and therefore more power, less throttle to maintain momentum.

OK I can live with that.

Do you tow, ?

I do my economy checking a slightly different way,,, I get 9.5-10 km/lt from the Navara. and If I sit on 112km/hr, up the Hume, I get 10.5 km/lt + ,,, I cannot figure that bit out. Everything must be spinning up free.
When I tow the camper ,, just forget it,, 6.5 km/lt,, but we are just under 4 tonne all up.

C'mon Nissan ,, lift your game !

Cheers
Bucky

FollowupID: 576552

Follow Up By: Member - John F (NSW) - Tuesday, Jun 17, 2008 at 17:20

Tuesday, Jun 17, 2008 at 17:20

Hi Bucky,

The figures are only what is posted on the windscreen of a new vehicle, and are born out by my careful observations - but note, we are not pulling 4 tonnes, either, and I am driving sedately.

Regards, John.

FollowupID: 576565

Reply By: Member - Olcoolone (S.A) - Tuesday, Jun 17, 2008 at 12:54

Tuesday, Jun 17, 2008 at 12:54

Are you running a chip on your Hilux.

Regards Richard

AnswerID: 310503

Follow Up By: Member - John F (NSW) - Tuesday, Jun 17, 2008 at 15:54

Tuesday, Jun 17, 2008 at 15:54

Hi Richard,
No chip, bog standard. As I noted, though, the consumption certainly gets worse as filter blocks up, then miraculously improves as you drive off with a new one in place.
BTW, if I push it along with the traffic around town driving like a teenager consumption goes up about 0.5l/100. As I said earlier I am confident of my findings, as they are so consistent.
There was one skeptical comment about trip computers, and I see where he is coming from with regard to range, as the tank gauges are not accurate devices. The fuel metering is, of course, incredibly precise and the fuel usage measurement is, I would assume, taken off this.
What are your experiences with this vehicle, especially the DP chip? My other car is a WRX, so don't look for a power buzz from the Hilux... I know it's not perfect (brakes!! rear springs!!) but don't know of any other vehicle around 2 tonnes with such space, comfort and economy - there you go, we'll get some comments now!

Regards, John.

FollowupID: 576547