I have been getting what i think is pretty poor fuel economy in my 1996 ram. The truck has been converted to a 2 tank system - sunwizard style. I have been getting only about 10 miles per gallon around town and some highway. This seems really low to me. these trucks are supposed to get 19-20 on the highway right? but I have never found the city mileage. So I don't know if this is really bad or not. It seems like the mileage was better before conversion. I admit i do have a low tire.

I have not changed the stock waterblock filter yet. and I am not looking forward to it- it's waaaay down there and now covered with wvo components. My Idle was pretty low and the truck was dying in parking lots - so i adjusted it back up to about 800 rpm and it runs great.

if the filter is plugged up that would probably drop the idle rpms. right? and if i adjusted the rpms up that would be sidestepping the problem.

could someone please explain why a clogged filter reduces the fuel economy? lift pump working harder is all i can think of.

thanks

I could be wrong but I do not think that a plugged filter affects the fuel mileage.
I do however know that on my Mercedes I cleaned out several of the banjo fuel fitting bolts and as a result I have increased power and mileage.

I know that when I started running veg oil in my MB I saw a decrease in mileage so that does not suprise me all that much.

Hi Daniel.

Sorry to hear your blues.

I really hate to hear bad news about SVO converted vehicles suffering problems because I can't help but think that it will be used by half informed biodiesel people to keep spreading misinformation about how SVO is a dead end scam that always ends in fried diesels.

Anyway, getting back on topic, did you change your injectors before conversion?

Have you changed your air filter lately?

In short, have you let the normal maintenance procedures "slide" at all?

SVO diesels need extra maintenance, not less. (notice I said maintenance, not repair)

Although I don't see how a partially blocked fuel filter could cause crappy mileage, I'm hoping that changing it fixes your problem.

Good luck and Merry Christmas!!!

Thanks for the replies.

I just wanted to report back that my truck is now running very happy on veg. I found a small leak in the lift pump and it was draining my tank. and my wallet. take that naysayers. i have been running about 100 miles a day on veggie. I have not checked the injectors YET. but I definately plan to pull them and check --- Just as soon as I figure out how.

Peace,

DAn