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Got tips for better MPG's from LDT motors?

oddshot

Active member
780
116
43
Location
Jasper, Georgia
I've done the search and found a couple threads (thanks Santa) for better MPG for LDS engines ... but nothing for LDT Deuces.

I just made a run from Noga to Rockingham SC and back ... 678 miles. The Mother Duck ran PERFECT all the way up and back ... I kept her at 53 to 54 MPH . I don't think I could do a thing to make her run better.

But I'm only gettin' 7.5 MPG.

On the way up I ran a 80/20 mix of old ATF and WMO with diesel ... on the way back I ran an 80/20 mix of NEW hydraulic oil (various vic's) and diesel.

BTW ... I'm Bobbed on stock 9.00X20's singles. I would be REAL happy with 9 or 10 MPG.


For the record ... I get a bit of black smoke when she's cold ...

If I let her sit at idle for more than a couple minuets ... I get black smoke ... and she runs a little low on power just for a bit ... like maybe until I hit top gear .... then's she's to normal.

Other than that ... she don't smoke at all. I got all the power I need. I don't push her hard and I don't do the off-road thing.

I'm thinking about an electric fan ...

and I am REALLY temped to back off a bit on the fuel ... but I don't want to wreck anything ...

Anybody got idea on picking up a couple MPG's?


oddshot
 
Last edited:

rrrr

Member
752
0
16
Location
Missouri
When I had 9x20's on my Deuce I would run around 47mph. I averaged about 9-9.5mpg. Try slowing down a little make sure your filters are good and no fuel leaks. Also make sure your tires have proper pressure.

You could single out your deuce and put 11x20 tires on your stock rims that would probably help. Also front lockout hubs might add a little as well.
 

gimpyrobb

dumpsterlandingfromorbit!
27,785
749
113
Location
Cincy Ohio
What RRRR said. Your getting about what you should, taller tires will help. How is your air filter? That can effect the mpgs too.
Also, the tuning for the LDS should be the same for the LDT. There is only MINOR differences between them.
 

Josh

Active member
1,678
12
38
Location
Portland, Oregon
and I am REALLY temped to back off a bit on the fuel ... but I don't want to wreck anything ...




oddshot

Do ya have a pyro? If so, I found that once I turned my fuel up, it took less of the skinny pedal to maintain speed, I think that turning the fuel down wont effect the MPG unless your always running WOT.
 

wsucougarx

Well-known member
6,951
65
48
Location
Washington State
One thing I could think about is pulling your front driveshaft or put the Selectros on the front axle. Fuel economy, jack rabbits starts, and top speed are a few factors I kind of threw out the door with my purchase. Considering these are MV with an old design. Don't get me wrong I love driving them, but if I concern myself with those 3 factors then I bought the wrong type of truck. Just my 2cents
 

oddshot

Active member
780
116
43
Location
Jasper, Georgia
When I had 9x20's on my Deuce I would run around 47mph. I averaged about 9-9.5mpg. Try slowing down a little make sure your filters are good and no fuel leaks. Also make sure your tires have proper pressure.
I got new filters and the TP is good.

I should have mentioned that I'm bobbed and singled out also. Sorry.

I guess rolling a bit slower wouldn't be no problem ... it certainly don't cost nothing.

I'll give it a try.

Others?

oddshot
 

oddshot

Active member
780
116
43
Location
Jasper, Georgia
One thing I could think about is pulling your front driveshaft or put the Selectros on the front axle.

Fuel economy, jack rabbits starts, and top speed are a few factors I kind of threw out the door with my purchase. Considering these are MV with an old design. Don't get me wrong I love driving them, but if I concern myself with those 3 factors then I bought the wrong type of truck. Just my 2cents
Yeah ... +1 on all the hi-performance stuff ... I never expected any of that ...

But I read all them guys getting 10 to 12 ... and wonder if I could get just a bit closer to 9 or 10 mpg ... without causing a problem or costing a bunch.

An increase of 100 miles per tankful would be pretty OK ... BUT believe me ...

I am THRILLED and very thankful with the way she runs right now ...

oddshot
 

oddshot

Active member
780
116
43
Location
Jasper, Georgia
Also, the tuning for the LDS should be the same for the LDT. There is only MINOR differences between them.
Because I am not familiar with these motors ... I am taking tiny baby steps ... and going as I'm learning .... and learning as I'm going.

I did a lot of reading on this site ... when I got to the stuff about the LDS's "droop screw" I stopped EVERYTHING ... because I don't think my LDT has one.

I thought there might be other BIG differences I hadn't come across yet.

De-splined hubs are probably a REAL good idea ...

I gotta start ANOTHER penny jar ....

oddshot
 

91W350

Well-known member
4,414
57
48
Location
Salina, Kansas
I drive mine all the time. When Karl and I picked it up, he said he shifts his at 1800 or less and tries not to exceed 2000 rpm. I was and am a newby to the multi fuel. I have about 4000 miles on mine now since February.

I read here about guys running much harder and faster than I do. I stepped up to 2200 to 2300 and increased my fuel consumption by about a third. Not being in a huge hurry, I am back to my 2000 rev limit. My billfold loves me for it.

I have been duly warned about lugging the engine as well. Glen
 

Capt.Marion

Active member
1,811
15
38
Location
Atlanta, GA
Bigger tires (11.00s) help a decent amount, too. I don't think it's possible to get good fuel economy with a Deuce in any permutation on stock 9.00x20 NDTs.
 

orren

Active member
Steel Soldiers Supporter
241
25
28
Location
Live Oak, Florida, USA
Try Lucas lubs

I got better mileage when I changed to Lucas for the diffs, transmission,
pto, and everything else I could think of . Will quite the gear noise down, too.



I've done the search and found a couple threads (thanks Santa) for better MPG for LDS engines ... but nothing for LDT Deuces.

I just made a run from Noga to Rockingham SC and back ... 678 miles. The Mother Duck ran PERFECT all the way up and back ... I kept her at 53 to 54 MPH . I don't think I could do a thing to make her run better.

But I'm only gettin' 7.5 MPG.

On the way up I ran a 80/20 mix of old ATF and WMO with diesel ... on the way back I ran an 80/20 mix of NEW hydraulic oil (various vic's) and diesel.

BTW ... I'm Bobbed on stock 9.00X20's singles. I would be REAL happy with 9 or 10 MPG.


For the record ... I get a bit of black smoke when she's cold ...

If I let her sit at idle for more than a couple minuets ... I get black smoke ... and she runs a little low on power just for a bit ... like maybe until I hit top gear .... then's she's to normal.

Other than that ... she don't smoke at all. I got all the power I need. I don't push her hard and I don't do the off-road thing.

I'm thinking about an electric fan ...

and I am REALLY temped to back off a bit on the fuel ... but I don't want to wreck anything ...

Anybody got idea on picking up a couple MPG's?


oddshot
 

2deuce

Well-known member
1,479
147
63
Location
portland, oregon
Your saving $ with the alternative fuels, but they won't give you the MPG that diesel does. You probably would get 10 to 12 mpg with straight diesel. You are singled out with the 9.00x20's?
 

doghead

4 Star General /Moderator
Staff member
Super Moderator
Steel Soldiers Supporter
26,246
1,176
113
Location
NY
You'll get your best mileage at 1800-2000 rpm(from the TM)

Since they burn about 80lbs of fuel per hour at max HP, that equates to about 10-12 gals of fuel. If your running 52 mph, that equates to 5.3-4.4 mpg.

I'd say if your getting 7 mpg, your doing well.
 

mightymanx

Member
211
2
18
Location
WA
I drove a M109 for 2500+ miles on a long recovery from Huntsville AL to Seattle Wa. My foot was to the floor the entire time and I got about 10mpg.
 

oddshot

Active member
780
116
43
Location
Jasper, Georgia
OK ...

It looks like I gotta recalibrate the Mk. I computer to 1800 - 200 RPM max., normal op. And leave a little on top for "war emergency" RPM.

I think I'm still going to try the electric fan ... there really might be a little gain in that ... and not a lot of money

And ... since I really don't off-road this truck, I think a set of de-splined hubs in the front might help a little bit too.

BTW ... Yes, I am running singles.

Like I said ... I *really* am reluctant to diddle with the IP ... it runs so dang good ... and don't hardly smoke at all.
Maybe after I get an ETG installed ... and learn a bit more about this engine.

I will post results of MPG after any changes I make.


Thanks all!

oddshot
 

Jake0147

Member
782
18
18
Location
Panton, VT
I just made a run from Noga to Rockingham SC and back ... 678 miles. The Mother Duck ran PERFECT all the way up and back ... I kept her at 53 to 54 MPH . I don't think I could do a thing to make her run better.

But I'm only gettin' 7.5 MPG.

Step that back to 45 or 48, you'll probably be at nine.....


On the way up I ran a 80/20 mix of old ATF and WMO with diesel ... on the way back I ran an 80/20 mix of NEW hydraulic oil (various vic's) and diesel.

Take your 80/20's and make them 20/80's, keep it under 50, and I'll bet you end up where you want to be.


BTW ... I'm Bobbed on stock 9.00X20's singles. I would be REAL happy with 9 or 10 MPG.

I'm not bobbed, ten tires, all the rears are driving, the fan is stock, and I'm in the mid nines as long as I don't drive in town too much. (Or at least it did until I blew it up this spring). I did see over 10 a couple of times, but that's not something I've ever been able to do "on demand". If I put it on the highway and hold it on the governor, it's a pinch under eight. That's on mostly diesel fuel. With the canvass on and at speed, 7.5 mpg period, loaded or empty, doesn't seem to matter. I think that's pushing some mechanical settings of the pump for a maximum sustained fuel delivery.


Anybody got idea on picking up a couple MPG's?
Yeah. Don't buy surplus army stuff. LOL. Short of that, aim for 1800 to 2200 RPM (not enough gears, but it's a good target), make sure the brakes aren't dragging, all the engine/driveline oils are in reasonable condition, none of the gearboxes or hubs heat excessively. After that, pay attention to your right foot. But don't waste too much time on worrying, you'll take all the fun out of it.
 
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