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How many miles per gallon does a 1987 Ford f250 diesel get?

According to the available information, a 1987 Ford F250 diesel truck typically gets around 15-20 miles per gallon (MPG) in real-world driving conditions. The exact fuel economy can vary depending on factors such as driving style, load, and road conditions.


Detailed Breakdown of Fuel Economy for the 1987 Ford F250 Diesel


The 1987 Ford F250 was available with a 7.3-liter diesel engine, which was known for its durability and relatively good fuel efficiency compared to the gasoline-powered options at the time. However, the overall fuel economy of these trucks was still relatively low by today's standards.


According to Source, the average fuel economy for a 1987 Ford F250 diesel in real-world driving conditions is typically in the range of 15-20 MPG. This can vary depending on factors such as:



  • Driving Style: More aggressive acceleration and higher speeds will result in lower fuel economy, while a more gentle driving style can improve MPG.

  • Load and Towing: Carrying heavy loads or towing a trailer will decrease the fuel efficiency of the truck.

  • Road Conditions: Driving on highways versus city streets, as well as terrain (e.g., hills versus flat roads) can impact fuel economy.


It's important to note that the EPA fuel economy ratings for this vehicle may have been slightly higher than the real-world figures, as the EPA testing procedures at the time did not fully account for all the factors that can affect a truck's fuel efficiency.


Comparing to Modern Diesel Trucks


When compared to modern diesel-powered trucks, the 1987 Ford F250 diesel's fuel economy is relatively low. Today's diesel trucks, such as the latest Ford F250 Super Duty, can achieve fuel economy in the range of 20-30 MPG, depending on the engine and driving conditions.


The improvements in fuel efficiency over the past few decades are due to advancements in engine technology, aerodynamics, and overall vehicle design. However, the 1987 Ford F250 diesel was still a relatively efficient option for its time, especially compared to the gasoline-powered trucks of the era.

How many miles per gallon does a 1987 Ford F250 get?


The 1987 Ford F250 with a 460 V8 engine is known for durability but has low fuel efficiency, typically around 10-12 mpg. Common issues include worn spark plugs and distributor components leading to rough idling or hard starts.



How many MPG does a F250 diesel get?


An F-250 diesel typically gets 12-20 MPG, depending on the specific model year, engine, and driving conditions. The modern 6.7L Power Stroke diesel engine gets an estimated 18-20 MPG on the highway when unloaded, while the mixed city/highway average is around 12-18 MPG. Driving habits, towing, and vehicle configuration all play a major role in real-world fuel economy. 
MPG by engine and conditions

  • 6.7L Power Stroke diesel:
    • Highway (unloaded): Up to 20 MPG 
    • Combined (city/highway): 12-18 MPG 
  • Towing:
    • MPG decreases significantly when towing. A heavy load can bring the figure down to 12-14 MPG or even lower depending on the trailer weight. 
    • Some drivers report getting 18-19 MPG while towing moderate loads like a car on a flatbed trailer. 

Factors that affect MPG
  • Driving habits: Aggressive driving will decrease fuel efficiency. 
  • Towing and payload: Hauling heavy loads or towing trailers reduces MPG. 
  • Tire size and gear ratios: These can impact how efficiently the engine operates. 
  • 4WD and lift kits: Engaging four-wheel drive and having a lifted truck can decrease mileage. 
  • Engine age and maintenance: A well-maintained engine will perform better than an older one. 



How many miles per gallon does a 1987 300d get?


A 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300D typically gets about 24–26 mpg in the city and 28–30 mpg on the highway, with an overall average around 25 mpg. Real-world fuel economy can vary based on driving conditions, maintenance, and driving habits, with some owners reporting slightly higher or lower numbers.
 
This video is a review of the 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 TD Turbo, which discusses its fuel efficiency: 48sMotorWeekYouTube · May 15, 2022
Typical MPG breakdown

  • City: 23–25 mpg
  • Highway: 28–30 mpg
  • Average: 25 mpg 

Factors that affect MPG
  • Maintenance: A well-maintained engine with properly adjusted valves can achieve better mileage. 
  • Driving conditions: A mix of city and highway driving will result in a lower average, while consistent highway driving at moderate speeds will yield higher results. 
  • Climate control: Using the air conditioning will slightly decrease fuel economy. 
  • Tire pressure: Proper tire inflation can help optimize mileage. 

How to improve MPG
  • Ensure the vehicle is properly maintained, with regular service and valve adjustments. 
  • Drive at consistent, moderate speeds on the highway (55–65 mph) for the best results. 
  • Avoid aggressive driving and unnecessary idling. 
  • Check tire pressure regularly to ensure it is within the recommended range. 

Troubleshooting low MPG
  • If you are getting significantly less than 23 mpg, there may be an issue with the engine or fuel system.
  • Low mileage could be a symptom of a problem like a clogged fuel filter, an issue with the injection pump, or poor engine compression.
  • Make sure the cooling system is functioning correctly, as a cracked head can occur if the engine overheats, which can be a costly repair. 



How many miles per gallon does a 1989 Ford F250 7.3 Idi get?


A 1989 F-250 with a 7.3L IDI engine typically gets 10-15 MPG, though this can vary significantly based on the transmission, axle ratio, driving habits, and maintenance. With a favorable combination like 3.55 gears and a 5-speed manual or E4OD automatic transmission, some drivers report getting closer to 15-20 MPG, especially during highway driving at lower speeds. 
Factors that affect MPG

  • Transmission: Manual transmissions with the right gearing may get slightly better mileage than automatics. 
  • Axle Ratio: Lower numerical ratios (like 3.55) are better for highway fuel economy, especially when not towing. 
  • Driving Habits: Aggressive driving, like "flooring it," will significantly decrease fuel economy. Smooth, consistent driving at lower speeds (50-55 mph) will yield better results. 
  • Maintenance: Ensuring the engine is properly timed and has new injectors can improve mileage. 
  • Towing: Towing heavy loads will naturally lower MPG. 
  • Engine Modifications: Adding a turbo can improve fuel economy when the engine is under a heavy load. 

General expectations
  • Average: Expect to see around 10-12 MPG for general driving, with 14-15 MPG for empty, light-load, and tame driving.
  • Optimized: With the right configuration (3.55 gears, 5-speed/E4OD transmission) and driving conservatively at highway speeds, some report achieving 15-20 MPG.
  • Towing: Mileage will drop into the 8-13 MPG range when towing. 


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.