How many miles per gallon does a 1997 f350 get on gas?
On gasoline, a 1997 Ford F-350 generally delivers about 12 to 14 miles per gallon in mixed driving, with lower numbers in city use and higher numbers on the highway. Real-world results vary by engine, drivetrain, payload, and maintenance.
Engine options and how they affect mpg
The 1997 F-350 came with large V8 gasoline engines, typically the 7.5L (460 cu in) V8 as the main powerplant, with some configurations offering a smaller 5.8L V8. Fuel economy depends on engine choice, drivetrain, and how the truck is used (towing, payload, etc.).
Gasoline engines and typical configurations
- 7.5L V8 (460 cu in), 2WD: roughly 9–12 mpg in the city and 12–16 mpg on the highway; combined results typically around 11–14 mpg.
- 7.5L V8 (460 cu in), 4WD: roughly 8–11 mpg in the city and 11–15 mpg on the highway; combined results typically around 10–13 mpg.
- 5.8L V8 (where installed in limited trims or earlier years): roughly 11–13 mpg in the city and 15–18 mpg on the highway; combined results typically around 13–16 mpg.
Note: These ranges are approximate, reflecting common real‑world reports from owners and reviewers. Actual numbers vary with gearing, transmission type, tire size, weight carried, and driving style.
Factors that affect fuel economy
The following factors can push the MPG up or down for a 1997 F-350 with a gasoline engine:
- Payload and towing: More weight or towing reduces fuel economy significantly.
- Drivetrain: Four-wheel drive (4x4) typically lowers mpg versus two-wheel drive (2WD).
- Transmission: The 1997 F-350 used automatic and manual options; older automatics can be less efficient.
- Tire size and condition: Larger or poorly inflated tires raise rolling resistance and lower mpg.
- Maintenance: Clean air filters, fresh spark plugs, and proper fuel system maintenance help economy.
- Your driving style and terrain: Stop-and-go city driving reduces mpg; highway cruising with light loads improves it.
For best results, plan around typical heavy-duty use and consider maintaining the vehicle, using proper tire pressures, and towing with a lighter payload when possible.
Summary
In short, a 1997 F-350's gasoline mpg is generally in the low-teens for mixed driving, with the exact figure largely driven by engine choice (primarily the 7.5L V8), drivetrain, payload, and how hard the vehicle is worked. When evaluating a specific truck, check the exact engine and configuration, and review owner experiences for a more precise expectation.
How many gallons does a 1997 F350 hold?
34.7 gallons 37.2 gallons
1997 Ford F350 Specs, Features & Options
| Bed Length | ||
|---|---|---|
| 4196 pounds | 5342 pounds | 5214 pounds |
| Fuel Capacity | ||
| 34.7 gallons | 37.2 gallons | 37.2 gallons |
| Front Head Room |
How many miles to the gallon does a Ford F350 get?
F-350 MPG varies significantly based on engine, gearing, and whether it's empty or towing, but real-world figures often range from 10-13 MPG for the 7.3L gas engine and 11-15 MPG for the 6.7L Power Stroke diesel when towing. Unloaded, the diesel can achieve around 20 MPG on the highway, while the gas engine might get 14-17 MPG.
Gas Engine (7.3L "Godzilla")
- Combined/City: Expect around 10−1110 minus 1110−11 MPG, but sometimes closer to 131313 MPG.
- Highway (unloaded): Around 14−1714 minus 1714−17 MPG, with some owners reporting up to 16.516.516.5 MPG at 707070 mph.
- Towing: Drops significantly, potentially to 10−1210 minus 1210−12 MPG with a heavy load.
Diesel Engine (6.7L Power Stroke)
- Combined/City: Typically around 121212 MPG.
- Highway (unloaded): Up to 202020 MPG, though some drivers report 23−2523 minus 2523−25 MPG instantaneous on flat ground.
- Towing: Expect about 11.411.411.4 MPG when towing a 7,200-7,500 lb travel trailer at 707070 mph, or around 12.512.512.5 MPG when towing a 15,00015 comma 00015,000 lb load.
Factors that influence MPG
- Engine choice: The diesel engine is more efficient, especially for towing, while the gas engine has a lower upfront cost.
- Gearing: Different rear-end gear ratios will affect your mileage. Lower gears (like 4.304.304.30) can lead to higher RPMs and lower MPG.
- Driving habits: Aggressive acceleration and high speeds will significantly decrease fuel economy.
- Towing/Payload: Hauling heavy loads requires more work from the engine, leading to lower MPG.
- Tire choice: Aftermarket tires, especially larger or more aggressive ones, can lower MPG.
How many miles per gallon does a 97 7.3 get?
A 1997 7.3L Powerstroke typically gets 16-21 mpg on the highway when unloaded and 12-16 mpg in the city. Mileage varies significantly based on driving conditions, vehicle setup (like gears and tires), and maintenance. Towing can lower MPG to around 7-15 mpg, depending on the load.
Factors that affect MPG
- Driving Style: Highway driving at steady speeds will yield better results than stop-and-go city driving.
- Vehicle Configuration:
- Gears: Trucks with a higher gear ratio (like 3.55) often get better highway mileage than those with lower gears (like 4.10).
- Tires: Larger or non-stock tires can decrease fuel efficiency.
- Weight: Carrying extra weight, whether from towing or aftermarket parts, will lower MPG.
- Maintenance: Proper maintenance is crucial. Issues like turbo boost leaks, dirty injectors, or a clogged air filter can significantly reduce fuel economy.
- Modifications: Some modifications, such as computer tuning, can improve MPG, but others, like a larger turbo, may decrease it.
Tips for improving MPG
- Drive slower: Keeping speeds below 65 mph can improve efficiency.
- Maintain the engine: Ensure the turbo is free of leaks, and keep the fuel injectors and air filter clean.
- Keep up with maintenance: Regular oil changes and proper tire inflation are essential for optimal performance and fuel economy.
What is the fuel mileage for a 7.3 gas engine?
In town I get around 10-11 mpg and highway I get around 13-high14 depending on terrain. This is on a 22 F-350 7.3 Tremor. This will probably vary depending on how you drive and also what rear-end gear ratio you have. 2021 7.3 gas 3.55 getting 16.5 at 70 mph, drops to 14.5-15 pulling a stock trailer.
