What is the gas mileage on a 1989 Ford F250 7.5 L?

The typical fuel economy for a 1989 Ford F-250 equipped with the 7.5-liter V8 is in the low-teens miles per gallon overall, with about 11–13 mpg in city driving and 15–18 mpg on the highway. Real-world results vary widely based on drivetrain, transmission, axle gearing, payload, and maintenance history.

What affects fuel economy on this vintage truck

Several factors influence how efficiently a 1989 F-250 with a 7.5 L V8 runs. Drivetrain (2WD vs. 4WD), the transmission type, axle ratios, payload level, and how well the engine is tuned all play major roles. Heavy-duty pickups from this era are designed for power and durability, not fuel economy, so expectations should be adjusted accordingly.

Below are typical ranges you might see across common configurations for this model year. These figures represent broad estimates rather than exact EPA numbers, and real-world results can vary based on condition and driving style.

• 2WD with automatic transmission: 11–13 mpg city; 16–18 mpg highway


• 2WD with manual transmission: 12–14 mpg city; 17–19 mpg highway


• 4x4 with automatic transmission: 9–12 mpg city; 15–17 mpg highway


• 4x4 with manual transmission: 10–13 mpg city; 16–20 mpg highway

In general, drivetrain and payload are the primary determinants of efficiency for these trucks. Heavier loads and 4x4 operation tend to reduce mpg, while lighter loads and optimized gearing improve it somewhat. Maintenance and driving style also have a noticeable impact.

Real-world considerations and tips

Owners seeking better mileage can focus on practical improvements that apply to older, carbureted engines. While you won’t transform a 7.5 L F-250 into a modern compact car, modest gains are possible with proper upkeep and prudent driving habits.

• Keep tires inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure to reduce rolling resistance.


• Perform regular tune-ups, including spark plugs, ignition timing, and carburetor adjustments if applicable.


• Minimize unnecessary weight and cargo that add drivetrain load.


• Plan trips to reduce idle time and avoid frequent short hops; combine errands where possible.


• Use high-quality fuel and maintain proper octane and fuel-system cleanliness to preserve combustion efficiency.

These steps can help a 7.5 L F-250 achieve the best possible efficiency within the limitations of a late-1980s heavy-duty pickup.

Summary

For a 1989 Ford F-250 with a 7.5 L V8, expect roughly 11–13 mpg in city driving and 15–18 mpg on highways, with combined figures typically in the low-teens. Drivetrain choice (2WD vs. 4x4), transmission type, payload, and maintenance history drive wide variations. By tuning the engine, lightening loads, and adopting fuel-conscious driving practices, owners can maximize what this classic truck delivers at the pump.

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

F-250 MPG varies significantly by engine, but generally ranges from about 14-16 mpg for the 7.3L gas engine and 18-20 mpg for the 6.7L diesel engine under ideal highway conditions. Gas engines tend to get lower mileage when towing or in city driving, while the 7.3L Godzilla V8 gas engine has shown results around 13-15 mpg in mixed driving.
 
Gas engines

• 7.3L "Godzilla" V8:
  • Mixed driving: Around 14-16 mpg. 
  • City driving: Some drivers report as low as 10-11 mpg. 
  • Highway driving: Can get up to 15-16 mpg, depending on factors like speed and gear ratio. 
  • Towing: Expect around 9-12 mpg, especially when towing heavy loads. 
• 6.2L V8:
  • Drivers report an average of around 14 mpg for a lifetime, with a mix of city and highway driving. 
  • Highway driving can yield around 15-16 mpg, while city driving is lower. 

Diesel engine

• 6.7L Power Stroke V8:
  • Highway driving: Can achieve 18-20 mpg.
  • Towing: Typically gets around 12-15 mpg when towing a load.
  • Mixed driving: Drivers report averages around 17-18 mpg, depending on driving conditions. 

Factors that impact MPG

• Engine type: Diesel engines generally provide better fuel efficiency than gas engines. 
• Driving conditions: Highway driving is more efficient than city driving.
• Towing/payload: Hauling a trailer or carrying heavy loads will decrease MPG. 
• Tire and gear ratio: Larger, off-road tires and certain gear ratios can lower MPG. 
• Driving speed: Higher speeds lead to lower fuel economy.
• Truck modifications: Modifications like lifts or winches can impact MPG.
• Engine break-in: Newer engines may have lower MPG until they are fully broken in.

What is a 1989 Ford F250 worth today?

Typically, you can expect to pay around $12,219 for a 1989 Ford F-250 3/4 Ton in good condition with average spec.

Is the Ford 7.5 liter engine reliable?

The Ford 7.5L (460) engine is generally considered reliable, known for being overbuilt and durable, but its longevity depends on proper, regular maintenance, such as frequent oil changes. Potential issues include corrosion on the aluminum timing chain cover and older EEC-IV computer components failing over time, which can be addressed with preventative maintenance and component checks. 
Strengths

• Durability: Built with a strong rotating assembly, the engine is known to be durable and can last for a long time with proper care. 
• Simple design: It's a robust and relatively simple engine design, which contributes to its reliability. 

Potential weaknesses and maintenance needs

• Corrosion: The aluminum timing chain cover can corrode from the inside out, especially without regular coolant changes to protect against corrosion. 
• Electronics: The older EEC-IV engine computers can fail over time due to failing capacitors, which can lead to performance issues. 
• Fuel economy: Its poor fuel mileage is the most significant drawback, often in the single digits when unloaded. 
• Age: Since the engine is older, the vehicle's age can lead to other issues, such as electrical problems with the computer or exhaust system. 

You can watch this video to learn more about the Ford 460 engine's specifications: 54sBullnoseGarageYouTube · Oct 23, 2024
How to maintain for long life

• Regular oil changes: Frequent and regular oil and filter changes are crucial for engine longevity. 
• Coolant maintenance: Follow the recommended coolant change schedule to prevent corrosion, especially on the timing chain cover. 
• Timing chain and gears: Consider replacing the timing chain and gears, along with the water pump, during major maintenance to ensure continued reliability. 
• Check the computer: Inspect the EEC-IV computer for signs of capacitor leakage, which can be repaired to prevent further board damage. 

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.