W85 anyone still using this

[Debreke]

I have a 7.3 IDI, I now it is not a PS but seems there is no category here for IDI's. Anyhow I did, what I thought was a fair amount of research about burning used oil and RUG. I have been using this for a couple of months now. Trouble is I am having a really tuff time getting it started and I live in Sarasota Florida! So it is not due to cold weather. he he he. It also seems to eat glow plugs like crazy. On my third set in as many months. To get it to start fairly good I have to have the engine heater plugged in all the time. If it sets for over a couple of hours without it, it will not start. I also am only getting 9 miles to the gallon with a C6 trans with 4:11 gears and a 14ft UHaul box on the back. Is this normal? A friend that has been working on diesels for 40+ years says yes that if I hear of anyone else getting 14 to 15 they are lying. I would like to hear what you all say. I am considering going back to pure diesel because of all the starting troubles and a very loud knocking noise I know have. I have eliminated the flex plate via pulling the trans and visually checking it. I have eliminated the injectors by cracking each one but that did not change or quite the noise. I have checked the vacuum pump and fuel pump and the noise is not coming from them. I have had several friends and a couple of Diesel techs listen to it and they seem pretty sure it is not coming from inside the engine. So, even though cracking the injectors did not change the noise, I have ordered some reman injectors hoping that will stop the noise and improve my mpg's, and if that stops the noise I am thinking that I just need to go back to pure diesel. Problem is if I can't improve my MPG I will have to get rid of it because I'm on disability and don't have that kind of cash to pay for diesel.

I would be very interested in hear from you all that have the actual experience with this. Is there any hope of getting this thing up to 15 or so mpg's? If so what would I need to do? Maybe install a set of 3:73 or 3:53 gears? Would it be worth attempting to find another truck to give up it's E4OD with controller and cross member to get to that 15 + mpg?

Anxious to hear what ya'll have to say.

Thanks

 

[Debreke]

OOps sorry just found the correct category. DUH......

 

[towcat]

you are in need of a new injection pump the lazy start issue is mainly due to the pump timing being excessively retarded.

 

[Oog]

Sounds like its way too advanced to me

 

[OLDBULL8]

Welcome to the OB. But put your truck in your signature, year, F350 or F250.
Sounds like you have a used U-haul truck. What your getting in MPG is about right, with the right timing and NEW BB code injectors, you might get up to 10 MPG depending on how you load it, but I don't think you will ever get over that.
Where are you getting the injectors from? Most reman injectors are crap and are never pop tested, which is important. As far as the rear diff, we have to know what truck it is.

 

[FarmerFrank]

Is it hard to start all the time or just when the engine is cold? I you had a 2 tank system you'd be golden, start and shut down on the fresh diesel tank. Since you only have one I'd recommend 65-70% oil will give much easier starts

 

[FarmerFrank]

On a side note, how big is the fuel tank in a uhaul box truck?

 

[idiabuse]

I still use the W85 and have the same troubles anyone else would have using clear fuel.
I get 15 mpg my latest test, usually 20mpg and 25mpg using clear fuel.

I never use my glow plugs, always the plug, it is plugged in right now.

3.55 is worth the swap from 4.11, I also have a C-6 but I purchased a low stall converter for it.
works like a champ grabs of an idle and is fully engaged at 1300rpm.
Made a huge mpg improvement for me.
I filter all my W85 down to 10 microns with an industrial filter cart and use a 2 micron filter on the truck.

Yes using W85 will make you have the same issues as if you had clean diesel.

most problems with W85 is getting to the injection pump.
I have had many issues with this. I keep finding the source problems
like internally collapsed feed hoses and other weird crap.
But all in all it is worth it.

I have over 25,000 miles on my new engine all using W85

 

[Brad S.]

3.55 is worth the swap from 4.11,

Do you remember what that swap actually cost???
I'm kinda curious about gear changes..

 

[FarmerFrank]

Get a whole rear from a pick and pull and sell the old one. Probably about break even

 

[idiabuse]

The swap would cost me the gear a crush sleeve and some lube, that's it, unless I find worn out stuff.

To find a guy that will do the job properly for a decent price, I rather do it myself...

 

[89Laredo]

I get 15 mpg my latest test, usually 20mpg and 25mpg using clear fuel.

***?!
My 85 rclb 6.9/c6/3.55 has NEVER gotten over 15 on regular diesel.

 

[FarmerFrank]

***?!
My 85 rclb 6.9/c6/3.55 has NEVER gotten over 15 on regular diesel.

Same truck but 4x4 is hard pressed to see 15. Once I got 18 but never seen it again. Probably bad math.

 

[89Laredo]

Mine is 4wd. I got 15 doing 65 on the highway with a tailwind and spare 6.9 in the bed, Hubs locked but in 2wd of course. Highest I've ever gotten. I Get ~13 city.