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Thread: Poor Fuel Economy

  1. #1
    Join Date
    May 2020
    Location
    Georgia
    Age
    21
    Posts
    74

    Question Poor Fuel Economy

    Hi everyone, I've had an account here since I purchased my Marauder back in January.(I'm not much of a message forum guy, I usually stick to the /r/Crownvictoria subreddit), I have a question that I feel y'all would be more qualified in helping me out with. To start, this is a 2003 Marauder that I purchased with only 35k miles, and have put about 2.5k on, it is now at 38,7xx miles. As far as aftermarket parts goes, I have not put anything on since I purchased it although it does have a Reinhart performance chip, an electric water pump, and underdrive pulleys. Now, I always get 10MPG in my town no matter how I drive it, whether or not I have the performance chip "on" or off (in my specific car the previous owner had set up a rotary dial that allows me to switch to and from the performance mode to what I assume is the stock tune, and a valet mode. The blank selections act as a kill switch of sorts, but I digress). The only time I get even above 12MPG is when some of my driving is on the highway, but I rarely ever get on a controlled access road like that. I have checked the tire pressure and all four are at the recommended PSI, I have changed the oil as of 2 days ago (not sure if that could affect it but worth listing I figure), the transmission fluid is in good shape, but I routinely get 200 miles or so out of every tank (I usually fill up when the fuel light comes on because I hate taking chances with gas, even if I'm in a pretty urban area) even if I have the performance tune selected the entire time, or the stock grandma tune selected. I really cannot think of any way that the only other thing that might affect the fuel economy (the underdrive pulleys) could affect it so much so as to bring it down to barely double digits. For context, I live in Georgia and my area is basically a pancake besides some very soft/rolling hills. It's not really stop and go hence my usage of town instead of city. If anyone has any suggestions, please put em down below. I can survive with 10 MPG since I don't drive often but if there's an anomaly on this car then I'd like to get that fixed or looked at if it's out of my area of expertise. I can provide pictures of stuff if needed, please just give me the word. Thanks.
    Last edited by baloneyhomie; 10-20-2020 at 07:14 PM.
    2003 300B Mercury Marauder
    Built 01/22/03
    Purchased 01/29/20
    68,xxx miles

    July 12, 2023 - 68,203 Miles - RIP original engine

    October 31, 2023 - Rebuilt engine installed

    Modifications/Stuff I have done on the car:
    Engine:
    rebuilt stock; slightly overbore. Original 68k mile heads, new OEM Ford performance timing kit, Terminator Cobra Oil Pump, Billet Steel oil pump gears, ARP head studs, main cap studs, and side bolts. The latter ARP stuff for future endeavors.
    Transmission:
    Thor 2800-3000 Stall Converter
    Suspension:
    ADTR Front + Rear Sway Bars
    Metco Billet Watts Link
    Metco Billet Rear Control Arms
    Cosmetic:
    1998-2003 Amber tail lamp conversion - Painted and smoked to near-OEM spec.
    HID Projector Headlamp Retrofit
    OEM Mercury Mountaineer Hitch Cover
    Front in-channel rain guards
    Other Stuff:
    4-pin trailer harness
    Class III Tow Hitch
    Cadillac 4-note horns
    Hayden 679 Transmission Cooler
    Obligatory Marty Tune

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jun 2003
    Location
    Timbuk3, MI
    Posts
    2,441
    Given that the advertised fuel mileage is 17/23 (city/highway) IMO you have a DEFINITE ANOMALY. *Especially with the minimal mod's that you have.
    .

  3. #3
    Join Date
    May 2020
    Location
    Georgia
    Age
    21
    Posts
    74
    Quote Originally Posted by gdmjoe View Post
    Given that the advertised fuel mileage is 17/23 (city/highway) IMO you have a DEFINITE ANOMALY. *Especially with the minimal mod's that you have.
    .
    Indeed. I can send the link to the BaT auction if that'd help.
    2003 300B Mercury Marauder
    Built 01/22/03
    Purchased 01/29/20
    68,xxx miles

    July 12, 2023 - 68,203 Miles - RIP original engine

    October 31, 2023 - Rebuilt engine installed

    Modifications/Stuff I have done on the car:
    Engine:
    rebuilt stock; slightly overbore. Original 68k mile heads, new OEM Ford performance timing kit, Terminator Cobra Oil Pump, Billet Steel oil pump gears, ARP head studs, main cap studs, and side bolts. The latter ARP stuff for future endeavors.
    Transmission:
    Thor 2800-3000 Stall Converter
    Suspension:
    ADTR Front + Rear Sway Bars
    Metco Billet Watts Link
    Metco Billet Rear Control Arms
    Cosmetic:
    1998-2003 Amber tail lamp conversion - Painted and smoked to near-OEM spec.
    HID Projector Headlamp Retrofit
    OEM Mercury Mountaineer Hitch Cover
    Front in-channel rain guards
    Other Stuff:
    4-pin trailer harness
    Class III Tow Hitch
    Cadillac 4-note horns
    Hayden 679 Transmission Cooler
    Obligatory Marty Tune

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jun 2011
    Location
    Northeast OH
    Posts
    7,999
    Get rid of the Rheinhart crap. You live in GA. See Marty Ochs, Mo's Speed Shop, Dallas, GA for a real tune.
    2004 SB Ported Trilogy 48
    Has supporting mods and stuff
    Thanks to Marty O for his help in updating this car.

    R.I.P.
    Rex "SC Cheesehead"

  5. #5
    Join Date
    May 2020
    Location
    Georgia
    Age
    21
    Posts
    74
    Quote Originally Posted by RubberCtyRauder View Post
    Get rid of the Rheinhart crap. You live in GA. See Marty Ochs, Mo's Speed Shop, Dallas, GA for a real tune.
    About an hour drive from where I live. I'll try and put some time aside to give them a visit this weekend. That being said, what's the issue with the Reinhart tune, or is it more of the fact that Mo's Speed Shop is just better?
    2003 300B Mercury Marauder
    Built 01/22/03
    Purchased 01/29/20
    68,xxx miles

    July 12, 2023 - 68,203 Miles - RIP original engine

    October 31, 2023 - Rebuilt engine installed

    Modifications/Stuff I have done on the car:
    Engine:
    rebuilt stock; slightly overbore. Original 68k mile heads, new OEM Ford performance timing kit, Terminator Cobra Oil Pump, Billet Steel oil pump gears, ARP head studs, main cap studs, and side bolts. The latter ARP stuff for future endeavors.
    Transmission:
    Thor 2800-3000 Stall Converter
    Suspension:
    ADTR Front + Rear Sway Bars
    Metco Billet Watts Link
    Metco Billet Rear Control Arms
    Cosmetic:
    1998-2003 Amber tail lamp conversion - Painted and smoked to near-OEM spec.
    HID Projector Headlamp Retrofit
    OEM Mercury Mountaineer Hitch Cover
    Front in-channel rain guards
    Other Stuff:
    4-pin trailer harness
    Class III Tow Hitch
    Cadillac 4-note horns
    Hayden 679 Transmission Cooler
    Obligatory Marty Tune

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Location
    Waukesha, WI
    Posts
    1,604
    Quote Originally Posted by RubberCtyRauder View Post
    Get rid of the Rheinhart crap. You live in GA. See Marty Ochs, Mo's Speed Shop, Dallas, GA for a real tune.
    I agree. Marty will get your car straightened out.
    You "feel" the difference because you want to "feel" the difference. Since you just spent money on the upgrade you "have" to feel the difference

    I'm looking to eliminate the double pump process I have to follow right now to get the pedal hard

    2004 300A Procharger #0010 D1X
    2003 300A Procharger #0017 D1SC (SOLD. Last I heard, it was in Washington State)

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Location
    Waukesha, WI
    Posts
    1,604
    Quote Originally Posted by baloneyhomie View Post
    About an hour drive from where I live. I'll try and put some time aside to give them a visit this weekend. That being said, what's the issue with the Reinhart tune, or is it more of the fact that Mo's Speed Shop is just better?
    Reinhart was known to many as a hack and a crook. I personally never dealt with him.
    You "feel" the difference because you want to "feel" the difference. Since you just spent money on the upgrade you "have" to feel the difference

    I'm looking to eliminate the double pump process I have to follow right now to get the pedal hard

    2004 300A Procharger #0010 D1X
    2003 300A Procharger #0017 D1SC (SOLD. Last I heard, it was in Washington State)

  8. #8
    Join Date
    May 2020
    Location
    Georgia
    Age
    21
    Posts
    74
    Quote Originally Posted by blazen71 View Post
    Reinhart was known to many as a hack and a crook. I personally never dealt with him.
    Too bad. Either way, I’ll head over there ASAP and see if Marty can fix me up.
    2003 300B Mercury Marauder
    Built 01/22/03
    Purchased 01/29/20
    68,xxx miles

    July 12, 2023 - 68,203 Miles - RIP original engine

    October 31, 2023 - Rebuilt engine installed

    Modifications/Stuff I have done on the car:
    Engine:
    rebuilt stock; slightly overbore. Original 68k mile heads, new OEM Ford performance timing kit, Terminator Cobra Oil Pump, Billet Steel oil pump gears, ARP head studs, main cap studs, and side bolts. The latter ARP stuff for future endeavors.
    Transmission:
    Thor 2800-3000 Stall Converter
    Suspension:
    ADTR Front + Rear Sway Bars
    Metco Billet Watts Link
    Metco Billet Rear Control Arms
    Cosmetic:
    1998-2003 Amber tail lamp conversion - Painted and smoked to near-OEM spec.
    HID Projector Headlamp Retrofit
    OEM Mercury Mountaineer Hitch Cover
    Front in-channel rain guards
    Other Stuff:
    4-pin trailer harness
    Class III Tow Hitch
    Cadillac 4-note horns
    Hayden 679 Transmission Cooler
    Obligatory Marty Tune

  9. #9
    Join Date
    May 2020
    Location
    Georgia
    Age
    21
    Posts
    74
    Quote Originally Posted by blazen71 View Post
    I agree. Marty will get your car straightened out.
    Thanks for the help. Will do. I’ll still keep an eye on this thread in case anyone else has any ideas though.
    2003 300B Mercury Marauder
    Built 01/22/03
    Purchased 01/29/20
    68,xxx miles

    July 12, 2023 - 68,203 Miles - RIP original engine

    October 31, 2023 - Rebuilt engine installed

    Modifications/Stuff I have done on the car:
    Engine:
    rebuilt stock; slightly overbore. Original 68k mile heads, new OEM Ford performance timing kit, Terminator Cobra Oil Pump, Billet Steel oil pump gears, ARP head studs, main cap studs, and side bolts. The latter ARP stuff for future endeavors.
    Transmission:
    Thor 2800-3000 Stall Converter
    Suspension:
    ADTR Front + Rear Sway Bars
    Metco Billet Watts Link
    Metco Billet Rear Control Arms
    Cosmetic:
    1998-2003 Amber tail lamp conversion - Painted and smoked to near-OEM spec.
    HID Projector Headlamp Retrofit
    OEM Mercury Mountaineer Hitch Cover
    Front in-channel rain guards
    Other Stuff:
    4-pin trailer harness
    Class III Tow Hitch
    Cadillac 4-note horns
    Hayden 679 Transmission Cooler
    Obligatory Marty Tune

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Jun 2011
    Location
    Northeast OH
    Posts
    7,999
    Send me a pm, I'll give you Marty's phone..best to call him, it's a busy shop
    2004 SB Ported Trilogy 48
    Has supporting mods and stuff
    Thanks to Marty O for his help in updating this car.

    R.I.P.
    Rex "SC Cheesehead"

  11. #11
    Join Date
    May 2020
    Location
    Georgia
    Age
    21
    Posts
    74
    Quote Originally Posted by RubberCtyRauder View Post
    Send me a pm, I'll give you Marty's phone..best to call him, it's a busy shop
    I sent you a PM although I am unsure it went through - thanks for the help.
    2003 300B Mercury Marauder
    Built 01/22/03
    Purchased 01/29/20
    68,xxx miles

    July 12, 2023 - 68,203 Miles - RIP original engine

    October 31, 2023 - Rebuilt engine installed

    Modifications/Stuff I have done on the car:
    Engine:
    rebuilt stock; slightly overbore. Original 68k mile heads, new OEM Ford performance timing kit, Terminator Cobra Oil Pump, Billet Steel oil pump gears, ARP head studs, main cap studs, and side bolts. The latter ARP stuff for future endeavors.
    Transmission:
    Thor 2800-3000 Stall Converter
    Suspension:
    ADTR Front + Rear Sway Bars
    Metco Billet Watts Link
    Metco Billet Rear Control Arms
    Cosmetic:
    1998-2003 Amber tail lamp conversion - Painted and smoked to near-OEM spec.
    HID Projector Headlamp Retrofit
    OEM Mercury Mountaineer Hitch Cover
    Front in-channel rain guards
    Other Stuff:
    4-pin trailer harness
    Class III Tow Hitch
    Cadillac 4-note horns
    Hayden 679 Transmission Cooler
    Obligatory Marty Tune

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Jun 2011
    Location
    Northeast OH
    Posts
    7,999
    Pm received and replied..You have to change your message sent preferences for them to be saved.
    2004 SB Ported Trilogy 48
    Has supporting mods and stuff
    Thanks to Marty O for his help in updating this car.

    R.I.P.
    Rex "SC Cheesehead"

  13. #13
    Join Date
    Jul 2002
    Location
    Amherst, OH/Lexington KY
    Age
    65
    Posts
    2,561
    Let us know what he finds. My mileage generally suffers due to my heavy foot, but my MPG is still generally double your results.
    MARAUDERS get me ****!

  14. #14
    Join Date
    May 2020
    Location
    Georgia
    Age
    21
    Posts
    74
    I'm pretty positive it was actually the damn tune. Although the fuel gauge isn't really accurate, I've driven her enough to know that I usually get to 50 miles every quarter tank. I took off the tune (It was a weird one that connected to the serial port inside the EEC rather than programmed through the OBDII port. I forget this thing is 17 years old so the computers inside are ancient!) and topped of my tank. I've driven 20 miles already which normally the fuel gauge would be about between the 3/4 tank and full tank, but it's still on the full tank marker. I'm not totally sure, but honestly given how well taken care of this car was I couldn't find or think of any other reason why I got such *****y fuel economy. I'll try and attach an image of the chip and switch so y'all can see what I mean.
    tune1.jpg
    tune2.jpg

    Going to get that Marty tune, methinks. The stock tune is so anemic. It appears the MPG issue was solved, from what I can tell based off the fuel gauge compared to my normal experience. Kinda pissed off I went through more fuel than I could have, but oh well. Thanks for all the help, guys.
    2003 300B Mercury Marauder
    Built 01/22/03
    Purchased 01/29/20
    68,xxx miles

    July 12, 2023 - 68,203 Miles - RIP original engine

    October 31, 2023 - Rebuilt engine installed

    Modifications/Stuff I have done on the car:
    Engine:
    rebuilt stock; slightly overbore. Original 68k mile heads, new OEM Ford performance timing kit, Terminator Cobra Oil Pump, Billet Steel oil pump gears, ARP head studs, main cap studs, and side bolts. The latter ARP stuff for future endeavors.
    Transmission:
    Thor 2800-3000 Stall Converter
    Suspension:
    ADTR Front + Rear Sway Bars
    Metco Billet Watts Link
    Metco Billet Rear Control Arms
    Cosmetic:
    1998-2003 Amber tail lamp conversion - Painted and smoked to near-OEM spec.
    HID Projector Headlamp Retrofit
    OEM Mercury Mountaineer Hitch Cover
    Front in-channel rain guards
    Other Stuff:
    4-pin trailer harness
    Class III Tow Hitch
    Cadillac 4-note horns
    Hayden 679 Transmission Cooler
    Obligatory Marty Tune

  15. #15
    Join Date
    Aug 2010
    Location
    Southern NJ - Exit 4
    Age
    62
    Posts
    3,947
    Love my MartyO tune with 410s. 4250 lb. car chirps 2nd.

    Sent from my Pixel 3a XL using Tapatalk
    03 Black MM: Trilogy #19, Build Date 04/02/03 #7113
    03 SB MM: Lidio Tune/JLT CAI DD Build Date 04/02/03 #7114

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