new to the 6.5 and the site
Thread Starter
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Newbie
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: walnut cove nc
new to the 6.5 and the site
Hi, my name is matt and im new to the diesel world and the sight......but im loving it. 
I just bought a 1994 chevy k3500 6.5L td crew cab dually 4x4 but this is my first personally owned diesel and I love it. its great for me and my family and all my toys. The only issue Im having right now is how to achieve max fuel mpg. the guy I bought it from said 18 round town and 15 towing. im averaging 12mpg unloaded...is that normal mpg for a stock truck? Only mods or changes that I am aware of are the pdm relocation, new ip replaced with in last couple years and the boost gauge mounted on the pillar. I had a 6.6 that if I drove it slightly hard (not ******* it) I got decent mpg 16.5 or so. could any one tell me what/how I need to do to achieve the best mpg I can. thanks guys.
I just bought a 1994 chevy k3500 6.5L td crew cab dually 4x4 but this is my first personally owned diesel and I love it. its great for me and my family and all my toys. The only issue Im having right now is how to achieve max fuel mpg. the guy I bought it from said 18 round town and 15 towing. im averaging 12mpg unloaded...is that normal mpg for a stock truck? Only mods or changes that I am aware of are the pdm relocation, new ip replaced with in last couple years and the boost gauge mounted on the pillar. I had a 6.6 that if I drove it slightly hard (not ******* it) I got decent mpg 16.5 or so. could any one tell me what/how I need to do to achieve the best mpg I can. thanks guys.
Last edited by mgwilson86; Jul 10, 2013 at 09:07 PM.
Diesel Bomber
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,848
Likes: 103
From: Scugog Island ONT.
Welcome
A light foot is all you can really do,make sure that the air filter is clean and drive it easy.
A 3500 tends to come with 4.10 gears so mileage is not something you can really strive for with a 7000 lb + truck.
A light foot is all you can really do,make sure that the air filter is clean and drive it easy.
A 3500 tends to come with 4.10 gears so mileage is not something you can really strive for with a 7000 lb + truck.
Last edited by racer55; Jul 11, 2013 at 11:38 AM.
Diesel Enthusiast
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 322
Likes: 18
From: East north central Illinois
I consistently averaged 18 mpg on my 1994 K3500 single rear wheeled truck with 5 speed NV4500 trans, 4" exhaust. Since I put the ladder rack on, I've lost about 2 mpg.
On a 94 you will want to switch to a GM 9197 and newer K-47 air filter box from a 6.5 diesel.
You will also want to do the dual lift pump relay upgrade.
The 4" exhaust is also a good way to go.
On a 94 you will want to switch to a GM 9197 and newer K-47 air filter box from a 6.5 diesel.
You will also want to do the dual lift pump relay upgrade.
The 4" exhaust is also a good way to go.
Diesel Fan
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 51
Likes: 1
From: San Diego Ca.
Welcome! I have the 2wd version of your truck and love it also. 
I seem to be getting slightly better MPG than you are. I recently went on a 620 mile round trip car rescue and with an empty car trailer used a 1/2 tank to go 310 miles. I was pleased to say the least. On the return trip I used 3/4 of a tank but I had a 5200 LB car on my trailer. You can't drive these 4.10 geared trucks 70-75 MPH and expect to get good MPG, not gonna happen. Since the towing speed here in Commiefornia is 55 MPH, I try to keep it around 55-60 MPH. Unless I see a hill coming then it ***** to the wall!
Also, don't forget to add a quart of 2 cycle oil to every fill up to lube that injection pump!
I seem to be getting slightly better MPG than you are. I recently went on a 620 mile round trip car rescue and with an empty car trailer used a 1/2 tank to go 310 miles. I was pleased to say the least. On the return trip I used 3/4 of a tank but I had a 5200 LB car on my trailer. You can't drive these 4.10 geared trucks 70-75 MPH and expect to get good MPG, not gonna happen. Since the towing speed here in Commiefornia is 55 MPH, I try to keep it around 55-60 MPH. Unless I see a hill coming then it ***** to the wall! Also, don't forget to add a quart of 2 cycle oil to every fill up to lube that injection pump!
