Ford Transit Fuel Economy
Asked by Rick Owen
I am quite happy with the performance of my 2004 2.4-litre Duratorq Turbo Diesel Ford Transit I plan to drive around Australia, but I would like to improve the fuel economy. Can the engine be run on bio-diesel, or will it foul up the injectors and engine causing expensive repairs? Do you know if a "Diesel Power" chip actually improves fuel economy for this model? What is your opinion on fitting the Transit with a second reserve fuel tank to increase its range and reduce fuel costs by purchasing fuel only in major centres, instead of rural and remote places? Is there anything I get the dealer to check when I take it in for its next service?
Answered by CarsGuide
6 Jan 2011The engine would run on bio-diesel, but if you swap you should service it and replace filters etc. after running a tank of bio through it. The bio-diesel will remove all the varnish that's built up in the fuel system and that will accumulate in the filters. It should be fine after doing that service, but I wouldn't advise doing it unless you can get bio-diesel wherever you go. It's not a good idea to be switching back and forth. A "Power Chip" is claimed to improve the economy, but you need to drive accordingly to achieve the claimed improvement. Most people don't get the economy benefits because they make use of the increase in power it also delivers. Fitting a second reserve tank would be a good move, that way you can take advantage of price swings and buy when the fuel is cheapest; you can also buy in the major centres where the rice is usually lower than in remote areas and the quality more reliable. Transits are prone to turbo failure, so I would have the dealer check that before you go bush.
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