70 MPG/1100/1200 Mile Club

[Lightflyer1]

Well it can't be done, the cars computer lies and you need to make a longer trip than an hour.

I did this almost two years ago:
http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=134473&highlight=will+he+make+it

If anyone does better than 850 I would be surprised.

 

[Blue_Hen_TDI]

So fredral, you proved that you can make your notoriously innaccurate trip computer project 1,200 miles for the tank by cruising at 32 mph very early on a tank.

Great job.

I can put on a pair of shorts and line up with the people at the start of the Boston Marathon, sprint for a half mile, and say I would have finished in two hours if I had the patience to run the whole race.

Which one of us would be kidding ourselves the most?

 

[Bob_Fout]

And Rotella T in a PD. I hope he keeps us updated on his motor.

 

[Fix_Until_Broke]

You can definitely achieve 1200 miles to a singel tank of fuel in 2005.5 or 2006 Jetta TDI. If you don't believe it take a look at this you tube video I just made:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMxcSlG7C4o
you will see I have driven 154 miles since a fill-up, and computer estimates 1195 to empy. I was averaging over 75 mpg on the tank at that time. The one hour trip read almost 95 miles to the gallon. The tank holds 14.5 gallons but I can get 15.5 in it if I top it off all the way. Even if it is off by 15% it can still do 1209 miles if I am only at 78 mpg!!!. Who needs a hybrid like a prius with its ****y 40 mpg when you can get over 80 mpg at 40 mph in 5th gear on a Jetta TDI with cruise control on. Under the same circumstances the Prius might get 40-45 mpg. Note: I use high grade diesel from Amoco, my engine oil is Shell Rotella-T 5w40 full synthetic , tires are inflated to 40 psi, a fuel additive known as PS Diesel Kleen with "Slick Diesel" in it.

frederal - While I think that some good mileage can be had with the MkV platform with the PD engine, I've yet to see anyone within reasonable range of the 70/1100/1200 marks posted in this thread. If you think you've got what it takes, then do a 10 gallon minimum run which will minimize many of the variables. See post 28 for some discussion of generally accepted guidelines. The MFD display is typically not accurate (20% or more optimistic) unless you've calibrated yours over several tanks to match pen/paper fillups.

Pump up those tires, forget that you have brakes and may the winds be with you!

 

[frederal]

Well it can't be done, the cars computer lies and you need to make a longer trip than an hour.

I did this almost two years ago:
http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=134473&highlight=will+he+make+it

If anyone does better than 850 I would be surprised.

I know the trip computer is 20% optimistic. You can say it can't be done but that wouldn't change the outcome. I say it can and will be done. Someone on these forums has a 2003 Beetle TDI and he set a record at a TDI club meet in Madison Wi., with 1200 miles to a tank at 52 mph. These cars weigh almost exactly the same and the cd of drag is is lower on the Jetta: 31 vs 38. That makes The Jetta even more efficient by my calculations if driven in 5th at 42 mph it will do over 80 real mpg (not computer displayed). I'd go as far as to say if you could drive at 32 mph in 4th, you will see well over 100 mpg at 60f ambient temp. So if you want to call it hyper miling, I'm ok with that. But IT CAN AND WILL BE DONE!!!
I am sure some people have recorded over 850 mpg in these cars, I'm not at all suprised when I hear or read about it. I'm not looking for any encouragement, I am simply sharing the experience for what its worth. If this were 1898 I could just hear people like you say "we will never be able to land on the moon". Im now at 425 miles on the tank with commuting and the needle is now at 2/3 of a tank with 770 to empty, I don't expect to reach 1200 miles this tank, but, IT IS POSSIBLE TO ACHIEVE.

 

[frederal]

And Rotella T in a PD. I hope he keeps us updated on his motor.

Yah, I understand. People like you think they know it all it all when it comes to motor oil. This whole thing with 505.1 oil is just a VW classification devised to insure that owners use the correct grade of diesel oil, by minimizing confusion of what to chose they created this standard. Just like you see diesel pump nozzles in yellow or green.
There are like only two types/brands of 505.1 oil sold in al of the VW dealers in the Chicago metro area. The fact is, high grade synthetic oil that rates CH or CI is all that is needed. I chalenge anyone on TDI forums to tell us exactly what are the physical properties of VW 505.1 oil and what additives are used that make it superior to oils like Rotella-t & Mobil delvac synthetic. The only differences are that they have been tested to meet VW standards. Some VW dealers sell a Castrol semi-synthetic that is a 505.1, but VW has a bulletin that recommends 100% synthethetic? How hypocritical of VW to allow this. I understand about the added stress placed on the oil from the PD aspect but it could not be greater that the stress on the oil from the cylinder walls or from the shear load on the crank bearings. I would love to see some VW dealer deny a warranty claim on an engine because they think the wrong oil was used and would like to see how they go about proving it. I'd love to hear a service advisor or service manager demand proof that I've used the correct 505.1 oil while I respond with prove that I've used the wrong one. Will they take a sample and send it to a lab for analysis to prove its the wrong oil? To sum it up my engine runs better, smoother, quieter and more efficiently now with Rotella t that the VW castrol semi-syn blend that the dealer sells at $7.00 a qt, while I paid $4.25 for the Rotella t. The quality of oil is not always proportional to the price. I laugh when I read about people buying motor oil mail order with the hope that its better for their engine. I'm not about to extract samples of my oil and send it to a lab to analyze it to try to figure out when to change it, it only takes common sense to figure that out. I'll stick to my 3-5k interval and play it safe than try to squeeze 10k or more with any kind of oil. It should never have to reach the point where selecting the right oil should become an exacting science. I wouldn't be suprised if VW published something that said you have to pour the oil in your TDI with your left hand only and from a beaker that you would probably do that too.

 

[Fix_Until_Broke]

Please move your oil discussions to the fuels and lubricants forum - there are plenty of places to argue about that over there.

 

[frederal]

So fredral, you proved that you can make your notoriously innaccurate trip computer project 1,200 miles for the tank by cruising at 32 mph very early on a tank.

Great job.

I can put on a pair of shorts and line up with the people at the start of the Boston Marathon, sprint for a half mile, and say I would have finished in two hours if I had the patience to run the whole race.

Which one of us would be kidding ourselves the most?

You make it sound as if I'm trying to exagerate the capabilities of what is easily call the most fuel efficient car in this country bar none.
If i drove it for 32 mph in 4th on a level road no wind I could easily exceed 100 actual miles a gallon even though the computer would read over 125 mpg. I can not drive this vehicle in a real world manner that would yeild 1200+ miles to a tank all of the time, but the whole point is it is possible at least once. As far as your analogy is concerned it is illogical to suggest the comparison of a race, as it is not a race against time. The focus of the competition is efficiency. As far as patience is concerned, I could keep this up for the whole tank if not for the rest of my life if it means less of my money sent to the oil producing countries that seek to destroy us. I hate supporting terrorist economies.

 

[Fix_Until_Broke]

You make it sound as if I'm trying to exagerate the capabilities of what is easily call the most fuel efficient car in this country bar none.
If i drove it for 32 mph in 4th on a level road no wind I could easily exceed 100 actual miles a gallon even though the computer would read over 125 mpg. I can not drive this vehicle in a real world manner that would yeild 1200+ miles to a tank all of the time, but the whole point is it is possible at least once. As far as your analogy is concerned it is illogical to suggest the comparison of a race, as it is not a race against time. The focus of the competition is efficiency. As far as patience is concerned, I could keep this up for the whole tank if not for the rest of my life if it means less of my money sent to the oil producing countries that seek to destroy us. I hate supporting terrorist economies.

Don't forget about the Honda Insight, many of them with a good driver average over 100 MPG's.

I think the reason you're getting some skeptcal responses is that you're claiming to get significantly better mileage in a vehicle that has not shown the ability to get that kind of mileage by others.

All of us get infinite mileage when in overrun - yes it is possible, more than once even. This is why the discussion about a minimum number of miles/gallons and filling at the same station to prevent someone from costing in gear down the rocky mountians for 200 miles and getting 2000 MPG's

To your point of "driving the vehicle in a real world manner", a handfull of us have done that (a few times even) over a significant distance to achieve the numbers in the title of this thread. If you can AVERAGE 100 MPG's for ~10 gallons or ~1000 miles, then you will get quite a bit of respect and can start your own 100 MPG/1600/1700 Mile Club thread.

I'm not saying that you can't do it or that it can't be done. I wish you all the best in your attempts at it - and I'm sure that many on this forum are willing to help you get there. Until you show otherwise, it's just discussion (which is useful, lets face it, that's what the forum is all about).

Just trying to help - feel free to comment

 

[Lightflyer1]

Show me the place you can do 32 mph for 1200 miles in the real world without shifting or stopping. If you have to use the brakes or shift you won't get 80 mpg, which is the minimum needed for a 1200 mile run. My run out to Ft Stockton and back was barely real world conditions and I didn't touch the pedals except to turn around in Ft. Stockton. You won't be able to use the interstate so you will be off on smaller roads where you will have to stop and shift often. This will kill any mileage you have. If you really think it can be done, quit talking and get busy driving. The trip should only take you 40 hours of non stop driving at 30 mph. If you do this you will have the record for a long time as I doubt anyone else will even attempt something like this.

 

[Blue_Hen_TDI]

He could book the Bonneville flats for two days, lock the steering wheel at an angle to produce a large loop, set her on cruise and take a nap. That's real-world, right?

 

[Bob_Fout]

He could book the Bonneville flats for two days, lock the steering wheel at an angle to produce a large loop, set her on cruise and take a nap. That's real-world, right?

Is that like...some kind of race where you're always turning left?

 

[frederal]

Don't forget about the Honda Insight, many of them with a good driver average over 100 MPG's.

I think the reason you're getting some skeptcal responses is that you're claiming to get significantly better mileage in a vehicle that has not shown the ability to get that kind of mileage by others.

All of us get infinite mileage when in overrun - yes it is possible, more than once even. This is why the discussion about a minimum number of miles/gallons and filling at the same station to prevent someone from costing in gear down the rocky mountians for 200 miles and getting 2000 MPG's

To your point of "driving the vehicle in a real world manner", a handfull of us have done that (a few times even) over a significant distance to achieve the numbers in the title of this thread. If you can AVERAGE 100 MPG's for ~10 gallons or ~1000 miles, then you will get quite a bit of respect and can start your own 100 MPG/1600/1700 Mile Club thread.

I'm not saying that you can't do it or that it can't be done. I wish you all the best in your attempts at it - and I'm sure that many on this forum are willing to help you get there. Until you show otherwise, it's just discussion (which is useful, lets face it, that's what the forum is all about).

Just trying to help - feel free to comment

I would not consider a Honda Insight as a real car its more like a 3 wheeled car with an extra wheel. Thats about as practical as a Citroen 2CV or a 2 cylinder 650 honda micro car and you see about as many as those on the roads these days.

The fantastic almost seemingly impossible mileage I am getting on my car comes from paying a lot of attention to many factors of driving/habits and much focus on efficiency on my part. I never stated that I will definitely reach 1,200 miles on this tank, rather that is is possible, and what it would require to make it a reality. Based on what I know so far I would have to say about 50% of it is from driving slow, slower than speed limit whenever possible/safe to do so. 10% = how well maintained vehicle is, filters clean, best fuel quality, right type of oil and 40+ lbs. tire inflation. 10% = never accelerating more than very lightly and upshifting at points like 1-2@ 10 mph, 2-3@ 18 mph, 3-4@ 25-30 mph & 4-5@ 36-42 mph, 10% = coasting to stop lights very early as to maintain as much momentum as possible to minimize downshifts and always using cruise control whenever practical. 10% = warmer temperatures as I clearly see a 20-30% loss in colder temperatures evidenced by very longer warm ups when around 10-20 degrees vs 50-60 degree days, no question effciency is greater on those days. 10% = less clutch slippage and minimization of short trips that do not allow engine to reach operating temp.

I am now at 500 miles on this tank, the needle is at 5/8 left and computer reads 575 to empty & 78 mpg (corrected/calculated to about 62-64 mpg) & still climbing, so I expect about 1,000 to 1050 miles this tank and possibly more depending on how may miles past zero to empty I am comfortable driving to. I know I could do 1,200 at least once in the life of this car I'm sure of it. My main hinderance seems to be constant commuting trips of 23 miles each way rather that one long trip. Under those cicrumstances I could realize a real 75+ mpg.

 

[Fix_Until_Broke]

I would not consider a Honda Insight as a real car its more like a 3 wheeled car with an extra wheel. Thats about as practical as a Citroen 2CV or a 2 cylinder 650 honda micro car and you see about as many as those on the roads these days.

The fantastic almost seemingly impossible mileage I am getting on my car comes with lots of attention to many factors of driving/habits and much focus on efficiency on my part. I never stated that I will definitely reach 1,200 miles on this tank, rather that is is possible, and what it would require to make it a reality. Based on what I know so far I would have to say about 50% of it is driving slow, slower than speed limit whenever possible/safe to do so. 10% = how well maintained vehicle is, filters clean, best fuel quality, right type of oil and 40+ lbs. tire inflation. 10% = never accelerating more than very lightly and upshifting at points like 1-2@ 10 mph, 2-3@ 18 mph, 3-4@ 25-30 mph & 4-5@ 36-42 mph, 10% = coasting to stop lights very early as to maintain as much momentum as possible to minimize downshifts and always using cruise control whenever practical. 10% = warmer temperatures as I clearly see a 20-30% loss in colder temperatures evidenced by very longer warm ups when around 10-20 degrees vs 50-60 degree days, no question effciency is greater on those days. 10% = less clutch slippage and minimization of short trips that do not allow engine to reach operating temp.

I am now at 500 miles on this tank, the needle is at 5/8 left and computer reads 575 to empty & 78 mpg (calculated at about 62-64 mpg) & still climbing, so I expect about 1,000 to 1050 miles this tank and possibly more depending on how may miles past zero to empty I am comfortable driving to. I know I could do 1,200 at least once in the life of this car I'm sure of it.

frederal - it sounds like you're on the right track, so long as your fuel gauge stays linear for the rest of the tank. You're right, it's a lot of work. If I consolidated your above percentages, it would end up as 80% driving style, 10% car and it's modifications, 10% environmental factors.

I know what you mean about thinking that there is always more MPG's possible in the car/driver. There's always those times where you see wasted energy that you know you could have used more efficiently, particularly in city/suburban driving.

Will you be the first MKV in the 60 MPG/1000 Mile club

Good Luck!

 

[Blue_Hen_TDI]

Will you be the first MKV in the 60 MPG/1000 Mile club

Good Luck!

No, no. Let him back up his claims and Youtube post and be the first MKV in the 80 MPG/1200 mile club! 60 MPG/1000 Miles is for kids.

 

[frederal]

No, no. Let him back up his claims and Youtube post and be the first MKV in the 80 MPG/1200 mile club! 60 MPG/1000 Miles is for kids.

I would also like to emphatically state this it may also be impossible to reach 1200 to a tank for all the pessimists out there, wish me luck. I appreciate everyones humor in all of this, as I'm not taking the joke aspect of all of this too serious.

 

[SpamJ]

Well, I used to ride from sun up to sun down on my Goldwing during June 21st. Maybe it's time for a TDI "all day" run and see what I can pull off. I'll have to get the scanguageII reset for summer fuel.

Let's see 50MPH X 14 hours in only 700, guess I'll have to get up really early for a 20 hour day. Anyone up for a 6/21/2008 challenge? It's a Saturday.

 

[no_one_of_consequence]

I know I could do 1,200 at least once in the life of this car I'm sure of it.
Under those cicrumstances I could realize a real 75+ mpg.

Like Jey Lo sings.... I´m waiting

 

[SpamJ]

N.O.O.C

A thought occurs, is Mexico running USLD?

 

[no_one_of_consequence]

N.O.O.C

A thought occurs, is Mexico running USLD?

Not all stations, not all cities. Lately I haven´t found any. That´s why I´m reporting D2.

 

[SpamJ]

Gotcha, not trying to downplay your achievement, just wondering what kind of hit we're taking.

Unless I could import some.... just for this run.

 

[Lightflyer1]

First I am glad I'm not behind you! Second the tank isn't linear and you will find the second half goes much more quickly. Like you I had over 500 miles at a little more than half a tank left on my trip. The second half only returned about 300 miles. Best of luck, but I don't think you will make 60 mpg.

 

[no_one_of_consequence]

miles_____gal____mpg___ date
1100.44___16.25___67.71___oct_07
1103.55___15.87___69.49___nov 07
1175.69___15.82___74.31___dec 07
1111.63___15.76___70.40___feb_08
1112.25___16.02___69.42___apr_08
1124.10___15.79___71.19___apr_08

Driver: no_one_of_consequence
Miles: 1124.10
Gallons: 15.79
Model Year: 2006
Model: Jetta A4 PD
Tranny: 5M
Fuel Type: D2

MPG: 71.19

 

[frederal]

Is your mpg from the trip computer or is it calculated. Have you been able to get over 14.5 gallons to a tank? I noticed one one fill 16.24 gallons, how is that possible?

 

[frederal]

miles_____gal____mpg___ date
1100.44___16.25___67.71___oct_07
1103.55___15.87___69.49___nov 07
1175.69___15.82___74.31___dec 07
1111.63___15.76___70.40___feb_08
1112.25___16.02___69.42___apr_08
1124.10___15.79___71.19___apr_08

Driver: no_one_of_consequence
Miles: 1124.10
Gallons: 15.79
Model Year: 2006
Model: Jetta A4 PD
Tranny: 5M
Fuel Type: D2

MPG: 71.19

Thats great!!! I did not realize that you could get a mk4 in Mexico thats a 2006? Now I understand, this is the last generation version, very impressive!!!

 

[frederal]

First I am glad I'm not behind you! Second the tank isn't linear and you will find the second half goes much more quickly. Like you I had over 500 miles at a little more than half a tank left on my trip. The second half only returned about 300 miles. Best of luck, but I don't think you will make 60 mpg.

This is the latest update on the never ending tank of fuel: I'm at 775 miles and the needle is like one needle under 1/4 left with the infamously inaccurate trip computer indicating 185 to empty. The computer also shows a tank average which is 76.5 which is more like 61.2, does anyone know how may miles you can go when it reads -0- to empty. I've read somewhere where some claim you can go maybe -100? If thats true I might get about 1,000. Does anyone know how many gallons you can get in a MKV 2005.5 if filled to the top of the filler neck?

 

[no_one_of_consequence]

Is your mpg from the trip computer or is it calculated. Have you been able to get over 14.5 gallons to a tank? I noticed one one fill 16.24 gallons, how is that possible?

calculated
Vented tank

 

[Brock_from_WI]

16.327 was my record.

 

[Fix_Until_Broke]

This is the latest update on the never ending tank of fuel: I'm at 775 miles and the needle is like one needle under 1/4 left with the infamously inaccurate trip computer indicating 185 to empty. The computer also shows a tank average which is 76.5 which is more like 61.2, does anyone know how may miles you can go when it reads -0- to empty. I've read somewhere where some claim you can go maybe -100? If thats true I might get about 1,000. Does anyone know how many gallons you can get in a MKV 2005.5 if filled to the top of the filler neck?

Sounds like you're on your way to an excellent tank - I think you've also got a ways to go to get to the 70 MPG mark. Keep up the hard work - it takes practice and you'll continue to improve.

I can tell you how far an A4 can go, but have not heard much on the A5's.

 

[Brock_from_WI]

I hope to hit a 1100 tank this summer, but my wife keeps taking the TDI instead of the van, which is good, but bad for me to set any records in a given tank

It's funny on SG2 when my wife makes the exact same trip I do she will get 55 mpg and I will get 75 mpg. She never cared until one day I left the SG2 in $ for the trip mode. That slowed her down, maybe I should put one in her van as she races around town