Inverter Drain on MPG???

BobWolf · Oct 2, 2013

Biger is better when it comes to batteries and alternators in a work vehicle.

You could have crud on the injectors. Its getting more common with the ethanol
Have you tried running a can of berrymans B12 injector cleaner. I usually use can per 10 gallons run until near empty and see if it helps.

I contacted the GM dealership and I was told there is no actual valve adjustment as the hydraulic lifters do the adjusting if your out of spec the valve train parts are worn or you need to retorque the rockers. You can check the valve lash with a feeler gauge but of course he wouldn't give me the lash measurement. Its not a bad idea to check the torque on the rockers as they will throw off the lash. Bring the cylinder to compression Top Dead center and torque the jam nuts. I had to do this with an older work truck.

BobWolf · Oct 2, 2013

383K!!?
If its the original engine I would definitely at least look at the valve train juts to make sure its not fixing to swallow a valve. Think of Chernobyl when it happens.

Bob Wolf

Murraycroexp · Oct 2, 2013

BobWolf said:
Biger is better when it comes to batteries and alternators in a work vehicle.

You could have crud on the injectors. Its getting more common with the ethanol
Have you tried running a can of berrymans B12 injector cleaner. I usually use can per 10 gallons run until near empty and see if it helps.

I contacted the GM dealership and I was told there is no actual valve adjustment as the hydraulic lifters do the adjusting if your out of spec the valve train parts are worn or you need to retorque the rockers. You can check the valve lash with a feeler gauge but of course he wouldn't give me the lash measurement. Its not a bad idea to check the torque on the rockers as they will throw off the lash. Bring the cylinder to compression Top Dead center and torque the jam nuts. I had to do this with an older work truck.

I'll grab some B12 ASAP. Only thing I've run is a "light" dose of Upper Cylinder Lube. I was swearing better mileage when I first started using it but now I don't know.

Murraycroexp · Oct 2, 2013

BobWolf said:
383K!!?
If its the original engine I would definitely at least look at the valve train juts to make sure its not fixing to swallow a valve. Think of Chernobyl when it happens.

Bob Wolf

LOL!! Yeah, diesels aren't the only engines that can run 1,000,000 miles without major work. This one won't make it anywhere near that long but it does not burn a single drop of oil between changes at 7000 miles.

I'm just betting that my heavy arse right foot is the cause to my miles per gallon fluctuations.

Sometimes I am more patient than other times.

Murraycroexp · Oct 2, 2013

I wish I knew a shop that I could just hand it to, write them a check, and know that they were checking everything. Like cylinder compression, electrical system and charging, complete drivetrain inspection for performance, valves, etc. Then again I don't know if this van is worth paying a Thousand dollars to diagnose something that they not be wrong.

DCH474 · Oct 3, 2013

Wind speed and direction and terrain will make your mpg vary 1 or 2 mpg a tank. As long as it varies up and down its good, when it only goes down you have a problem.

A heavier load on your alt does hurt, but not enough to accurately see.
Back to back tests at the dragstrip show virtually the same results, (with and without an alt) however when the battery gets low the spark drops off due to low voltage.

Bottom line, if the music makes you happy then its worth the .1 (at most) mpg drain on your wallet. YMMV

Murraycroexp · Oct 3, 2013

Ok cool. Music and podcasts make the miles go by MUCH faster.

A bit off topic, but I just read last night my heated mattress pad should only use about 20 watts on a "3 setting".
Although my wife just bought me a new generator, I'm wondering if I can just run that on a deep cycle battery and isolator.
I'll hang up now and listed for your response. LOL!!

runrunner · Oct 3, 2013

It depends how long you want to sleep, I have never used a battery that way, but would guess it would last maybe six hours at least. Others could advise you better about that I'm sure.