Thread: Fuel economy

It sounds like the torque converter wasn't remaining locked up. The lockup speed is 80km/h, so as you good above and below that speed it will lock and unlock. At 90km/h it will remain locked. That economy doesn't surprise me with an unlocked torque converter based on what I've done while towing a car trailer with a torque converter that wouldn't lock.

Thanks for that.

This may be a dumb question but does this mean either

1. The torque converter only locks at above 80kph so to achieve better fuel consumption I should drive faster, say 85-90kph, or

2. I have a problem with the torque converter not locking up and it should be fixed at the next service which is scheduled for 3weeks time?



regards

A 1 - yes >85 will keep it locked
A 2 - possible but unlikly. to check put it in 3rd - converter should lockin over 70 in 3rd

My experience is that the small diesels will drink fuel towing.....

I have a Avan cruiser I tow with a D1 TDi. I get about 11.5 lts/100ks with the cruise control. I generally travel about 10ks under the speed limit. This means I don't have to overtake too often & others travelling at the speed limit can pass. If I'm not travelling above 80ks I put it in 3rd. This stops the torque converter slipping. I would imagine your new van is heavier & a bit more wind resistance.
Michael.

Very Nice

I'd be inclined to try 90 again,,

Wheres max torque on a TD5?

Mikems

The TARE is 1700 compared to 1400 on the Cruiseliner and yes it is much larger so a drop in consumption was to be expected.

I wouldn't have thought of dropping back to 3 at around 80 as I would have though the engine would have been working a lot harder.

Up to now the fuel was courtesy of a company fuel card but now as I am about to retire and pull the van around OZ the fuel usage has a more significant impact on the pocket.

I guess the next lot of test runs will be done @ 90kph in D and 80kph in 3 to see which fares the best.

Many thanks to you Slunnie and harlie for your helpfull answers.


(this is what makes this site sooooooooo good)

best regards

Pedro

Ours is 4 years old but in immaculate condition and we absolutely love it and as we are going to spend 5 months up in Broome before starting extended trips we needed more space.

We were sad to see the Cruiseliner go after 9 years but there is a big difference in using it for weekends and 2 week holiday trips compared to 5 months straight.

The sad thing having been in the WA Avan club since 1997 we are no longer eligible for membership because we don't have a "pointy" van, but those are the rules and we have to accept that.

We are going to the annual convention in Busselton next month as guests so we will be leaving on a high note in a gathering of around 230 pointy AVans.

regards

Originally Posted by Pedro_The_Swift

Very Nice

I'd be inclined to try 90 again,,

Wheres max torque on a TD5?

Starts at 1950 RPM Pedro.