Considering getting a 8.1L 3500

[MORSNO]

Thank you sir, that helps put your costs in perspective.

[KMGZ400]

Thank you sir, that helps put your costs in perspective.

X2

 

 

I learn something new every day!

[Commander Damo]

What sort of fuel do these things use? I've been hearing people mention "10MPG" highway unloaded? They would have to have a huge fuel tank?

 

My 3500 ambulance uses about 25L/100km at the moment.

[kstruckcountry]

The most I've ever heard of anyone getting is 15 mpg. But 10 is a pretty good all around number I think. People seem to like everything but the fuel mileage. The one I have driven is awesome, plenty of power on tap.

[KMGZ400]

The most I've ever heard of anyone getting is 15 mpg. But 10 is a pretty good all around number I think. People seem to like everything but the fuel mileage. The one I have driven is awesome, plenty of power on tap.

I've never heard of 15 and even if one is getting 15, it's must be in a 2500 SRW reg cab or ex cab short. That's a dually crew, heavies possible combo and it's got a cap

[MikeNH]

What sort of fuel do these things use? I've been hearing people mention "10MPG" highway unloaded? They would have to have a huge fuel tank?

 

My 3500 ambulance uses about 25L/100km at the moment.

 

I'm pretty sure that truck will have a 32 gallon (US) fuel tank.

[KMGZ400]

 

I'm pretty sure that truck will have a 32 gallon (US) fuel tank.

I think it's a 34 gal

[kstruckcountry]

I've never heard of 15 and even if one is getting 15, it's must be in a 2500 SRW reg cab or ex cab short. That's a dually crew, heavies possible combo and it's got a cap

Yeah SRW with ally 6 speed. Prolly going 55. I realize that isn't the norm. That's why I said 10 mpg.

[KMGZ400]

Yeah SRW with ally 6 speed. Prolly going 55. I realize that isn't the norm. That's why I said 10 mpg.

 

Yeah I forgot that's got the 5 speed ally too.. Not helping much

[bert55441]

I have a 2002 crew cab short box 2500Hd with the 8.1L. Like eveyone says it has tons of power but the down side is millage. I avarge 9-10 miles per gallon. The best I've gotten unloaded flat highway going speed limit(55) was 14.5. I haul a car trailer and plow snow with mine and the millage really dosen't go down much from my avarge unless its really wet heavy snow. My gas tank is about 27 gallons.

 

I've had the bad crank sensor like someone metion. Kinda easy to fix with a updated newer style sensor. Just have to take your time to replace it. Most of it is made of plastic that can brake off in the engin.

 

If you read up more on the 8.1L, you'll find out these engins burn some oil. About a quart between oil changes. I keep a extra quart under the back seat just in case I need it.

 

Other then that I've had pretty good luck with this engin. About 70K miles and going strong.

[r6351h]

My '04 8.1L Allison getting about 12 mpg highway and 10 mpg city...still (on a 3/4 ton pickup). Never been in the shop. She's a little thirsty, but runs like a top.