Help with my fuel economyh

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Craig Doucette @ May 25 2007, 09:00 AM) [snapback]449704[/snapback]</div>

Craig,

Evan is correct (as usual), but you can slightly improve your MPG on short trips by installing (and using) an Engine block heater (EBH). They are sold as an option in Canada (and EBH shows a larger effect in cold weather) and can be purchased on the web. Installation instructions are also on the web and any decent mechanic can install one.

The problem has little to do with battery charging, it is just that during the warm up cycle, your Internal combustion engine (ICE) runs continuously to get the system up to temperature. This is also a primary reason for lower MPG in very cold weather.

JeffD

 

I agree with efusco!

If your commute is 1 mile then please consider walking, biking or buying a NEV golf cart.

The prius will always warm up the catalytic converter as this over-all reduces emmissions. This takes more then a mile or several minutes. There is nothing you can do about it.

If you installed the EV switch you would be able to quickly drain the battery but have no way of charging it.

I wish I had 1 mile commute!

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(SomervillePrius @ May 25 2007, 05:46 AM) [snapback]449730[/snapback]</div>

I'm sort of joking, but since your commute is so short you (Craig) could convert to a plug-in without adding more batteries. If you topped off your batteries to SOC 80% everytime you parked, using a plug-in design, and of course installed an EV mod, you could get terrific mileage. Of course, you'd have to let your engine spin up every once in a while to keep the engine lubed. You'll have to ask others for details. Some are doing a legitimate PHEV conversion for commutes of up to 30 miles.

Dave M.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(SomervillePrius @ May 25 2007, 06:46 AM) [snapback]449730[/snapback]</div>

I agree!

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Craig Doucette @ May 25 2007, 09:00 AM) [snapback]449704[/snapback]</div>

You should listen to your big brother more often!

I listened to you and bought a Prius. I am getting an average of about 53.5 mpg on my second tank, what with my 20-mile trip to work every day. You got great milage on your trip to Lauderdale, but are disappointed with the trip between your house and work.

I've said it before, Craig -- ride a damn bike! <_<

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jdenenberg @ May 25 2007, 09:30 AM) [snapback]449721[/snapback]</div>

Does anybody know the OEM Toyota part number for the engine block heater?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(bestmapman @ May 26 2007, 06:45 AM) [snapback]450345[/snapback]</div>

Toyota of Canada Inc.
p/n CO140-00889

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(priussoris @ May 26 2007, 08:50 AM) [snapback]450346[/snapback]</div>

I called my dealer and they said it was a Canadian part and they couldn't order it. Any ideas here?
Any Canadians out there that would order this for me?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(bestmapman @ May 26 2007, 09:09 AM) [snapback]450351[/snapback]</div>

One option would be to order it from this site:

http://www.metrotpn.com/ProductDetails.asp...mp;SortIndex=22

I've used them and was very pleased with their service.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(bestmapman @ May 26 2007, 06:09 AM) [snapback]450351[/snapback]</div>

You can order one through Jesse Wright of Metro Toyota.

The info is below.

Jesse Wright
Internet Parts Sales
Metro Toyota
Cleveland, Ohio
1.877.885.2900
[email protected]
www.metrotpn.com

Dave M.