Dodge B-I-B 1948 - Page 12

nomical. Your truck should not be loaded above the recommended
gross
laden rating. The gross laden rating means the combined
weight of the complete truck and the load it carries. To determine
the gross
laden weight of your truck, weigh the truck just as it oper-
ates when fully loaded.
Unnecessary high vehicle and engine speeds should be avoided.
More power is required to propel a vehicle a given distance at
50 miles per hour than would be required to propel the vehicle the
same distance
at 30 miles per hour. Therefore fuel and oil con-
sumption is increased by high speeds.
Sudden starts and stops reduce fuel economy and increase main-
tenance costs.
Tires should
be inAated to the recommended pressure and wheel
alignment maintained. Under-inAated tires or misaligned wheels
wdste fuel because they increase rolling friction, which means that
more power, hence more fuel, is required to move the truck.
A"owing the engine to idle while the truck is standing for any
length of time will cut down fuel economy and increase operat-
ing costs.
Engine
operating temperature is an important factor in engine
economy. Engine
operating temperatures that are above normal
will increase. engine oil temperatures and reduce oil economy.
When the engine is continuously operated below normal operating
temperatures the fuel mixture is not completely burned in the com-
bustion chambers. Some unburned fuel passes the pistons and
dilutes the engine oil. Also, condensation and sludge may form in
the crankcase. Dilution, condensation
or sludge deteriorate oil and
promote rapid wear of the engine parts which the oil is expected
to protect.
Your Dodge truck engine is equipped with advanced and out-
standing features which, under normal operating conditions, will
automatically maintain the proper engine operating temperature
and ventilate the crankcase. If your engine is operated under
unusual conditions and normal engine temperatures are not main-
tained, economy wi" suffer and it is suggested that you see your
Dodge dealer for his recommendations.
Brake adjustments should be checked, and the engine tuned,
periodically.
Maintenance and lubrication as specified in this manual will
insure engine efficiency and help materially to reduce frictional
power loss, thereby improving economy.
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