Overfilled Oil=16.5 mgp / Correct Oil=19 mpg ??

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Zigglefuss

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9/17 Bought new 5.3L Z71 2WD Tahoe with 95 miles on it

9/29 Drove with family 2 hours on highway with cruise at 70mph w/ AC on and tire pressure in the 37/38 psi range when tires warmed up (tire PSI is 33/34 cold) = AVG 19mpg

10/18 Changed oil and filter at 1000 miles (one of those people who just feels better about doing this with any new car). Put in 6 quarts of 5w-30 synthetic, did not check dipstick-just followed amount indicated in owners manual). I noted a little less than 5 quarts drained out.

10/19 Drove with family an hour on same highway as 9/29 with cruise at 70mph w/ AC on and tires still in the 37/38 range = AVG 16.5mpg

10/20 Guessing I overfilled the oil, I drained 1 quart out from the oil pan.

10/21 Drove with family an hour on same highway as before with cruise at 70, AC on, 37/38 psi = AVG 19.4mpg. Checked oil level after dinner before turning around and it was fine...just above the second hole from the bottom and within the hashed area. MPG was 19/20 mpg on the way home, but speed was variable (a bit slower) and without using cruise as much.

Gas used on all trips was from either Sam's or BJ's and both can contain up to 10% ethanol. Outside air temp was very similar.

Can't really bring myself to believe 1 quart of extra oil could have that level of impact, but I can't think of any other variables to explain it.

Can anyone think of another explanation or something I'm missing?
 

SAUDILTZTAHOE

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Was it windy out? If so that could bring your gas millage down if you were driving against it. But if you driving on the same way the wind was going, you would definitely get better millage. That's just a thought.
 

Zigglefuss

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Wasn't really windy either day. And it was roughly the same time of day too.
 

LVYUKYUK

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My guess would be the gas being the variable, not the oil. I just changed the oil in my truck last night to Mobil1 Full Syn Extra life and it took six quarts. It reads full on the dipstick now, and I did drain out six quarts. I'm not familiar with those gas stations you listed, but I only use Shell or Chevron. Continually, they get 1-3mpg better than average. I'm going with gas 100%. But I may repost if my gas mileage goes down this weekend. Off to Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park for a little photo safari. I'll let you know.
 
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