gas mileage?

[Kai]

Yep - its priced in litres all over Europe. And just as a notification - Petrol has now officially exceeded ?1 per litre :|

[supfoo514]

wow.....all of you guys are getting so much better mileage than I am.... I have a question.... would having a blown head gasket have anything to do with bad mileage because I believe I have a BHG. Also I was wondering how much better mileage would I be getting if I changed my spark plugs. Thanks.

[stumpjumper]

I believe that having a BHG would kill gas mileage as it would alter your compression.

If the spark plugs are really gunked up then it will make a difference. If they are only slightly worn you won't notice much by changing them.
You definently need to focus in on the BHG issue first though.

[kewlcoconut]

it's funny that you mention the BHG and mileage. When I had my BHG, I had it for a long time and didnt realise it. My mileage was pretty good, I was getting about 400-450kms a tank. Now with my fixed HG, I get about 350kms a tank...

[mrnickleye]

Before BHG, 17/24mpg (city/hwy). After BHG, 15/22mpg. ????

Tank holds 18 gallons, per manual.

Also, attempting to measure true fuel MPG must be done by topping up the tank, driving 100-200 miles, then top up again. Divide the # of gallons bought into the # of miles driven, = MPG.

I always fill my tank, as I don't like stopping to pump more than necessary. Use the trip odometer to measure the miles between fillups.

Also...a very important note/tip....don't let your tank get below 1/4 full. The crap floating around in there will plug up the screen easier, which can starve/lean the engine fuel needed. And....the pump is electric, and it sits in the liquid gasoline to keep it cool. Pumps burn out 2-3x faster when you always run close to empty.

Learn your car. When my gage reads just above 1/4, I used 10 gallons.

[stumpjumper]

Damn good advise mrnickleye.

To clean that screen you speak of one would have to remove and take apart the gas tank?

[mrnickleye]

^^^ You need to pull the fuel pump. The filter/screen, is attached to the inlet side of pump. You must remove the gas tank to get at the pump. Its such a big job, that I would replace the pump while I was there.

My pump is original on my '89, and still working fine.

I recommend using an injector cleaner in the tank every 10 or so fill-ups. (6 months). Techron is one of the best YOU can buy (I get proffesional stuff for the shop). They sell it at walmart, and chevron gas stations. Its in the gas at chevron and texaco.