4runner mileage

[trappix05]

my gas mileage sucks, i have a 1990 automatic 4runner v6 4wd with 32's i believe + ski rack, i currently get between 190 and 200 per tank...
i realize this is a common issue especially with older (1995 and before) 4runners and i have a list of things im planning on trying, any comments would be a great help

already done: plugs, wires, rotor, dist. cap have all been changed very recently using bosch/high end parts, also using mobil1 oil

going to: lube gears? AutoRX engine and transmission treatment? clean MAF? injector cleaner? fuel filter? tweak AFM flap? any other ideas?

im really going poor here, any advice at all to break the 17mpg barrier would be of great help!

[forest_grump]

If you are getting 17MPG I have 7 words to say to that.......WTF ARE YOU BITCHING ABOUT!!!!

BTW...if you look inside your door and find the tag on inside pillar on drivers side front..you will notice where it gives you the factory tire size and if yours has not been corrected for the 32's you will be going and traveling actually faster and futher than speedo and odometor shows.

Many of us that have that gas guzzling underpowered,poor performing glorified anchor weight excuse for an engine (3.0L V6) in our 4X4's would love to get 17MPG's(and hell yeah they ride and handle damn nice and only reason I let mine follow me home and stay like a cute faced gf with a wideload butt and a great personality).Let us know if you find a miracle short of replacement or 3.0 to 3.4 engine swap lol

I get 16 tops on hwy with 31's and no luggage rack

The norm is from 13.8 to 16 on this setup bud

You messed up good on tune-up part selection with those Bosch plugs..they work great in VW's and some Mittsubshi/Dodge crap....go with NGK or ND's next time and you will notice the difference.

If the inside of oil filler cap looks a bit grungy I might do a simple pre oil change flush and forget the treatment and let your synthetic oil protect you unless you have oil control problems or smoking.

Lucus makes a great transmission fluid treatment/conditioner..if fluid is a ruddy brownish color and/or smells burnt...I would do a filter and fluid change before adding.

DO **NOT** attempt to clean the MAF..it is very sensitive not to mention expensive...clean the throttle chamber where throttle valve closes with a rag damp with WD40(do not spray any into chamber)

Don't know why you would want to tweak/screw with AFM flap as this is only something you would do with either a modified engine or after adding headers and free flowing exhaust and find out you're running too lean....it is set up for optimum from factory already and did I mention it is very sensitive and expensive already???

Personally I use Castro Syn-tech 10-30w and a gin-u-wine Toyota oil filter on mine and always on Toyota and Nissans use the factory spark plug wires (found way too many other clients using the best wires money could buy,and the *cheapest* on these motors and swapped back to factory wires and found them to run better and solve many mysterious drivability problems oddly enough...lol)

[Brian R.]

Not sure about this engine, but as a general rule, headers help gas mileage somewhat.

[forest_grump]

Brian is certainly right for sure....but headers are prone to blowing gasgets either at collector or at head if not tightened reg.....and even if willing to do that by-weekly....along with the headers,your cat , muffler and pipes will have to be upgraded to a larger 2 1/4" to 2 1/2" dia....
The expense and added nagging tightening and gasget replacement added with your intake on 3.0L being very restrictive = little yet noticeable performance and a tad on MPG's.

Price your headers,cat,pipes,muffler and labor along with a K&N air intake kit...you got the bucks and don't mind the extra maintaince required...go for it....goodluck in your quest and keep us posted

[ILOVEMY69]

my 4runner gets about 14 miles/gallon and it is totally stock so 17 mpg is pretty good.