Improving gas mileage

Hey guys, I have a '95 Tracer (Escort Wannabe) w/ the 1.9 and 5 spd.
Has 198k miles on it. I'm currently getting about 32 mpg, 75% highway... Been like that for months now.
when i got it last summer, was more like 35 mpg.

Just curious what misc things you guys have found that directly impact the mileage, I'm about to replace the PCV valve, any other small things that tend to "stop up" these motors?

Have also been thinking of replacing the airbox w/ a cone-style K&N or look-alike, anybody noticed mileage diffs after this? As an aside on this thought, what is the sensor that sticks into the bottom of the airbox there just below the filter? Haven't figured out what to do w/ that fella if I dump the box for a cone...

I know even 32 mpg is nothing to sneeze at, but w/ gas prices what they're expected to be in a few months it makes a difference to my wallet, but maybe more importantly I like have a well-tuned motor or at least know if I have at issue, esp w/ this kind of mileage on the car.

Your millage is very good already. I dont know how you improve it.

Hey guys, I have a '95 Tracer (Escort Wannabe) w/ the 1.9 and 5 spd.
Has 198k miles on it. I'm currently getting about 32 mpg, 75% highway... Been like that for months now.
when i got it last summer, was more like 35 mpg.

Just curious what misc things you guys have found that directly impact the mileage, I'm about to replace the PCV valve, any other small things that tend to "stop up" these motors?

Have also been thinking of replacing the airbox w/ a cone-style K&N or look-alike, anybody noticed mileage diffs after this? As an aside on this thought, what is the sensor that sticks into the bottom of the airbox there just below the filter? Haven't figured out what to do w/ that fella if I dump the box for a cone...

I know even 32 mpg is nothing to sneeze at, but w/ gas prices what they're expected to be in a few months it makes a difference to my wallet, but maybe more importantly I like have a well-tuned motor or at least know if I have at issue, esp w/ this kind of mileage on the car.

I put the k/n in my car and not a stich of differnce.

Hey guys, I have a '95 Tracer (Escort Wannabe) w/ the 1.9 and 5 spd.
Has 198k miles on it. I'm currently getting about 32 mpg, 75% highway... Been like that for months now.
when i got it last summer, was more like 35 mpg.

Just curious what misc things you guys have found that directly impact the mileage, I'm about to replace the PCV valve, any other small things that tend to "stop up" these motors?

Have also been thinking of replacing the airbox w/ a cone-style K&N or look-alike, anybody noticed mileage diffs after this? As an aside on this thought, what is the sensor that sticks into the bottom of the airbox there just below the filter? Haven't figured out what to do w/ that fella if I dump the box for a cone...

I know even 32 mpg is nothing to sneeze at, but w/ gas prices what they're expected to be in a few months it makes a difference to my wallet, but maybe more importantly I like have a well-tuned motor or at least know if I have at issue, esp w/ this kind of mileage on the car.

Not bad mileage but with the mileage decreasing, your engine may be running a little bit rich. Sometimes this is due to O2 sensor/s becoming sluggish. Allowed to go on, they will eventually fail. The O2 sensor provides the input to the computer to regulate the fuel mixture (feedback control loop).

Not bad mileage but with the mileage decreasing, your engine may be running a little bit rich. Sometimes this is due to O2 sensor/s becoming sluggish. Allowed to go on, they will eventually fail. The O2 sensor provides the input to the computer to regulate the fuel mixture (feedback control loop)..

I forget alvin is there a way at home to test the o2 sensor? what is the life expectance you have found for them?

.

I forget alvin is there a way at home to test the o2 sensor? what is the life expectance you have found for them?

BACKGROUND: The O2 sensor produces very small voltages and can be checked for operation with a DVOM however, the readings jump around (5 times per second) and are hard to see. To check the sensor properly requires a PC based scantool with graphing capabilites. O2 Sensors become sluggish, not bad enough to set a fault code but not good enough to prevent increased fuel consumption. IMHO the preventive maintenance is the best way to go.

PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE: My manual suggests the following:
Unheated 1 or 2 wire sensors - 1976 - through early 1990s -30K - 50K.
Heated 3 & 4 wire sensors - 1985 - 1995 - 60K.
On OBD 11 equipped vehicles (1996 & Up) 100K
*Check exhaust manifold, doughnut gaskets, and exhaust system for leaks. Any leak upstream of a 02 sensor will affect the F/A ratio.

BACKGROUND: The O2 sensor produces very small voltages and can be checked for operation with a DVOM however, the readings jump around (5 times per second) and are hard to see. To check the sensor properly requires a PC based scantool with graphing capabilites. O2 Sensors become sluggish, not bad enough to set a fault code but not good enough to prevent increased fuel consumption. IMHO the preventive maintenance is the best way to go.

PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE: My manual suggests the following:
Unheated 1 or 2 wire sensors - 1976 - through early 1990s -30K - 50K.
Heated 3 & 4 wire sensors - 1985 - 1995 - 60K.
On OBD 11 equipped vehicles (1996 & Up) 100K
*Check exhaust manifold, doughnut gaskets, and exhaust system for leaks. Any leak upstream of a 02 sensor will affect the F/A ratio.

great info thanks again

don't get a K&N filter. Get a new air filter(if your current one is really dirty) and cut a hole out of the bottom of the air box. I did that and you wouldn't believe how well the car runs and I was getting 37mpg on the highway. I used autolight plugs(I think they're 5144s but don't quote me on that, look them up at the parts store), a new 02 sensor, new plug wires and the filter/box cutout that I described above.

Also, if you're using one particular gas station, try another one in the area. The type of gas(between summer/winter) might be why you're getting lower gas mileage. Each gas station(shell/exxon/chevron/etc), the gas is all a little different with their own specific detergents/etc in it. Your car probably doesn't like the winter gas as much as it likes the summer gas, that's normal. Also, do you let it warm up a little bit more before driving it, that might be a little too. All i know is I'm getting mid-high 30s in mine.

IMHO the preventive maintenance is the best way to go.

What is preventive maintenance for an O2? or did you mean the engine maintenance. My car has 88k so is it safe to guess im safe? was like $60+ hard cash to shell out.

IMHO the preventive maintenance is the best way to go.

What is preventive maintenance for an O2? or did you mean the engine maintenance. My car has 88k so is it safe to guess im safe? was like $60+ hard cash to shell out.


once you put in an 02 sensor...just make sure its hooked up and the wires are not hanging low enough to catch on anything or going to get burned/pinched by anything.

As far as the rest of the car, change oil when needed(3-5K miles depending on driving habits), coolent and transmission fluid/filter every 35K(automatic only.....manuals do not have filters and you can go ever 50-75K with their fluid).

Change plugs/wires when you feel a miss or your mileage goes down or they look really bad. I haven't changed my plugs on the TA in over a year and over 20K miles and I use TR6 plugs for that car. the Escort was done in Nov. and its had 11k miles on it using autolights(5144 I believe) without any problems.

Thanks guys... so the cone-style air filters just don't do much for these cars? In talking to folks it seems to be hit and miss across vehicles, just depending on whether the air flow is really a restrictive design for a specific vehicle. If I did do it, I'd go w/ the generic $20 deal rather than the K&N anyway, I just don't think their worth the hefty price tag.
If you have access to an oscilloscope (I know, thsi is pretty rare, but I can "borrow" oen from our lab" you can read O2 oscilations w/ that, too.
I have no idea how many miles are on the O2 sensor, car has almost 200k on it... its definitely been replaced before though, it has an aftermarket plug....
DarkBlueTA, just how big of a hole did you cut in the box?

DarkBlueTA, just how big of a hole did you cut in the box?


Basically, I took the bottom of the air box off and cut most of the bottom section out. the 91s are divided into 2 areas...one that's about 1/3 the surface area of the bottom of the air box and the other is about 2/3 the surface area. the bigger section is basically all cut out. Woke up the car up like you wouldn't believe. That with the other basic tuneup stuff the car runs like a champ.

You MUST read this thread
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=385048&page=2&pp=15

It'll suprise you!

You MUST read this thread
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=385048&page=2&pp=15

It'll suprise you!

I don't know, I'm skeptical. I can see how if you're getting 12 mpg something like that might make a difference, but it just seems unlikely when you're small-gas users like use 4-cyl guys. Has anubody tried it?
I'd be less worried about tha damage to my seals, o-rings etc than just the general PITA of dealing w/ the stuff. Acetone is nasty, who wants to carry it around in their car to add at the pump? And if you're going to, you'd have to dilute it into a small gas tank first, else just pooring it in straight/pure would definitely be bad news for the line going down into the tank...
.

I don't know, I'm skeptical. I can see how if you're getting 12 mpg something like that might make a difference, but it just seems unlikely when you're small-gas users like use 4-cyl guys. Has anubody tried it?
I'd be less worried about tha damage to my seals, o-rings etc than just the general PITA of dealing w/ the stuff. Acetone is nasty, who wants to carry it around in their car to add at the pump? And if you're going to, you'd have to dilute it into a small gas tank first, else just pooring it in straight/pure would definitely be bad news for the line going down into the tank...
.


sounds to good to be true, probably is. I doubt this doubles your gas mileage, I would be hard pressed to see a 10% gain out of it. its like buying the tornado....its a waste of $$$. anyone who buys one should be slapped up side the head. :lol:

anyways...just do a tuneup, use good gas and keep regular maintenace up on the car and you're good to go. Oh, and easy on the gas = better mileage.

try using lucas fuel system treatment, or STP. one of those major brands. if nothing else itll make ur car run a lil better. and like most fords your car probably has a very restrictive exhaust system. that could possibly help. but then again i dont know if that would be worth the money

Oh, and easy on the gas = better mileage.

Yep, there's the hard part.... :licka:

Yep, there's the hard part.... :licka:


if you think that's tough..try that in a TA that puts about 475rearwheel hp down, handles like its on rails and stops fasts as heck. Hitting the "go" pedal is to much fun. :grinyes:

according to bosch
http://www.boschusa.com/images/blank_spacer.gifhttp://www.boschusa.com/images/blank_spacer.gifReplacing a worn-out oxygen sensor will save you money. Properly functioning oxygen sensors are important when it comes to your vehicle's fuel economy and exhaust emissions. That's why checking for, and possibly replacing, a worn-out oxygen sensor is an important part of every routine tune-up. And routine maintenance is more than just routine when you use Bosch Oxygen Sensors, part of a Bosch Premium Tune-Up. Plus, properly functioning oxygen sensors are good for the environment, and can save you hundreds of dollars in gasoline costs over the life of the sensor. Worn out
O2 sensor New
O2 sensor <HR>Miles driven 12,000 12,000 <HR>Miles/gallon* 18.0 20.0 <HR>Gallons of gas 666.7 600.0 <HR>Cost/gallon $1.60 $1.60 <HR>Total gasoline cost $1,067 $960 SAVINGS PER YEAR $107 After 30,000-50,000 miles $268 - $446 After 60,000-100,000 miles $535 - $892 <HR>*Fuel Efficiency: Assumes miles/gallon improvement of 10% (pre OBDII vehicles).
A worn-out oxygen sensor: Wastes fuel Can cause engine performance problems, such as surging and hesitating Is the number one cause of excessive harmful exhaust emissions Accelerates catalytic converter damageReplacing a worn-out oxygen sensor: Saves money in fuel costs Improves engine performance Reduces air pollution Prevents premature failure of the catalytic converter

I just did a tuneup on my 97 2.0L SPI SOHC with a new air cleaner, wires and plugs. I got 35 before and am getting 42 now. I am now using 3oz. of Marvel Mystery oil to 10 gl. of gas as an upper cylinder lubricant and am now getting 46 mpg. My question is this. I have heard that the 2.0 SPI has a tendancy to drop valve seats when overheated. Do you think any leaner mixture than this would harm it? It has 134k on it and has never had anything done to it other than oil changes, head gasket, thermostat, crankcase, and cooling system flush. Should I put a new oxygen sensor in or wait for a drop in mileage first?

I am now using 3oz. of Marvel Mystery oil to 10 gl. of gas as an upper cylinder lubricant and am now getting 46 mpg. My question is this....Should I put a new oxygen sensor in or wait for a drop in mileage first?

Dude, if yer getting 46 mpg, I'm doubtful it could get much better. But thats just me being skeptical.

What exactly is IN Marvel Mystery Oil?

Dude, if yer getting 46 mpg, I'm doubtful it could get much better. But thats just me being skeptical.

What exactly is IN Marvel Mystery Oil?

The label says 30% stoddard solvent and 70% heavy napitive pertroleum distillates. Whats that mean? I don't know. I guess thats why they call it mystery oil.

Hm, I seem to be up above 34 mpg now w/o doing anything, never did get around to changing that PCV valve. Maybe the "summer gas" is here?
Just goes to show that speculating about things from one tank to the next is pretty meaningless, only long-term trends and carefull records can tell you something.
Oh, and I think the key to really testing any kind of additive is just like any other scientific test, you (teh driver) need to be "blind"... that is, not actually know if you have the stuff in or not... very easy to have perceived changes just 'cause you knew its in there (classic placebo effect)... maybe get a buddy to add a myster ymix, either additive or just gas, w/ each fillup. Now Thats science, baby!

I just did a tuneup on my 97 2.0L SPI SOHC with a new air cleaner, wires and plugs. I got 35 before and am getting 42 now. I am now using 3oz. of Marvel Mystery oil to 10 gl. of gas as an upper cylinder lubricant and am now getting 46 mpg. My question is this. I have heard that the 2.0 SPI has a tendancy to drop valve seats when overheated. Do you think any leaner mixture than this would harm it? It has 134k on it and has never had anything done to it other than oil changes, head gasket, thermostat, crankcase, and cooling system flush. Should I put a new oxygen sensor in or wait for a drop in mileage first?

That's just shy of my 86 Tempo Diesel mileage. I only get 50.

Just watch your temp gauge for a while. Then watch it again on the hotter days. (we should all keep an eye on them anyways) If it doesn't get hotter than normal don't worry about it. I don't think that you'll have any problems, and i wouldnt be suprised if it runns cooler

Not bad mileage but with the mileage decreasing, your engine may be running a little bit rich. Sometimes this is due to O2 sensor/s becoming sluggish. Allowed to go on, they will eventually fail. The O2 sensor provides the input to the computer to regulate the fuel mixture (feedback control loop).

Well, I may look into this actually, the car DOES have 200k miles on it.
However, there are 2 sensors, 1 "upstream" which is the 1-wire type, only $16... the other is the 4-wire style and more like $60. Think it'd fly to just change teh cheaper one?? :-)

Well, I may look into this actually, the car DOES have 200k miles on it.
However, there are 2 sensors, 1 "upstream" which is the 1-wire type, only $16... the other is the 4-wire style and more like $60. Think it'd fly to just change teh cheaper one?? :-)

Double check the 'upstream sensor' harness and make sure it has only one or two wires. O2 sensors with one or two wires are unheated. Most late models have three and four wire sensors which are heated.
Before O2 sensor can generate a signal they have to be HOT (between 617-662F) during this time the computer is operating 'open loop' and will cause the vehicle to use more fuel until the sensor gets HOT.
It could be someone has put the wrong 02 sensor in the 'upstream' position. Let me know what you find out.

Double check the 'upstream sensor' harness and make sure it has only one or two wires. O2 sensors with one or two wires are unheated. Most late models have three and four wire sensors which are heated.
Before O2 sensor can generate a signal they have to be HOT (between 617-662F) during this time the computer is operating 'open loop' and will cause the vehicle to use more fuel until the sensor gets HOT.
It could be someone has put the wrong 02 sensor in the 'upstream' position. Let me know what you find out.

Will do. I was just asking this based on what I saw online at Advance Auto, they have listings for teh 2 sensors and say they are different.
Although... looking at Auto Zone and Anap, they only have 4-wire types listed. I guess I'll have to break down and actually look at the car!