95 Caravan Gas mileage

Hi All,
I have a 95 Caravan with a 3.0 engine. I had a new timing belt installed last fall and the vehicle is burning much more gas. I have replaced the plugs, wires, gas filter. Anyone have any idea what other components could be causing this. Could it be the timing? The cars seems not to have much power like it did.

Steve

Timing? You bet it could be. Sounds like the timing belt was installed a tooth off. You are seeing the classic results of it meaning lousy mileage and lack of power. I'd take it back to whoever installed the belt and have them check it out. Do you have a distributor? If so, they may be able to adjust the timing at least closer to specification. They will more likely have to reinstall the belt.

Hi,
It was done at PepBoys and I am not to impressed with the work that goes on there. Most of the mechanics are kids going through automotive school. They just do not take the time to go that extra step.

Yes, the car does have a distributor. If it is off a tooth then I would have to compensate for the actual timing the manufacturer states, right?

I may just have to adjust it and see what works.

Is there a possibilty that no matter how I adjust the distributor it may not be within specifications?

Thanks for your help.

Steve

Good maintenance is is a hit and miss affair wherever you go. My daughter's Camry broke down on the way home from college. Towed it to a Toyota dealership where they changed the timing belt. When she finally made it home she said she could barely do 50 mph up hills. I checked the timing with a timing light and it was about 25 dgrees out of spec. Took it to the local dealer where they said the belt was installed two teeth off. In this case I paid a premium dealer price and got garbage.

Sounds like taking it back to PepBoys isn't an option for you. Me, I'd be jumping on their manager's desk. Anyway, idealy check the timing using a timing light. This will tell you the exact setting so you have a baseline to go with. You can try adjusting it at the distributor but, it will only adjust about 5 to 8 degrees either way from top dead center. If the timing is out more than that, you'll still have a problem.

Adjusting the distributor is a normal step after installing a new timing belt. Think of it as the fine adjust of engine timing.

i agree on timming belt off a tooth or 2..good luck...

Hi,
Do you think I could have a gripe with Pepboys if I find out for sure that it is off a tooth or two even after almost a year?

no i don't think you'll get anywhere with them on the time limit.and i'll tell pep boy's huh i'd get another mccanic. because i see what they do around here on peoples car that never needed it in the first place..but maybe got a good one where your from. i think it's all on you to get timming belt replaced or redone at your cost..but good luck...

Hi,
Thanks for all your input on this issue. The Caravan is just a fourth car I have and the oldest in the household. It has served me well.
As far a PepBoys goes, I only take the Caravan there. I do not think I will take it back. What I am going to do is find out for sure that the timimg chain is off by a tooth or two, then call Customer Support and tell them and see what they do about it.

I have a 2003 Mercury Marauder and 2000 Lincoln Towncar that I only let my Ford mechanic touch. I let my kids drive the Caravan which is one reason why it is on it's last leg. I play in a blues band and I use it to carry the equipment also.

You can check it out at www.missionofblues.com (http://www.missionofblues.com)

Thanks again,

Steve

I finally have a timing light and I put it on the caravan. Well, the timing was way off but I was able to have it align with #1 cylinder, once I loosed the nut and moved the distributor. I was able line up the pully notch with the stationary timing mark. So it looks like it is not off a tooth or two. :smile:

It is running much better.

Thanks,

Steve