Improving gas mileage

[TheStang00]

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

[RatLabGuy]

Originally Posted by DarkblueTA

Oh, and easy on the gas = better mileage.

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

[DarkblueTA]

Originally Posted by RatLabGuy

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

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.

[chevyn0va1]

according to bosch
Replacing 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 damage

Replacing a worn-out oxygen sensor:

• Saves money in fuel costs
• Improves engine performance
• Reduces air pollution
• Prevents premature failure of the catalytic converter

[Davescort97]

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?

[RatLabGuy]

Originally Posted by Davescort97

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?

[Davescort97]

Originally Posted by RatLabGuy

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.

[RatLabGuy]

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!

[OverBoardProject]

Originally Posted by Davescort97

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

[RatLabGuy]

Originally Posted by A. Souphound

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?? :-)

[A. Souphound]

Originally Posted by RatLabGuy

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.

[RatLabGuy]

Originally Posted by A. Souphound

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!