fuel economy / suggestions

[ivymike1031]

I've got an 88 civic dx with 120k miles on it. I purchased it in non-running condition w/ 114k miles on it for $125. I've been getting only about 30mpg out of it city/hwy, and I've got plenty o' soot in the tailpipe. It seems to run okay though, and compression tests just fine.

I'm guessing that the engine is running rich, and that the cat is probably long gone, based on the poor fuel economy and the soot. The confusing thing for me, though, is that it's not lighting the check engine light (which isn't burned out) and I would have expected the O2 sensor to complain about the mixture.

Anyone have any suggestions about what I might look at? I've contemplated replacing the O2 sensor to see what happens, but I'm not keen to spend much money on this vehicle.

also, anyone with a similar vehicle have a "target" fuel economy for me, so I'll know when/if it's doing okay?

[CRX586]

I'm thinking you probably need to swap for a b16a.

[ricodemus]

Originally posted by CRX586
I'm thinking you probably need to swap for a b16a.

saw that coming from a mile away

[Setanta]

Buy a pushbile for increased fuel efficiency

I had my GL dynotuned and got it down to 5.9km/l (engine was a D15B 100bhp twin-carb) on freeway interstate runs and it ran sweet as

[sastanley]

I don't think 30 MPG is that bad. It could be a tuning issue if you want to scrape a few more MPGs out of it. Fresh oil can help, fresh spark plugs and wires can help, and make sure your dizzy is clean and getting good spark to the wires, but then again, these things cost money

I get about 33 on average out of my d15b2 in my DX sedan, and I have a pretty good mixture of highway/city type driving.

Gearing can make a difference also...the HF tranny makes the car run at lower RPM hence usually providing better fuel economy.

In the winter time (here in MD anyway) they oxygenate the fuel to reduce emissions during the cold season. This oxygenation process reduces fuel economy a few percent...I see a 2 or 3 MPG drop during this time. I also see different MPGs based on which brand of gas I use.

Another tip on gas stations (as I ramble on) is to never fill up at a station with a gas (tanker) truck at it. If they are filling up the tanks underneath, they may have sediment and other shit they are stirring up and it can get in your car's tank.

If I paid $125 for my car and got 30MPG I would be pretty damn happy

and Setanta - WTF is a 'pushbile'??? In yank terms please...