Poor Gas consumption on 98 mitsubishi galant 4g63 engine

[David J. Henry]

I am now getting 14 mpg on my 4 cyl. 2000cc 98 galant. Car is not missing and smokes slightly when started in morning. Also, what should my spark plug gap be. I just got the car with no manual. I removed spark plug which seems new. The gap now being used is 0.38 If you could, please email me at my adress - [email protected]. Much thanks.

[Epistemology]

Did you check for codes with a scan tool? Is your thermostat working properly, or is it stuck open? How hot is your engine coolant getting?

What are you running for engine oil? Is it higher viscosity than recommended by the manufacturer?

How many miles on the car?

[shorod]

Welcome to the forum!

Actually, since some people actually search the forums for answers, it's not recommended that responses be sent directly via e-mail. If we take the time to answer your question, the least you can do is take the time to log in to the forum and read them.

Is there evidence this car has or once had an oiled air filter (or cold air intake)? If so, there may be a film on the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor that's causing the poor fuel economy.

-Rod

[David J. Henry]

Originally Posted by shorod

Welcome to the forum!

Actually, since some people actually search the forums for answers, it's not recommended that responses be sent directly via e-mail. If we take the time to answer your question, the least you can do is take the time to log in to the forum and read them.

Is there evidence this car has or once had an oiled air filter (or cold air intake)? If so, there may be a film on the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor that's causing the poor fuel economy.

-Rod

Thanks for the rebuke Rod. No, there is no film on MAFS. I took the car on a long run and got Aprox. 30mpg! This suprised me given that I have been getting only 14-16mpg around town. What I noticed, is that when climbing hills requiring greater acceleraton, there is a strong smell of gasolene. Car is also missing at between 20 to 40mph. Spark plugs changed; TPS changed. HELP!

[MagicRat]

Originally Posted by David J. Henry

Thanks for the rebuke Rod. No, there is no film on MAFS. I took the car on a long run and got Aprox. 30mpg! This suprised me given that I have been getting only 14-16mpg around town. What I noticed, is that when climbing hills requiring greater acceleraton, there is a strong smell of gasolene. Car is also missing at between 20 to 40mph. Spark plugs changed; TPS changed. HELP!

You mean the driver can smell gasoline when inside the car and driving up a hill?
This is very bad since it usually indicates a fuel leak. Your fuel line may be rusty or punctured somewhere, allowing fuel to leak out. This condition is extremely hazardous and requires repair before driving the car again.

If there is no fuel leak, a worn-out, misfiring engine can push unburned fumes out the engine, or there may be something wrong with the evaporate emissions control system.

As for the misfire, the spark plug wires, distributor cap and rotor (if applicable) and/or ignition coil may be at fault.