gas mileage down !!!!!!!!!!!!!

[yutz]

my 88 carb 4 speed was getting 45 mpg last year, no w in getting around 31 mpg. whats up ?????? i did the usual like changing the plugs,wires,etc, the carb does race even when its warmed up. would that kill my gas mileage that much ?

[lessersivad]

The idle will make a difference. By how much i dunno. Along with the winter formulated gas that don't return the MPGs the summer blend does. Are you comparing winter vs. summer time??

[Pu241]

Also 10% ethanol will lower MPG as well!
But not to account for all of that drop.
Sounds like multiple issues.

[yutz]

mileage

as a matter of fact the last time i did a calculation was last year summer.i dont know i just noticed the drop on this tankful. i guess ill have to rebuild the carb ????

[Pu241]

So you don't keep a operational log of fuel and maintenance performed?
A single tank is no reference point.
Do you have any records of fuel usage to construct a possible overall MPG value?
Otherwise, you don't have a good reference point.

[yutz]

fuel

yes i was keeping a record of fuel consumption. sometimes i do it for five or six tank fulls.the mpg was fine. this just sarted with this tankful. i maintain and keep full records of all work done. tues, 2/17/09 topped it off with 6,555 gallons. Mileage was 90844 .today friday 2/20/09 topped it off with 3.825 gallons.mileage was 90963. did 119 miles mostly highway. divided 3.825 into 119 miles. = 31 mpg. i knew just by looking at gas gauge while i was driving i wasnt getting the mpg like i use to. could it be the gap on my new plugs ?they are ford plugs i set it at 0.40 do you think thats my problem ? i put new wires,cap,rotor,

[FB71]

I highly doubt the secondary ignition components are the source of your concerns. You state the engine idles very high, even when warm. That could be an indication of a vacuum leak between the carb and the head, or a binding throttle or choke linkage, any of which would also cause excessive fuel consumption. Get the engine warm, shut it off, remove the air cleaner lid, and ensure the choke is fully retracted and the throttle cam is on the lowest step.

[yutz]

fuel

im gonna have to take the car to my mechanic friend, i dont know to much about adjustments. of course i will look to see if any vacuum lines are off,clogged,etc, as far as throttle cam,or choke i dont think i can relate to those items. all this started about a month ago when i poured some sea foam down the carb.it smoked alot then next day it was idling fast. all that time i wasnt using that much fuel.i forgot to mention when i filled it up on tuesday i added a can of sea foam in the tank.i thought that would stop the fast idle.you think that had something to do with the mpg ?

[FB71]

Seafoam will drop economy

[yutz]

fuel

sorry, i didnt add the sea foam on tuesday .it was the tankful before that.so possibly there is still some left in the mixture.ill jst keep an eye on the mpg.

[yutz]

mpg !!!!!!!!!!

i saw the plastic screw for idle adjustment. i turned it counterclock, nothing happened. i also noticed an electrical part with two wires and a small aluminum sought of can that has a rubber boot. i sprayed the whole area with carb cleaner hoping the idle will adjust nothing happened. could that electrical part or rubber boot be bad ? and if so is that part still available ?i have a parts car with a carb. should i take that part off and exchange it ? is this a scary job ?

[FestYboy]

that "can" is your dash pot, it is supposed to keep the primary plate from snapping back to closed and choking out the engine (slows the action down to keep from stalling) that's not your issue.

[Dave G]

Tire pressures OK? (That can have a huge effect...)

[yutz]

mpg

ok heres the story. took the festiva to my friend at his garage,he noticed a wire (red) dangling near the alt, he said that wire works in conjunction with the choke on the carb.there is a red wire coming out of the choke area. so now will see whay happens. i filled the tank wrote the mileage and the gas amount. ill keep you posted. thanks joey g

[FestYboy]

you should re-check your timing and have it set to 0* BTDC at idle, warm.