Gasoline Consumption

On Jun 22, 11:40 am, Hachiroku <Tru... RemoveThis @e86.GTS> wrote:
> On Sun, 22 Jun 2008 04:49:03 -0700, LackofWind wrote:
> > I have a '95 Toyota 4-runner with a 3.0 engine. It is giving me 15
> > m.p.g. with little hiway travel, some rough dirt roads, some 4X4 and
> > rural traffic. All mileage is put in under or at the speed limit. Can
> > I do better than this? I owned a Buick Century Wagon up until last
> > November when some bozo in a big truck rear ended and totalled it. The
> > Century was giving me 22 or more m.p.g. and it had the same sized
> > engine and was of the same year. In fact, my Toyota engine was
> > recently rebuilt. When they did this they didn't replace the wires and
> > I assume they did replace the plugs. Otherwise, I've made sure it has
> > been tuned properly. I also keep the tires correctly inflated. Should
> > I expect better mileage? Can I do something else to improve it? I know
> > that I'm not alone in this quest.
>
> You didn't mention free-wheeling hubs. A lot of 4-Runners came without
> free-wheeling hubs. You can probably gain >2 MPG installing free-wheelers..
>
> Also, try going 70 on the highway. I have found with my Jap cars this is
> about the ideal speed. Also, you didn't mention, AT or 5-speed. I have
> also found staying OUT of 5th gear under 65 MPH gets me better mileage.
>
> I would try shifting to 5th at 60 MPH and see what happens.

I put free wheel lockouts on a 4wd Blazer years ago, and I noticed 0
mpg increase, maybe a 4 runner is different
 >> Stay informed about: Gasoline Consumption 

<LackofWind.DeleteThis@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:d5262e3f-ee9c-4afe-a338-b94d6825d0c0@m45g2000hsb.googlegroups.com...
>I have a '95 Toyota 4-runner with a 3.0 engine. It is giving me 15
> m.p.g. with little hiway travel, some rough dirt roads, some 4X4 and
> rural traffic. All mileage is put in under or at the speed limit. Can
> I do better than this? I owned a Buick Century Wagon up until last
> November when some bozo in a big truck rear ended and totalled it. The
> Century was giving me 22 or more m.p.g. and it had the same sized
> engine and was of the same year. In fact, my Toyota engine was
> recently rebuilt. When they did this they didn't replace the wires and
> I assume they did replace the plugs. Otherwise, I've made sure it has
> been tuned properly. I also keep the tires correctly inflated. Should
> I expect better mileage? Can I do something else to improve it? I know
> that I'm not alone in this quest.


With the variety of uses you described, you're probably doing as well as you
can. I have a 2002 4x4 Tacoma with 3.4L 6 cyl engine. With mixed driving
like you've described, I get 15-17 mpg. If you want to know whether your
engine's tuned as well as it can be, the only accurate method is to fill up
the tank and take a trip at highway speeds, with as little "city driving" as
possible. Even better, do this 4-5 times and average the results.
 >> Stay informed about: Gasoline Consumption 

Try hypermiling.. Google it..
 >> Stay informed about: Gasoline Consumption 

<LackofWind.DeleteThis@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:d5262e3f-ee9c-4afe-a338-b94d6825d0c0@m45g2000hsb.googlegroups.com...
>I have a '95 Toyota 4-runner with a 3.0 engine. It is giving me 15
> m.p.g. with little hiway travel, some rough dirt roads, some 4X4 and
> rural traffic. All mileage is put in under or at the speed limit. Can
> I do better than this? I owned a Buick Century Wagon up until last
> November when some bozo in a big truck rear ended and totalled it. The
> Century was giving me 22 or more m.p.g. and it had the same sized
> engine and was of the same year. In fact, my Toyota engine was
> recently rebuilt. When they did this they didn't replace the wires and
> I assume they did replace the plugs. Otherwise, I've made sure it has
> been tuned properly. I also keep the tires correctly inflated. Should
> I expect better mileage? Can I do something else to improve it? I know
> that I'm not alone in this quest.

I didn't realize that Buick Century Wagons offered 4X4. Using 4WD will have
an adverse effect on fuel economy, and all things being equal, a heavier
vehicle with a full frame will use more fuel than a lighter vehicle with
unibody construction.

How did you make sure that the engine has been tuned properly?

What kind of spark plugs are installed?
What is the resistance of the high tension ignition wires?
Is spark timing advancing properly?
What size tires and wheels are installed?
What is manifold vacuum at idle and at 2,000 RPM?
What is the condition of the ATF?
--

Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)
 >> Stay informed about: Gasoline Consumption 

On Sun, 22 Jun 2008 04:49:03 -0700, LackofWind wrote:

> I have a '95 Toyota 4-runner with a 3.0 engine. It is giving me 15
> m.p.g. with little hiway travel, some rough dirt roads, some 4X4 and
> rural traffic. All mileage is put in under or at the speed limit. Can
> I do better than this? I owned a Buick Century Wagon up until last
> November when some bozo in a big truck rear ended and totalled it. The
> Century was giving me 22 or more m.p.g. and it had the same sized
> engine and was of the same year. In fact, my Toyota engine was
> recently rebuilt. When they did this they didn't replace the wires and
> I assume they did replace the plugs. Otherwise, I've made sure it has
> been tuned properly. I also keep the tires correctly inflated. Should
> I expect better mileage? Can I do something else to improve it? I know
> that I'm not alone in this quest.

You didn't mention free-wheeling hubs. A lot of 4-Runners came without
free-wheeling hubs. You can probably gain >2 MPG installing free-wheelers.

Also, try going 70 on the highway. I have found with my Jap cars this is
about the ideal speed. Also, you didn't mention, AT or 5-speed. I have
also found staying OUT of 5th gear under 65 MPH gets me better mileage.

I would try shifting to 5th at 60 MPH and see what happens.
 >> Stay informed about: Gasoline Consumption 

On Jun 22, 10:39 am, ransley <Mark_Rans... RemoveThis @yahoo.com> wrote:
> On Jun 22, 6:49 am, LackofW... RemoveThis @gmail.com wrote:
>
> > I have a '95 Toyota 4-runner with a 3.0 engine. It is giving me 15
> > m.p.g. with little hiway travel, some rough dirt roads, some 4X4 and
> > rural traffic. All mileage is put in under or at the speed limit. Can
> > I do better than this? I owned a Buick Century Wagon up until last
> > November when some bozo in a big truck rear ended and totalled it. The
> > Century was giving me 22 or more m.p.g. and it had the same sized
> > engine and was of the same year. In fact, my Toyota engine was
> > recently rebuilt. When they did this they didn't replace the wires and
> > I assume they did replace the plugs. Otherwise, I've made sure it has
> > been tuned properly. I also keep the tires correctly inflated. Should
> > I expect better mileage? Can I do something else to improve it? I know
> > that I'm not alone in this quest.
>
> A thinner synthetic gear oil helps, Mobil, maybe, or Royal purple.
> Synthetic in trans, motor-5-30, differentials and transfer case might
> get you 3 mpg. Check timing, retarded timing lost me 3-4 mpg in a 4
> cil, even try advancing it 1/2-1 degree, but if it knocks go back. A
> bad O2 sensor, sticking brakes, bad plug wires, a dirty rotor and cap
> if you have one reduce mpg. Lower rolling resistance tires help. 4
> runner tires are big and heavy, there are alternatives
 >> Stay informed about: Gasoline Consumption 

On Jun 22, 10:39 am, ransley <Mark_Rans....DeleteThis@yahoo.com> wrote:
> On Jun 22, 6:49 am, LackofW....DeleteThis@gmail.com wrote:
>
> > I have a '95 Toyota 4-runner with a 3.0 engine. It is giving me 15
> > m.p.g. with little hiway travel, some rough dirt roads, some 4X4 and
> > rural traffic. All mileage is put in under or at the speed limit. Can
> > I do better than this? I owned a Buick Century Wagon up until last
> > November when some bozo in a big truck rear ended and totalled it. The
> > Century was giving me 22 or more m.p.g. and it had the same sized
> > engine and was of the same year. In fact, my Toyota engine was
> > recently rebuilt. When they did this they didn't replace the wires and
> > I assume they did replace the plugs. Otherwise, I've made sure it has
> > been tuned properly. I also keep the tires correctly inflated. Should
> > I expect better mileage? Can I do something else to improve it? I know
> > that I'm not alone in this quest.
>
> A thinner synthetic gear oil helps, Mobil, maybe, or Royal purple.
> Synthetic in trans, motor-5-30, differentials and transfer case might
> get you 3 mpg. Check timing, retarded timing lost me 3-4 mpg in a 4
> cil, even try advancing it 1/2-1 degree, but if it knocks go back. A
> bad O2 sensor, sticking brakes, bad plug wires, a dirty rotor and cap
> if you have one reduce mpg. Lower rolling resistance tires help. 4
> runner tires are big and heavy, there are alternatives

>>What kind of spark plugs are installed?
What is the resistance of the high tension ignition wires?
Is spark timing advancing properly?
What size tires and wheels are installed?
What is manifold vacuum at idle and at 2,000 RPM?
What is the condition of the ATF?
-- << Thanks or all the posts. I have picked two to copy but read
them all. The Century Wagons didn't have 4X4, and I didn't post that
they did. I haven't checked the resistance of the wires and have
considered replacing them. However, they look o.k. We have an engine
that is fuel injected and has electronic ignition which I haven't
touched. The tires do have a big tread. I do think that the wires
were the original ones. The plugs were new, but if I buy the best
platinum and put them in will this make a significant difference? I
can also replace the Ox sensor if that might make a difference, too.
 >> Stay informed about: Gasoline Consumption 

On Jun 25, 5:52 am, LackofW....RemoveThis@gmail.com wrote:
> On Jun 22, 10:39 am, ransley <Mark_Rans....RemoveThis@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
>
>
>
>
> > On Jun 22, 6:49 am, LackofW....RemoveThis@gmail.com wrote:
>
> > > I have a '95 Toyota 4-runner with a 3.0 engine. It is giving me 15
> > > m.p.g. with little hiway travel, some rough dirt roads, some 4X4 and
> > > rural traffic. All mileage is put in under or at the speed limit. Can
> > > I do better than this? I owned a Buick Century Wagon up until last
> > > November when some bozo in a big truck rear ended and totalled it. The
> > > Century was giving me 22 or more m.p.g. and it had the same sized
> > > engine and was of the same year. In fact, my Toyota engine was
> > > recently rebuilt. When they did this they didn't replace the wires and
> > > I assume they did replace the plugs. Otherwise, I've made sure it has
> > > been tuned properly. I also keep the tires correctly inflated. Should
> > > I expect better mileage? Can I do something else to improve it? I know
> > > that I'm not alone in this quest.
>
> >  A thinner synthetic gear oil helps, Mobil, maybe, or Royal purple.
> > Synthetic in trans, motor-5-30, differentials and transfer case might
> > get you 3 mpg. Check timing, retarded timing lost me 3-4 mpg in a 4
> > cil, even try advancing it 1/2-1 degree, but if it knocks go back. A
> > bad O2 sensor, sticking brakes, bad plug wires, a dirty rotor and cap
> > if you have one reduce mpg. Lower rolling resistance tires help. 4
> > runner tires are big and heavy, there are alternatives
> >>What kind of spark plugs are installed?
>
> What is the resistance of the high tension ignition wires?
> Is spark timing advancing properly?
> What size tires and wheels are installed?
> What is manifold vacuum at idle and at 2,000 RPM?
> What is the condition of the ATF?
> -- <<  Thanks or all the posts.  I have picked two to copy but read
> them all.  The Century Wagons didn't have 4X4, and I didn't post that
> they did.  I haven't checked the resistance of the wires and have
> considered replacing them.  However, they look o.k.  We have an engine
> that is fuel injected and has electronic ignition which I haven't
> touched.  The tires do have a big tread.  I do think that the wires
> were the original ones.  The plugs were new, but if I buy the best
> platinum and put them in will this make a significant difference?  I
> can also replace the Ox sensor if that might make a difference, too.- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

Platinum only last longer
 >> Stay informed about: Gasoline Consumption 

On Jun 25, 8:55 pm, ransley <Mark_Rans....RemoveThis@yahoo.com> wrote:
> On Jun 25, 5:52 am, LackofW....RemoveThis@gmail.com wrote:
>
>
>
> > On Jun 22, 10:39 am, ransley <Mark_Rans....RemoveThis@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
> > > On Jun 22, 6:49 am, LackofW....RemoveThis@gmail.com wrote:
>
> > > > I have a '95 Toyota 4-runner with a 3.0 engine. It is giving me 15
> > > > m.p.g. with little hiway travel, some rough dirt roads, some 4X4 and
> > > > rural traffic. All mileage is put in under or at the speed limit. Can
> > > > I do better than this? I owned a Buick Century Wagon up until last
> > > > November when some bozo in a big truck rear ended and totalled it. The
> > > > Century was giving me 22 or more m.p.g. and it had the same sized
> > > > engine and was of the same year. In fact, my Toyota engine was
> > > > recently rebuilt. When they did this they didn't replace the wires and
> > > > I assume they did replace the plugs. Otherwise, I've made sure it has
> > > > been tuned properly. I also keep the tires correctly inflated. Should
> > > > I expect better mileage? Can I do something else to improve it? I know
> > > > that I'm not alone in this quest.
>
> > > A thinner synthetic gear oil helps, Mobil, maybe, or Royal purple.
> > > Synthetic in trans, motor-5-30, differentials and transfer case might
> > > get you 3 mpg. Check timing, retarded timing lost me 3-4 mpg in a 4
> > > cil, even try advancing it 1/2-1 degree, but if it knocks go back. A
> > > bad O2 sensor, sticking brakes, bad plug wires, a dirty rotor and cap
> > > if you have one reduce mpg. Lower rolling resistance tires help. 4
> > > runner tires are big and heavy, there are alternatives
> > >>What kind of spark plugs are installed?
>
> > What is the resistance of the high tension ignition wires?
> > Is spark timing advancing properly?
> > What size tires and wheels are installed?
> > What is manifold vacuum at idle and at 2,000 RPM?
> > What is the condition of the ATF?
> > -- << Thanks or all the posts. I have picked two to copy but read
> > them all. The Century Wagons didn't have 4X4, and I didn't post that
> > they did. I haven't checked the resistance of the wires and have
> > considered replacing them. However, they look o.k. We have an engine
> > that is fuel injected and has electronic ignition which I haven't
> > touched. The tires do have a big tread. I do think that the wires
> > were the original ones. The plugs were new, but if I buy the best
> > platinum and put them in will this make a significant difference? I
> > can also replace the Ox sensor if that might make a difference, too.- Hide quoted text -
>
> > - Show quoted text -
>
> Platinum only last longer

O.K., I'm trying to come up with a list of items to buy at AutoZone to
improve my mileage. This is my thread i.e. my vehicle. How about an
oxygen sensor? Are they expensive? I want to keep it as close to
being over $20 as I can. Is there an easy way to find out if the one
in my car is bad? How about Platinum 3 two pronged plugs? Will the
better burn in the gasoline warrant the purchase of $16 or $17?
 >> Stay informed about: Gasoline Consumption 

"Windsurfer" <beswift.RemoveThis@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:13abab6d-8e12-429c-8a1a-cb5d9db20f46@c65g2000hsa.googlegroups.com...
> On Jun 25, 8:55 pm, ransley <Mark_Rans....RemoveThis@yahoo.com> wrote:
>> On Jun 25, 5:52 am, LackofW....RemoveThis@gmail.com wrote:
>>
>>
>>
>> > On Jun 22, 10:39 am, ransley <Mark_Rans....RemoveThis@yahoo.com> wrote:
>>
>> > > On Jun 22, 6:49 am, LackofW....RemoveThis@gmail.com wrote:
>>
>> > > > I have a '95 Toyota 4-runner with a 3.0 engine. It is giving me 15
>> > > > m.p.g. with little hiway travel, some rough dirt roads, some 4X4
>> > > > and
>> > > > rural traffic. All mileage is put in under or at the speed limit.
>> > > > Can
>> > > > I do better than this? I owned a Buick Century Wagon up until last
>> > > > November when some bozo in a big truck rear ended and totalled it.
>> > > > The
>> > > > Century was giving me 22 or more m.p.g. and it had the same sized
>> > > > engine and was of the same year. In fact, my Toyota engine was
>> > > > recently rebuilt. When they did this they didn't replace the wires
>> > > > and
>> > > > I assume they did replace the plugs. Otherwise, I've made sure it
>> > > > has
>> > > > been tuned properly. I also keep the tires correctly inflated.
>> > > > Should
>> > > > I expect better mileage? Can I do something else to improve it? I
>> > > > know
>> > > > that I'm not alone in this quest.
>>
>> > > A thinner synthetic gear oil helps, Mobil, maybe, or Royal purple.
>> > > Synthetic in trans, motor-5-30, differentials and transfer case might
>> > > get you 3 mpg. Check timing, retarded timing lost me 3-4 mpg in a 4
>> > > cil, even try advancing it 1/2-1 degree, but if it knocks go back. A
>> > > bad O2 sensor, sticking brakes, bad plug wires, a dirty rotor and cap
>> > > if you have one reduce mpg. Lower rolling resistance tires help. 4
>> > > runner tires are big and heavy, there are alternatives
>> > >>What kind of spark plugs are installed?
>>
>> > What is the resistance of the high tension ignition wires?
>> > Is spark timing advancing properly?
>> > What size tires and wheels are installed?
>> > What is manifold vacuum at idle and at 2,000 RPM?
>> > What is the condition of the ATF?
>> > -- << Thanks or all the posts. I have picked two to copy but read
>> > them all. The Century Wagons didn't have 4X4, and I didn't post that
>> > they did. I haven't checked the resistance of the wires and have
>> > considered replacing them. However, they look o.k. We have an engine
>> > that is fuel injected and has electronic ignition which I haven't
>> > touched. The tires do have a big tread. I do think that the wires
>> > were the original ones. The plugs were new, but if I buy the best
>> > platinum and put them in will this make a significant difference? I
>> > can also replace the Ox sensor if that might make a difference, too.-
>> > Hide quoted text -
>>
>> > - Show quoted text -
>>
>> Platinum only last longer
>
> O.K., I'm trying to come up with a list of items to buy at AutoZone to
> improve my mileage. This is my thread i.e. my vehicle. How about an
> oxygen sensor? Are they expensive? I want to keep it as close to
> being over $20 as I can. Is there an easy way to find out if the one
> in my car is bad? How about Platinum 3 two pronged plugs? Will the
> better burn in the gasoline warrant the purchase of $16 or $17?

I posted the laundry list of questions and things to check. In my
experience, changing parts in hopes of fixing a problem, whether it is poor
fuel economy, poor performance, or a drivability problem, rarely works and
the parts changer ends up wasting money.

The correct way to solve the problem, if there is one, is to check parts or
settings before messing with them. Most electrical and electronic parts can
be checked with a volt/ohm meter, and you can get one that will work for
automotive use for under $40. That investment will pay for itself many
times over because you can check parts before replacing them unnecessarily.

The "best" spark plugs from the standpoint of likelihood of working are OEM
Denso or NGK plugs that are specified for your engine. Other spark plugs
are a hit-or-miss deal, and they may or may not work well and last long.
IMO, the same is true for all ignition parts and electronic components.

Changing spark plugs, ignition wires, and the oxygen sensor may or may not
improve your fuel economy, so I posted that list of questions to narrow down
the list of things that may work for you.

One of the things I didn't mention in my original list was to check tire
inflation pressure. Inflate the tires to 5 or 6 PSI over the recommended
tire inflation pressures listed in your owner's manual or on the driver's
door frame or on the glove box lid. While you are at it, check to see if
the tire size installed is one of the sizes listed where the tire inflation
information is listed. The reason I asked about tire size is that a larger
tire will rotate fewer times than a smaller tire over a given distance, so
the odometer reading will be under-stated, so fuel economy will be
under-stated.
--

Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)
 >> Stay informed about: Gasoline Consumption 

Check and replace your air filter as required. You have mentioned
driving on dirt roads.
 >> Stay informed about: Gasoline Consumption 

On Sun, 27 Jul 2008 08:42:44 -0700, Bruce L. Bergman wrote:

> The "Tornado" and other "Magical Fuel Saver" gadgets and additives?


Yeah, and considering there may be blade flex with the 'Tornado', about
the last thing I want is a metal fan blade flying around my air intake...
 >> Stay informed about: Gasoline Consumption 

>>Most electrical and electronic parts can
be checked with a volt/ohm meter, and you can get one that will work
for
automotive use for under $40. That investment will pay for itself
many
times over because you can check parts before replacing them
unnecessarily. <<
Actually, I have two of these in my garage, but I'm a bit fearful of
working with the high voltage. Nevertheless, JoeSpareBedroom with his
first post has taken any worry out of my driving. By the way, I
calculated 27 m.p.g. on a mostly hiway stretch (straight, dry, level)
with my '95 Buick Le Sabre 3.8 with the A.C. off. No matter where I
go or how I get there it the S.U.V. yields a steady 15. No wonder
Toyota suspended production of trucks and S.U.V.'s at their new Texas
plant for three months.
 >> Stay informed about: Gasoline Consumption