Date: Mon, 27 Aug 2007 08:26:59 -0700
Reply-To: Michael Elliott <camping.elliott@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Michael Elliott <camping.elliott@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Normal mpg?
In-Reply-To: <000001c7e8bc$93988350$c102a8c0@jackamdgoblue2>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
Good questions. Tires are correct size, type and inflated properly,
alignment seems to be peachy judging by tire wear, air filter is clean.
This van has 70,000 miles on it. Would a partially clogged cat affect
emissions test results? Is there a cheap and easy way to test for
clogged-ness?
Yeah, thanks for that advice that better mpg is available in 4th gear.
I'll see if I can install an overdrive into this auto trans van!
--
Mike "Rocket J Squirrel" Elliott
71 Type 2: the Wonderbus
84 Westfalia: Mellow Yellow ("The Electrical Banana")
74 Utility Trailer. Ladybug Trailer, Inc., San Juan Capistrano
KG6RCR
Jack R. typed:
> Mike,
>
> Release your parking brake!
>
> Seriously, I never seemed to get much better than that in my 84WBX when I
> had my 1.9L. The 2.1L seems to help a little, but now that I can go over
> 70MPG, with ease, I am sure that is why my MPG sits around the 17/18 mark.
>
> I assume you are running the correct tires, proper pressure, proper
> alignment, etc. I noted a minor improvement when I installed a K & N
> filter, and when I put in a "Cat" by-pass test pipe.
>
> How new is your Cat? A partially clogged Cat can rob performance and MPG.
>
> Just some thoughts...
> By the way, you get better MPG in 4th gear too... Ha-ha!
>
> Jack R.
> 84 Westy Wolfie, owned for 20 years now!
> http://flickr.com/photos/77623993@N00/1084859663/
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
> Michael Elliott
> Sent: Monday, August 27, 2007 10:41 AM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Normal mpg?
>
> I hijacked a thread earlier this year to ask about this, but never got
> it sorted out.
>
> I don't seem to be getting the mileage that others report and could use
> some suggestions.
>
> 1984 1.9l WBX. Auto transmission. The odo is accurate (used those
> freeway "Speedometer check" signs in several areas to confirm). I've
> noted fuel consumption at many gas stations and alway get the same
> answer: about 15.5 mpg (6.7 km/l). One tank of gas gets me about a 240
> (390km) mile range on the flats or in the mountains, pretty much the same.
>
> Seems low, can't guess why. Doesn't seem to be a measurement error yet I
> pass California emissions testing easily every time so the engine seems
> to be tuned well enough. Plugs aren't all black like I'm running rich,
> engine temps are within range. No sign at all of fuel leaks. I drive
> mostly freeway at around 50 to 60 mph, with camping gear. No canoes on
> top or trailers behind.
>
> --
> Mike "Rocket J Squirrel" Elliott
> 71 Type 2: the Wonderbus
> 84 Westfalia: Mellow Yellow ("The Electrical Banana")
> 74 Utility Trailer. Ladybug Trailer, Inc., San Juan Capistrano
> KG6RCR
>
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