Date:         Tue, 11 Sep 2007 16:42:35 -0700
Reply-To:     "Mike \"Rocket J Squirrel\" Elliott" <camping.elliott@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         "Mike \"Rocket J Squirrel\" Elliott" <camping.elliott@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: My poor MPG, O2 sensor seems okay
Comments: To: "Jack R." <jack007@COMCAST.NET>
In-Reply-To:  <001901c7f4bd$83d6fed0$c102a8c0@jackamdgoblue2>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

On 9/11/2007 2:48 PM Jack R. wrote:

> Changes in your AFM?

My O2 sensor works and indicates that the mixture is not too rich or too
lean. I've had the van for a few years and the mileage hasn't changed
for better or worse. It just stays worse.

> Vacuum leak?

Would this result in a too rich or too lean mixture?

> Air filter?

Clean.

> Weight change?

You saying this van makes my ass look big?

I've always gotten this mileage but I always carry about the same amount
of gear, so no data there.

> Bad sensor or wire, thus sending weak signal to your computer?

The fact that the ECU is keeping the mixture neither too rich nor too
lean suggests that the loop is closed and the ECU is able to "see" the
sensor.

> Wheel alignment?

I've had the wheels aligned at least once since I got the van, and did a
tire change, the wheels are wearing normally, and the mileage has not
gone through any changes.

> Tire Pressure change?

Keep 'em aired per sticker.

> Tire balance?

Two sets of tires, no vibration, no change in the mileage since I've
gotten the van.

> Bad shock?

This can affect mileage? How would I know?

> AC Compressor, Alternator, PS Pump... going bad, adding resistance?

Hm. Engine has surprisingly not overheated even after climbing Sherman
Grade up Highway 395 to Lee Vining in 109F heat so if there is something
dragging on the engine I've got good a cooling system. But you're right,
any extra drag can haul down mileage. However, if something is going
bad, it's doing so very very slowly because I've had the van for a few
years and the mileage hasn't changed. No A/C.

> Fouled plug(s), or bad wires or bad distributor cap?

Plugs are clean, wires seem to be peachy, dizzy cap is clean.

> Bad Fuel injector(s), causing imbalance at load. (run up to three
> consecutive takes of Techron or other Fuel Injector Cleaner)

Hm. Hadn't thought of that, either. I'll run some cleaner.

These are great suggestions. Only thing you didn't think of was bad ju-ju.

--

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