Vanagon EuroVan
Previous messageNext messagePrevious in topicNext in topicPrevious by same authorNext by same authorPrevious page (May 2012, week 1)Back to main VANAGON pageJoin or leave VANAGON (or change settings)ReplyPost a new messageSearchProportional fontNon-proportional font
Date:         Wed, 2 May 2012 18:03:51 -0400
Reply-To:     Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Still lousy gas mileage
Comments: To: Bryan Feddish <uprightbassghost@HOTMAIL.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <BLU162-ds197FB470596DF4429F04F8CE2E0@phx.gbl>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

See below!

-----Original Message----- From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of Bryan Feddish Sent: Wednesday, May 02, 2012 5:18 PM To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM Subject: Re: Still lousy gas mileage

If you ever drove with me you'd see how I get 20-22 MPG. hahhahhah Nobody wants to be behind me....

Anyway, timing is advanced 5-10 degrees, it always seems to like that spot.

While over advancing the timing make it idle better, seem more responsive at low to mid speeds and make you think it is running better, it can actually be bad especially during extended high speed/load operation. To begin with if you fire too early the explosion will actually fight the piston on its way up on the compression stroke resulting in a net loss of power. This will also increase piston heating and possibly bring on pre-ignition-pinging. The water boxer does a great job of not letting you hear the pinging until just before the pistons start to melt. Set it where it belongs.

The Boston Engine only has 15K miles on it but I will do that cylynder balance test this weekend if I do not get a chance this week.

New or rebuilt engines do sometimes have things go wrong. Even if I repair them! Compression-leak down should have been done after install and after a few thousand miles to get a baseline and make sure all is good.

Tires have 8K on them, all wheels aligned.

What tires?

How do I "test" a catalytic converter?

Vacuum gauge on intake manifold. Pressure in exhaust. Remove and inspect. Get a full size cat like the Emico.

Thanks, Bryan

Dennis

-----Original Message----- From: Dennis Haynes Sent: Wednesday, May 02, 2012 5:05 PM To: 'B Feddish' ; vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM Subject: RE: Still lousy gas mileage

Considering today's "clean" low BTU fuels and your vehicle 22 mpg is a stretch. Especially if you drive at higher speeds or facing headwinds. 17 is a bit low but there are many factors that can influence fuel economy especially on older engines. How much do want to invest on diagnostic to gain 5%?

Engine compression-leak-down! Is everything being put into the engine burning and making power? Ignition timing? Use the O2 sensor to test mixture control. Cylinder balance. Disconnect injectors with engine running one by one. Do all cylinder cause the engine to drop the same RPM when disconnected?

After that check exhaust-catalytic converter. Choice of tires and wheel alignment.

After all that you pretty much have what you have.

Dennis

-----Original Message----- From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of B Feddish Sent: Wednesday, May 02, 2012 1:01 PM To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM Subject: Still lousy gas mileage

So on my trip north this past weekend I only got 17 mpg on the highway with my 83.5 w/c Westy. That is my normal city mileage. I should have gotten at least 20 if not 21-22. All the usual suspects have been checked. if anyone has any last minute suggestions for me that I can try this weekend let me know. Otherwise it looks as though I will have to take it the expensive mechanic who I know is going to charge at least a few hours and still may not find something.

Thanks, Bryan


Back to: Top of message | Previous page | Main VANAGON page

Please note - During the past 17 years of operation, several gigabytes of Vanagon mail messages have been archived. Searching the entire collection will take up to five minutes to complete. Please be patient!


Return to the archives @ gerry.vanagon.com


The vanagon mailing list archives are copyright (c) 1994-2011, and may not be reproduced without the express written permission of the list administrators. Posting messages to this mailing list grants a license to the mailing list administrators to reproduce the message in a compilation, either printed or electronic. All compilations will be not-for-profit, with any excess proceeds going to the Vanagon mailing list.

Any profits from list compilations go exclusively towards the management and operation of the Vanagon mailing list and vanagon mailing list web site.