Gas Mileage sucks
 

I have a 1992 LX 2.3L and the fuel mileage is really low. I am not really that mechanical but I can do most of the basics. I do have the "Haynes" manual as well. I am wondering if there are any tips or hints for improving this. I have changed the plugs, air filter, fuel filter and the Mass Air Sensor recently with no improvement. I know there is unburnt fuel going out the exhaust cause I can smell it. I know I have been using older/used parts for most of my repairs like the Mass Air Sensor so I do not know if it was any better than the one I took out. One thing I was wondering, since I did not actually change the plugs myself, will the fact that I did not see the mechanic check the plug gap make a big difference in performance?

Please any assistance will be appreciated.

Keith

Hi Keith.
MAF did you clean the MAF before you installed it? if how how did you clean it...?
Did you Gap your plugs properly before you installed them?
Did you change your coil, wires, cap and rotor as well?
Have you messed with your timing?
What fuel do you run and from were?

Keith lol

1992 has a coil pack, so it doesn't have a cap or rotor.... But I wonder if the mechanic didn't replace all 8 plugs. Also your coil pack could be going.

I used a cleaner recommended for the MAF but was my first time so I might try that again and be a little more thorough.
The wires were replaced only 6 months ago.
Did not do anything with the coil and the timing was checked but appeared to be correct.
As for fuel I only use the basic octane and am not really brand loyal (If I had to pick one it would be Petro-Can).
I have had an engine and fuel system flush done st the last oil change.
I will look into getting a new coil pack.
I know the mechanic did change all 8 plugs but as I mentioned I do not recall seeing him check let alone change the gap on the plugs after taking them out of the package.

Try avoiding PetroCan, as they put additives in their gas, that has been shown to reduce fuel economy.

Ok now im confused....you said 2.3L right? so this would make this a 4 cylinder no?
And it being a 4 cylinder it would only take 4 plugs no? lol

Try using 87 or 89 Octane from Sunoco gas stations.

And im sure it would have a cap and rotor being a 4 cylinder and it being a 92. But im not always right.

It is a 1992 2.3L 4 cyl. It has 8 plugs, 2 per cyl and has two four port Ignition coils (which I am replacing on Friday)

See image attached. If the area circled in Red is not the Ignition coils and I am wrong please let me know.

I am also having to replace the tailpipe as the original rusted off from the muffler.

Keith

Quick update. I have replaced the ignition coils (got 2 brand new ones for a Great Price I think, $120 both, everywhere I looked on-line they were going for $110 each). I know the engine is running rich, can smell the fuel when the engine is running. Was thinking I might need to replace the FPR, clean the injectors and maybe clean or replace the EGR Valve. Can anyone recommend a cleaning product for this? Really hoping to get it to run a little smoother and get a little better fuel mileage before I head out to Alberta. I am on a very tight budget and am kind of doing this a little at a time. Really wish I had time to do more but I have this as a second car and it is my daily driver so I can not get it into a garage for a long period of time.

Anyway the advice I have gotten here so far has been a big help.

btw, i have stopped using petro-can gas. Have not filled up much since so have not used much gas. Not like there is a great price difference anyway and the two stations we have in this small hick town are not that far apart either LOL.

maybe ther eis something wrong with your injectors or something?...i am only 19 so i am just shooting ideas out there......or if its carb'd then maybe that needs to be tuned?....not to sure about the 4cyl mustangs.....you could try and use some seafoam to clean out the fuel system and the engine...that helped me out a little bit on my 94 v6......sorry if this isnt any help

You might want to try cleaning your throttle body.