1993 2.3 MPG question

93stangfutr5.0 · 10-11-2008

i was wondering what i should do to get my mileage up i am only running inbetween 12-16 MPG and i have brand new plugs wires air filter ignition control module and both coil packs what is wrong?

5.0Stanger · 10-11-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by 93stangfutr5.0

i was wondering what i should do to get my mileage up i am only running inbetween 12-16 MPG and i have brand new plugs wires air filter ignition control module and both coil packs what is wrong?

That is a problem. What's the mileage on the car? How does the engine run? Does it run rough or smell of unburned fuel? These are things that would help figure out the problem. Your brief description gives no useful info help you diagnose your problem, without actually seeing the car. Your mileage should be something in the low-to-mid 20s.

93stangfutr5.0 · 10-11-2008

193K miles and it has a slight smell of unburnt fuel

myblue90stang · 10-11-2008

ive never gotten more than 21-22 in my stang, i usually get 18-19 but i do mostly city driving is this normal? my mustang only has 70k original miles, completly stock

5.0Stanger · 10-12-2008

93stangfutr5.0,
Check the compression and possibly check cylinder leakage (put piston in question to BDC, fill with compressed air, and listen to intake, exhaust, oil fill for noise of air escaping). I suspect that the 193k is catching up with the piston rings or valve seats. That may be aiding the low MPG.

myblue90stang,
I average 230+ miles/11+/- gals = 22+MPG. That's in mixed city/hwy driving, my daily commute. I don't have any hwy MPG number, as yet. I got my 2.3L Stang as your basic basket case. It looks great, but wasn't super-reliable. The friend I got it from, drove it to/from San Diego (600+ miles). I'm not sure how the car ran, when he did. I think he was lucky, as I've been repairing/replacing many neglected/old pieces. But, the engine is still quite good, though I know not how many miles it has. Heck, the total mileage on the chassis is unknown to me. But, I'm still getting fairly decent mileage. I can't wait to give it a hwy run to see what the MPG is. I think it'll beat the 24+ MPG that my Cobra pulls down hwy, but not by much.

andy's89LX · 10-12-2008

I'm getting 27 mpg so far. I haven't really tried to see if I could get more than that by drving below 65 when on the intersate and not taking off to fast at the lights.

Andy
TN

93stangfutr5.0 · 10-12-2008

ive already done a compression check less than 500 miles ago when i changed my timing belt and the lowest one (my first cylinder) was at 130 and steadly went up from that to 135 140 and the fourth cylinder was 152 and i heard no escaping air.

93stangfutr5.0 · 10-12-2008

oh and yes i mad sure my timing was exactly right have checked many times.

also not looking to rebuild since i plan on selling it to get an svo then do the dohc swap.

ExtrmZ · 10-12-2008

i would check for vacuum leakes on the intake manifold and on the tree

5.0Stanger · 10-12-2008

93stangfutr5.0,
You're saying that you filled each cylinder with air, like I mentioned (not a compression check), and heard no leaks? If you're not wanting to rebuild it, then I'd be looking for that SVO you mentioned. At 193k, there's going to be a MPG loss.

Conv2.3 · 10-12-2008

o2 sensor will help, but they are a hassle to change... (if your like me)

5.0Stanger · 10-12-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Conv2.3

o2 sensor will help, but they are a hassle to change... (if your like me)

Haven't gotten it changed, I see.

93stangfutr5.0 · 10-12-2008

no it was a compression check i pulled a plug put in a fitting cranked the engine with out spark checked psi with no steady droping in pressure in any cylinder.

5.0Stanger · 10-12-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by 93stangfutr5.0

no it was a compression check i pulled a plug put in a fitting cranked the engine with out spark checked psi with no steady droping in pressure in any cylinder.

I remember being told that something like a 10% pressure difference between the highest and lowest cylinders was not a good thing. I'd check for cylinder leakage (as I mentioned), just to be sure. It'll confirm the pressure differences.

Just trying to help.

93stangfutr5.0 · 10-12-2008

i dont remember the exact pressures but i pruty sure the highest was inbetween 145-152 and the lowest was between 130-137 but also 10% of 152 is 15.2 psi so i wouldnt think it to be bad but yes it probably does need to be rebuild.

also i checked vaccum hoses all look new and none are cracked or broken.

o2 sensor is the only other thing i can think of.