Horrible mileage has me fed up

[NCSUDockhand]

Hey guys. I did a search and got some good info, but I wanted to see if anyone might have any specific insight into my specific problem.

I am now averaging around 12 mpg in my 98 Ex when it used to get 18-20. I have replaced the plugs and wires, replaced the air filter, and reset the computer twice with no improvement. I'm planning on cleaning the MAF this weekend. Does anyone have any more ideas of things I could try that are relatively cheap before I start getting to O2 sensors, etc? Thanks.

 

[springtensi0n]

fuel filter? i replaced mine and got a noticable improvement. they're supposed to last the life of the vehicle, but mine sure didn't. best of luck to you.

 

['96explorereddiebauer]

Try Seafoaming. I actually got a mile or two more per gallon after seafoaming.

 

[mrboyle]

Have you replaced the t-stat lately? If the engine isn't warming up properly it will affect the mileage.

 

[00XLS]

I'd seafoam it and replace the fuel filter see if that helps, how many miles?

 

[explr1]

I got 11 mpg in my Explorer after all the mods, K&N FIPK, exhaust, etc. I couldn't take it anymore, $300 a month on gas. Now I get 22 mpg in city driving with the new Bonneville!!!!!!

 

[old mechanic]

Originally posted by explr1
I got 11 mpg in my Explorer after all the mods, K&N FIPK, exhaust, etc. I couldn't take it anymore, $300 a month on gas. Now I get 22 mpg in city driving with the new Bonneville!!!!!!

YA! Putting 400-500 a miles a week doesn't constitute an explorer. Especially an older one that you probably had getting 11 MPG with. There just not ment to do what you wanted to do with them.

 

[NCSUDockhand]

Thanks guys. I'll try seafoaming this weekend and probably change the fuel filter over spring break in a couple of weeks.

BTW, it has 83k miles.

 

[00XLS]

Originally posted by NCSUDockhand
Thanks guys. I'll try seafoaming this weekend and probably change the fuel filter over spring break in a couple of weeks.

BTW, it has 83k miles.

I'm sure theres quite a bit of carbon in there, I don't care what they say fuel filters can not be a lifetime part. Unfortunatly those O2 sensors can't have much life in them either.

 

[NCSUDockhand]

Yeah, that's what I'm afraid of. 4 O2 sensors at $70 a pop = more money than I currently have

 

[matt97]

Your poor gas mileage could also be caused by leaky upper intake gakets. I just had mine replaced...gas mileage went up 2-3mpg.Also replaced plugs wires and fuel filter at the same time, but my mechanic blamed intake gaskets for bad gas mileage.Gasket kit cost around $15.Ive never noticed any threads on this forum about this being a problem, but my mechanic said it is a common problem on 2nd generation X's.

 

[NCSUDockhand]

hmmm....something else to think about. Come to think of it, I have been hearing what sounds like maybe a small vacuum leak.

I might not get to the chores this weekend. It just started snowing in Raleigh which is a big thing! Everything shuts down if we see a flake and we already have 3 inches.