Weird thing I found out this past week about my 302, and its recent lack of power and bad mileage.
Several months ago, my '96 V8 had dropped from its usual +/-15.5mpg, down to +/-13.3 (all with 50/50 driving). The power difference was noticible also. I swapped out the plugs/wires, and installed a KKM, and bam, my power is back, and mileage is up close to 16.
This was all short lived though.
For the past couple months, my truck has acted just like it used to. The engine just didn't have the response it had their briefly, and mileage dropped down close to 13. Being a company truck, and the company being so busy lately, I just never took the time to look into it. Well, last week, my water pump decided to call it quits, so off to a trusted shop my truck went. The tech called me the next day to confirm what I already knew about the pump, but also mentioned that the belt tensioner was EXTREMELY tight, and he would like to replace it if that was alright. I gave him the go ahead (or goat head as we call it in the construction industry). I picked up the truck later that afternoon......
As soon as I pulled it out of the shop, I knew something was different, and better. And yes, I am one of those people who will swear that my truck is quicker when the interior is clean, so I know how the mental game works here. But I knew this truck was quicker, smoother, and more responsive than it had been the day before. I know my truck, and it was faster that day. I have only put about 200 miles on it since then, but from watching the messege center, I have gained back 2.5-3 mpg.
Okay, just yapping at this point. Point is, if your 302 has shown a definate decrease in power and mileage in a short period of time..........take a feel at the belt tensioner. IMO, it has the ability to toughen up, and put enough strain on the engine to cause it to drag, and affect power and fuel consumption.
Several months ago, my '96 V8 had dropped from its usual +/-15.5mpg, down to +/-13.3 (all with 50/50 driving). The power difference was noticible also. I swapped out the plugs/wires, and installed a KKM, and bam, my power is back, and mileage is up close to 16.
This was all short lived though.
For the past couple months, my truck has acted just like it used to. The engine just didn't have the response it had their briefly, and mileage dropped down close to 13. Being a company truck, and the company being so busy lately, I just never took the time to look into it. Well, last week, my water pump decided to call it quits, so off to a trusted shop my truck went. The tech called me the next day to confirm what I already knew about the pump, but also mentioned that the belt tensioner was EXTREMELY tight, and he would like to replace it if that was alright. I gave him the go ahead (or goat head as we call it in the construction industry). I picked up the truck later that afternoon......As soon as I pulled it out of the shop, I knew something was different, and better. And yes, I am one of those people who will swear that my truck is quicker when the interior is clean, so I know how the mental game works here. But I knew this truck was quicker, smoother, and more responsive than it had been the day before. I know my truck, and it was faster that day. I have only put about 200 miles on it since then, but from watching the messege center, I have gained back 2.5-3 mpg.
Okay, just yapping at this point. Point is, if your 302 has shown a definate decrease in power and mileage in a short period of time..........take a feel at the belt tensioner. IMO, it has the ability to toughen up, and put enough strain on the engine to cause it to drag, and affect power and fuel consumption.
