High Fuel Consumption

junior · 01-23-03, 10:52

Hi guys, did a search on the subject and nothing turned up.

Recently I bought a 2nd hand 6-year car and I noticed that the fuel consumption is unusually high compared to the same make at the same age.

My question is what might be wrong?

p.s. The car has a 4 cylinder 1.3 litre carburettor engine.

Scottwax · 01-23-03, 12:04

Could be a bunch of things. Check the normal tune-up parts, like plugs, plug wires, ignition timing, etc. Look for vacuum leaks, check the catalytic converter for evidence of clogging or exhaust for obstructions, compression and leak down test on the engine, etc.

2wheelsx2 · 01-23-03, 12:15

Brakes. Make sure none of the brakes are dragging. My wife and I both have used cars that ran great, but had poor fuel economy for the models. We found out that the rear brakes were dragging. Get them checked out ASAP.

junior · 01-23-03, 07:45

Thanks guys. Will send it to the shop now.

junior · 01-24-03, 02:16

Checked everything that was suggested above but the actual work that was done was to replace the air filters (which were rather filthy), spark plugs and did adjustments on the tappets as well as ignition timing tuning.

Car is noticeably smoother and feels like the drag on the car is not there anymore. Will monitor the fuel consumption for the next 2-3 fill-ups.

Thanks for your help guys.