Alright more help please. Tracking mpg gremlins

[Opi]

So yesterday I spent a good 3 hours doing an oil change/plugs/wires. I know, kinda long, but that 6th plug against the firewall and I had some words with each other... Anyway. I just picked this truck up and I love it. First tank of 80% highway yielded me 14.5 mpg. I was driving without the ect power mode on which, after some reading it seems I should have it on. Now I changed out all the plugs, old ones were only gapped to .034ish and new wires and fresh oil. I have about 75 miles on the tank and i have 2/3 left, seems to be the same as before. Would needing to replace the timing belt be eating some of my mpg?

edit: My tires were also down to 25psi or so, I aired them all up to 31

 

[koulee]

Don't rely too much on the fuel gauge, it is highly inaccurate especially in 3rd gens.

If you want a better feel for how your mpgs are doing, I suggest keeping a spreadsheet record of it so you can see it for yourself. I do.

 

[Opi]

Don't rely too much on the fuel gauge, it is highly inaccurate especially in 3rd gens.

If you want a better feel for how your mpgs are doing, I suggest keeping a spreadsheet record of it so you can see it for yourself. I do.

wel until i fill up next im just using that as a rough guesstimate ya know. ill put some gas in it this week adn see where im at

 

[DH4Runner]

So yesterday I spent a good 3 hours doing an oil change/plugs/wires. I know, kinda long, but that 6th plug against the firewall and I had some words with each other... Anyway. I just picked this truck up and I love it. First tank of 80% highway yielded me 14.5 mpg. I was driving without the ect power mode on which, after some reading it seems I should have it on. Now I changed out all the plugs, old ones were only gapped to .034ish and new wires and fresh oil. I have about 75 miles on the tank and i have 2/3 left, seems to be the same as before. Would needing to replace the timing belt be eating some of my mpg?

edit: My tires were also down to 25psi or so, I aired them all up to 31

Sorry if I missed it but are you stock or do you have bigger wheels, etc?

 

[Opi]

Sorry if I missed it but are you stock or do you have bigger wheels, etc?

Stock height 265/70/16s

 

[DH4Runner]

I've seen mpg's that low but it was mostly when I was steppin on the gas a little hard. On the other hand, I've seen as much as 22mpg on highway trips keeping it right at 60.

About the ect power thing. I think you'll see worse mpgs with that on. It will hold it in gear longer thus wasting gas. I think the thread that suggests you leave the ect power on, is more for guys with bigger wheels? I could be wrong but it's a thought.

 

[Opi]

I've seen mpg's that low but it was mostly when I was steppin on the gas a little hard. On the other hand, I've seen as much as 22mpg on highway trips keeping it right at 60.

About the ect power thing. I think you'll see worse mpgs with that on. It will hold it in gear longer thus wasting gas. I think the thread that suggests you leave the ect power on, is more for guys with bigger wheels? I could be wrong but it's a thought.

ah. ok then, makes a litle more sense.

 

[doubleA]

the best way to test your mpg is as follows: warm the car up... fill up the tank. then drive like 10-15 miles... fill up the tank again (same pump) and divide. best way!!

 

[Opi]

no one answered this:

would needing to replace a timing belt decrease mileage?

 

[004Gunner]

no one answered this:

would needing to replace a timing belt decrease mileage?

No, just needing to change the t-belt will not have a negative effect on mpg. Your tire pressure should be at 32 psi cold. Cold means before you have driven the vehicle so checking the pressure before going to work is a good time. Just being at 25 psi is enough to have a very noticeable effect on fuel economy.

 

[Opi]

No, just needing to change the t-belt will not have a negative effect on mpg. Your tire pressure should be at 32 psi cold. Cold means before you have driven the vehicle so checking the pressure before going to work is a good time. Just being at 25 psi is enough to have a very noticeable effect on fuel economy.

ok thank you i will have to check! maybe its still not right

 

[animal]

Clean your Throttle Body and MAF Sensor. That should see some gains as well.

I get 16city/21hwy. My truck is still stock. Hopefully not for long.

 

[Opi]

Clean your Throttle Body and MAF Sensor. That should see some gains as well.

I get 16city/21hwy. My truck is still stock. Hopefully not for long.

tha maf was spotless, throttle body i didnt really stick my head in but seemed clean as it was