TERRIBLE mpg!

[BrianSD_42]

I don't think we have winter gas in California.

The guys who say that are normally from NY or Canada.

If the plugs and wires haven't been done then that is something you need to do.

Plug-wires after 100k miles and Plugs every 30k miles.

You should just do the plugs, wires, air filter, fuel filter all at once and see if if makes a difference. The parts for all those are relatively cheap but be sure to use only Toyota parts.

Dont buy the plugs ect from Napa or Autozone, those parts claim to be equal but are not. Trust me, i learned the hard way.

Good news is you can buy parts from online Toyota dealerships, see links or do a search for Toyota parts. In my Sig is a link on how to better search the site using Google.

 

[Dan.3]

Also, would a crappy after market catalytic converter have an effect? The guy before me put one on but my mechanic said I should notice anything.

If they replaced the cat did they happen to change the o2/AF sensor? There could be a possibility that they put in a generic or wrong o2/AF sensor if they did replace the original. I would definitely check to see. If its anything but a denso, replace it. If it is a denso and looks new, check the part# on URDs site to make sure that its the right one.

 

[BrianSD_42]

Well my 97 holds 18.5 gallons so it is probably the same

While these trucks hold 18 gal they are considered empty after 16 gal. The remaining two are supposed to be reserve.

I get about 280 on a tank of 16.

 

[ridefast]

Hi Sean,

We haven't met in person but I think I know your Dad. Unless there is another another Sean in Encinitas with a Shred-Runner.

About the gas MPG: if you really are getting < 15 on average in the city then there is a chance something is up.

How do you calculate MPG? I prefer to use a free app "fuel log". The method is fill up your gas, zero out your trip meter, start the app and put in first fill up. At next fill up be sure to fill tank all way full again and put details in the app. Sorry but a lot of guys actual miscalculate.

Assuming the worst and it is 13-ish MPG. You may need to do some preventive maintenance.

After 10 years the following should be replaced:
* spark plug wires
* spark plugs
* Fuel filter

Also make sure your air filter is clean. There is more you can do if that doesn't solve it.

Be sure to only use OEM (Real Toyota) parts either from a vendor or dealership.
You can buy real Toyota parts at about 25% off online from several places.
With the 4Runner only Toyota OEM spark plugs should be used, putting "performance Bosche" in will actually make it run worse. Basically don't buy any engine parts from AutoZone.

Lastly, don't SeaFoam your truck without careful consideration of all the facts. Some guys here believe in the SeaFoam treatment but it isn't a guaranteed fix and may actually cause more problems.

I agree!!! :trophy:

Your truck just needs a full tune up!!!
consider doin:
gear oil
air filter (just buy an afe pro dry s and do the deck plate mod)
plugs & wires
fuel filter
drain and fill tranny a few times with 200 mile intervals
clean the throttle body

I usually pour a bottle of lucas into my take every oil change.


The best thing I ever bought was an ultragauge, it allows me to monitor whats happening in my engine, mpg and I can also diagnose check engine lights (ive never had to use it to diagnose a toyota). But ive helped out a friend with a ford. zing!!!!!

 

[xcmountain80]

Anyone else have ethanol blends in their fuel. From what I understand there is no science to how they add this to the fuel. In Florida my Mpg's change from tank to tank, it all comes down to how much ethanol is involved. Little to none the Mpg's are close to 18, more ethanol and I'm down to 15-16 highway. Same 155 mile run every time.

 

[1985taylor1925]

Winter blend and warm up times killed my mileage, went from 20 to 15. I just did a tune up (MAF, throttle body, oil change) halfway through my last tank and I managed 17. I'll see what I get with my next full tank before deciding what to do next.
I'd recommend doing something similar to see where you can get improvements before doing anything drastic.

I hadnt even really considered that. I let my 4runner warm up almost every time I start it in these cold months. Unless it was only off for an hour or so. I can see how that would add up.

 

[T4R_MTL]

I have a 97 4wd 4 banger (automatic). got 16 inch studded coopers for winter, do 80% highway in the canadian winter.. I get about 18mpg...:moping:

 

[smallfry]

I've averaged 14-15 city and highway doesn't matter which. It's been that way since I got it (new plugs, wires, 02, cats, fuel filter, pvc valve, cleaned maf and throttle body a number of times).

 

[UnderFire]

I've got the 2.7 with a 5 speed and 2wd, but my gears are killing me, they're so damn high.

It feels like I'm driving on 33's with 4.10s. I can't wait to get it regeared so it will drive properly.

19 MPG average, I'm not sure if we ever got winter gas this year.

 

[Ol'Blue]

How's this for gas mileage?

31's= 300-320miles/tank
33's= 260-280miles/tank

Now on 35's I get 200-220miles/tank and that's mostly hwy driving:crazy::cry2:

I'm running Stock 265's and I'm only pulling 258 a tank. I was thinking about this but thought it might be normal for the truck. 300+ would be nice. I'm thinking time for a tune up. Just no reason this truck should not pull 17mpg and up.

Blue

 

[jaybee]

I'm running Stock 265's and I'm only pulling 258 a tank. I was thinking about this but thought it might be normal for the truck. 300+ would be nice. I'm thinking time for a tune up. Just no reason this truck should not pull 17mpg and up.

Blue

Iam runung 31's in front and 33's in the back w on 17" rims and am only getting 14...i think i drop about 4 or so per gallons...

 

[cordrayj1]

i think yalls calculations are slightly off. im getting 15-16 average w stock gears and 35s. get yourself a scangauge II, it will pay for itself.

PS- Im running about 270 miles per tank. regular gas

 

[azcat90]

Helix Power Tower Throttle Body Spacer

Has anyone tried a throttle body spacer? They claim it will help with MPG.

Throttle Body Spacers: 95-04 Toyota 4-Runner 3.4L 5VZFE Helix Power Tower Throttle Body Spacer

 

[ledger33]

I average 20mpg. I couldn't be happier. And that is in the city, I have yet to check it on the highway.

 

[BrianSD_42]

I average 20mpg. I couldn't be happier. And that is in the city, I have yet to check it on the highway.

More likely is you don't know how to calculate mpg.

 

[ledger33]

Don't be jealous because your mileage sucks and mine don't. And I DO know how to add.

 

[zooroadbaja]

33's, arb front bumper, cbi rear with spare and jerry cans filled. Average mid 15's after adding the roof rack, tjm yulara rtt, arb 2500mm awning, 40" led bar, dropped to low 13's

I wish I could say I was one of the people who claim better mpg then what factory stated. But I figure with all the extra weight, heavy foot, and not aerodynamic tent I'm happy with 13mpg.

 

[ledger33]

There has always got to be one.....

You know, I will not be insulted by anyone especially a Senior Member who you would think should know about insulting (attacking) other members. Let's see now, if I were to calculate mileage I would reset the trip when I filled my tank, and when I had to fill again I would take the mileage currently showing and divide it by the gallons it took to fill and the mpg would be the result of the two. Hmmmmm and just think I did that all by myself.

 

[blueblur1984]

Most of the ideas I would have had are already listed above, but a sudden drop in mpg would suggest to me a sudden failure more than deferred maintenance. I'll tell you a good OBD II reader will pay for itself pretty quickly. I think I've used mine on every vehicle I've owned excluding my 72 Scout (which didn't even have a proper fuse panel so an onboard comp is out) and it would probably tell you pretty quickly what the issue is.

Another thing to consider is if you have any steering or rolling issues. Does your truck coast like it used to when you let off the gas? Alignment feel ok? Wheel bearing, bad alignment, heck...even slop suspension and worn bushings can hurt your mpg. I remember on my 99 maxima I took it from 18-19 mpg to 25-27 mpg average by changing the suspension, tires, plugs and a few other maintanence issues.

In any event good luck and keep us posted on any insights.

Edit: Btw I haven't had mine long, but post tune up I seem to be averaging around 20mpg. Mostly freeway miles. For some reason my empty light pops on around 14.8 gallons which I thought was weird...shouldn't it have closer to 18 gallons? Another suggestion to get better mpg is to shed some weight. Skid plates, heavy tires (if you have multiple sets), back seat...just reinstall the stuff as you need it.

 

[BrianSD_42]

You know, I will not be insulted by anyone especially a Senior Member who you would think should know about insulting (attacking) other members.

I am not attacking anyone. I simply don't believe you calculated it correctly because unless it has a SC, the 3rd gen 4Runner doesn't get a tank average of 20 MPG inn the city. 18 maybe but not 20. Its not an insult, I just don't think you are calculating correctly.

As far as who is Sr or Jr - you are the one who brought that up. I have never seen a member with a large post count (eg Sr) call out a noob as Jr. The only time Sr/Jr comes up in conversation on T4R is when someone new complains about the label. In this case you are complaining.