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1997 Metro MPG...; 26-27 MPG?
Topic Started: Mar 6 2009, 06:22 PM (5,227 Views)
curving_edge
Fresh Fish
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Seriously? I have done a lot of research on my car. I have had this car for 4 months and consecutivly gotten only 26-28 MPG.

I do have the 4 cylinder automatic. I have also noticed about swaps and electrical fixes to bring up the MPG, but most seem very rediculous. Is there really any mods that actually work?

And why the hell is everyone else hitting the 40 MPG club?! I just want to get 35 MPG!?!? The Prius is beating me!!!!!!

Your opinion is very appreciated!

Derek
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2000Firefly1.3L
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It's most likely how you drive that affects your gas mileage.
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curving_edge
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I drive the car on the highway 1/4 of the time. And casual most of the time. I dont really drive like a bat outta hell ether. I mean it doesn't go fast, so how can you? lol

but any ideas?
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Manny
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Yes! a Costa Rican member

Same happening on mine, and right here there's no super highways, average speed is 45mph

:type lot of research but nothing yet
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Johnny Mullet
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Fear the Mullet

The first steps are the basics...............

Plugs
Wires
Cap
Rotor
Fuel Filter
Air Filter
Timing Check
Compression test

The last 2 should be done first.
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Manny
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Johnny Mullet
Mar 6 2009, 07:20 PM
The first steps are the basics...............

Plugs
Wires
Cap
Rotor
Fuel Filter
Air Filter
Timing Check
Compression test

The last 2 should be done first.
Plugs - changed
Wires - New
Cap - changed
Rotor - changed
Fuel filter - changed
Air Filter - changed, not K&N but new
Timing - good, factory set

Compression 150psi and 145 on number 2

Besides that, it's doing 160 miles with 5.8 gals of gas, really hard to get higher mpg, running average of 45mph on 18 mile daily roundtrip
Edited by Manny, Mar 6 2009, 07:32 PM.
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billy508
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billy508

Advance the timing. I run a lot on mine +10. :thumb I think most run about +8. I am sure others will chime it with their settings. :drivin :drivin
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Johnny Mullet
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Fear the Mullet

I advanced mine to about 12 and noticed it pinging (valve clatter) on load, so I retarded to 10 degrees which was better, but ended up on 8 degrees BTDC for the best results. I also run premium grade gas.

Those compression numbers are actually below minimum of 156PSI according to the service manuals, but it will probably go awhile like that before you notice driveability issues.

More tips on getting good fuel mileage (mechanically speaking) are to make sure the tires are properly inflated, make sure no brakes are hanging up. Jack a wheel up one at a time and check for brake drag. A sticking caliper or partially hanging parking brake pawl can make a huge difference in economy.

Non mechanical tips are to drive at no more than 55 MPH with that 3 speed slushbox, reduce weight from the car, turn off extra electrical accessories (daytime running lights, A/C, etc) and accel slowly.

More extreme efforts are to go for aerodynamic mods, hyperinflated tires, etc.
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dimetrodon


My 1992 1.0 liter with 3spd. auto trans gets peak summer mileage of 46 mpg. That is in warm weather, driving at or just under the speed limits.


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Woodie
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curving_edge
Mar 6 2009, 06:22 PM
Seriously? I have done a lot of research on my car. I have had this car for 4 months and consecutivly gotten only 26-28 MPG.

I do have the 4 cylinder automatic.
Manual transmission expect 40 mpg, automatic expect 30 mpg. On top of that, your engine is worn out. Compression should be 200, 150 is finished, needs a rebuild.
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Bad Bent
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Facetious Educated Donkey

A belated welcome to the forum curving_edge! :coffee

Your RT is 18 miles so you warm it up, drive 9 miles, stop and repeat. Less than my coffee run. You are using a lot of gas during warm-up and driving below optimum engine temp. IMO. Check ecomodder.com for suggestions other than Johnny Mullet's. I installed and in-line coolant heater (Katz 1000W) for warming up leaving the house. I keep my engine clean with Lucas gas additive and the occasional Seafoam.

Plus you have had your car for the last 4 months - winter. My gas mileage dropped 5 mpg last Oct. as has stayed there. I posted under winter gas mileage: 1. More idling 2. Low tire pressure 3. Increased rolling resistance 5. Lower average engine temperature 6. Higher average lubricant viscosity 7. Weaker gasoline 8. Higher electrical loads 9. More aerodynamic drag.

It sounds like you are doing well. Everyone elses suggestions might help you do better...
Edited by Bad Bent, Mar 7 2009, 02:17 PM.
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New2metros
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I've got 96 4 door sedan (biggest metro bad) with 4 cly auto and I gotton a best of 42 with it. But winter average is 28 mpg. But that with alot of idleing since I got remote start in it. But before it got cold if I beat on alittle and drove alittle fast I averaged 38 with it. But I drive all highway 50 miles a day.
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Manny
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Yes! a Costa Rican member

Thanks a lot for your feedbacks about it!

Definitely I'm thinking already about rebuilding the whole engine because of that compression. Will see if that improves the MPG and horsepower,

I'll keep you posted,

P.D by the way I'll place some pics from my car on proper classif, just forgot the engine bay pics.
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Manny
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Yes! a Costa Rican member

Bad Bent
Mar 7 2009, 02:15 PM
A belated welcome to the forum curving_edge! :coffee

Your RT is 18 miles so you warm it up, drive 9 miles, stop and repeat. Less than my coffee run. You are using a lot of gas during warm-up and driving below optimum engine temp. IMO. Check ecomodder.com for suggestions other than Johnny Mullet's. I installed and in-line coolant heater (Katz 1000W) for warming up leaving the house. I keep my engine clean with Lucas gas additive and the occasional Seafoam.

Plus you have had your car for the last 4 months - winter. My gas mileage dropped 5 mpg last Oct. as has stayed there. I posted under winter gas mileage: 1. More idling 2. Low tire pressure 3. Increased rolling resistance 5. Lower average engine temperature 6. Higher average lubricant viscosity 7. Weaker gasoline 8. Higher electrical loads 9. More aerodynamic drag.

It sounds like you are doing well. Everyone elses suggestions might help you do better...
Funny thing is that Idle Air Control module is not working on this car,
so when engine is cold, there's no extra cost for warming up time

Also I just found my gas pump is almost death, could a lower pressure reduce the gas mileage ?

:stoner

any ideas?
Edited by Manny, Mar 9 2009, 03:22 PM.
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Bad Bent
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Facetious Educated Donkey

Like the UFO researcher said of Area 51; "Our best source of knowledge is speculation." :whistle You are asking moi? I'm honored. :)

Personally, I am not fond of fooling the ECM. That said, if your computer is registering low fuel, I'd think it lowers air and gives less power and you give it more pedal and it uses more gas.

Just replace that pump before it goes bad in the middle of the jungle. I'm from just south of Los Angeles, different jungle, eh. :'(

Wait! Costa Rica? Warm up? :lol
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