Horrible MPG, what could be the problem???

[2_Liter_Turbo]

I have an 89 Auto Camry 2.0. It has 197k on it, and I've been getting 17 mpg in town!!! My SR20DET 13 second 240SX gets way better gas mileage than that (28 mpg), so what's going on?!?! lol. I replaced the spark plugs, Cap/Wires, rotor, fuel filter, and o2 sensor before i tested my MPG. Any suggestions?

[S2k-Takara]

Well there are to many bases to cover.

Check tire pressure.

Air filter.

CV Joints?

[Kep]

You have several sensors that give infomation to the ECU in order for it to run the engine efficiently. If one or more of these is sending the wrong information then you get bad milage. There are several vaccuum lines that also affect the engine's performance. Also check the cold start sensor/timer and the cold start injector. Of course, the EGR valve, Idle Air Control, and Throttle body might need to be cleaned as well.

That's a good start. Be persistant and you'll track it down. Get a good manual (or find one on line, there are several) and it will walk you through the steps.

Good luck,
Kep

[2_Liter_Turbo]

Originally Posted by S2k-Takara

Well there are to many bases to cover.

Check tire pressure.

Air filter.

CV Joints?

All good

[2_Liter_Turbo]

Originally Posted by Kep

You have several sensors that give infomation to the ECU in order for it to run the engine efficiently. If one or more of these is sending the wrong information then you get bad milage. There are several vaccuum lines that also affect the engine's performance. Also check the cold start sensor/timer and the cold start injector. Of course, the EGR valve, Idle Air Control, and Throttle body might need to be cleaned as well.

That's a good start. Be persistant and you'll track it down. Get a good manual (or find one on line, there are several) and it will walk you through the steps.

Good luck,
Kep

Well, it passed CA smog a few months back, so I don't think the EGR should have a problem, allthough it takes 2 seconds to test, lol, but what is the big round sensor that sits in front of the head on the driver side? Has one wire comming out of it, and a big rubber boot covering it.

[white90dx]

Originally Posted by 2_Liter_Turbo

Well, it passed CA smog a few months back, so I don't think the EGR should have a problem, allthough it takes 2 seconds to test, lol, but what is the big round sensor that sits in front of the head on the driver side? Has one wire comming out of it, and a big rubber boot covering it.

If you passed CA, you should be getting better mileage... Hmmmm...

The only thing I can think is coolant temp sensor or clogged cat. Or maybe you drive the the piss out of the car.

-Charlie

PS. That sensor is the oil pressure switch.

[JetspeedCamry]

Originally Posted by Kep

You have several sensors that give infomation to the ECU in order for it to run the engine efficiently. If one or more of these is sending the wrong information then you get bad milage. There are several vaccuum lines that also affect the engine's performance. Also check the cold start sensor/timer and the cold start injector. Of course, the EGR valve, Idle Air Control, and Throttle body might need to be cleaned as well.

That's a good start. Be persistant and you'll track it down. Get a good manual (or find one on line, there are several) and it will walk you through the steps.

Good luck,
Kep

Kep, do you know the general procedure of testing the EGR system?

[2_Liter_Turbo]

I know that at least on Nissans, you place your finger on the diagphram and rev the motor, and around 2k rpm's you should feel it move. You can also unhook the vacuum line and at idle suck on the line and if you engine dies, it's working.

[Kep]

I just took my EGR valve out and looked at all of the crud. Then cleaned it and put a vacuum hose on it an sucked on it to actuate the diaphragm. Also noticed that the vacuum hose at the bottom was clogged with crud and cleaned that. The hole to the throttle body was clogged, cleaned that. I forgot to look down the metal tube to the exhaust to check it for crud but I guess I lucked out because it ran fine and passed inspection with flying colors.

Sorry that I didn't get back sooner. I don't check on the forum much since a lady T-boned my 90 Camry. (boo hoo!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

Later,
Kep