92 Camry

[Superman39]

My camry has over 200k miles and is burning more fuel than usual. The exhaust system is good, tune up done recently. What could be the problem?

Thanks

[BMR]

Which engine does it have, V6 or 4 cylinder? Presume the check engine light is not lit? How old are the O2 sensor(s)? Brakes dragging?... does one (or more) of the wheels get hot? What was done in the "tune up"?... air filter, plugs, wires, etc?

[Superman39]

it has a 2.2 eng. the tune up was spark plugs, air filter, wires, fuel filter, pcv valve. the check eng illuminates when is raining?? dont know why. the O2 sensor never been replaced.

[BMR]

Distributor cap and rotor weren't replaced?.... do that if not.

CE light on when it's raining?... that's weird. Try to read the codes, even though the light isn't on. There's a diagnostics port under the hood; passenger's side near the firewall.

1) With the engine off, remove the cover and put a jumper across terminals TE1 & E1 on the diagnostic port; a paper clip will do. There's a sticker on the inside of the cover that tells you which terminal is what.

2) Turn the ignition switch to the "on" position; do NOT start the engine.

3) The check engine light on the gauge cluster will then blink. If everything is normal (no codes stored) the light will blink on and off at a steady rate. If there's a code stored, it'll blink quickly some number of times, pause, then blink quickly some number of times. The number of blinks = the error code.... 2 blinks, pause, 7 blinks = 27. Watch it closely, there could be more than one code stored.

You might consider replacing the O2 sensor. Even if the ECU isn't throwing an error code for it, they're generally considered a maintenance item to be replaced every 100k miles; some say more often. Highly recommend using Denso sensors, as they're the OEM supplier. Other brands can be troublesome. Is it California or Federal emissions equipped?

[Superman39]

Federal emm. I will check it tomorrow. I'll let you know what it's given. I will also replace the O2 sensor. What do you think about hydrogen kits.

[BMR]

Hydrogen kits?... don't know anything about 'em. But when it comes to aftermarket mileage improving gadgets, I always ask the question: "If it was so effective, why wouldn't the automakers be putting it on all their vehicles???"

[Superman39]

ok, i replaced the O2 sensor with a Denzo sensor, so far good. no engine light. changed the oil and brakes. i still need to change the distributor cap and rotor. im looking to buy a gas milage meter to see how the car is doing.

[RichieRichJP]

Seafoam your car and get back to us.
Has this car been long overdue for that tune up?

[Superman39]

i will accomplish this tomorrow. have you done it and worked for you?

[RichieRichJP]

Yes the difference is surprisingly noticeable.
Most people notice a difference.
Refer to the DIY on here and make sure you do it right!

[fenixus]

you might want to replace the spark plugs after sea foaming the car. they usually start going weaker after sea foaming heavily, especially if they are already somewhat old/worn out to start with.

[toovira]

When was the timing belt replaced? Seafoam will improve stuff on carbon build-ups that is long term (slow) degradation. If it has been an immediate degradation, then it's something else....and more than likely seafoam won't fix. In my case, my mileage dropped from 25MPG down to 12MPG in a matter of 2 months. Then my timing belt broke. Changed the belt, get 32MPG now - timing between crank and cam was way off caused poor mileage and really shitty HP. Also check your timing with timing light.....don't forget to short TE1/E1 terminals when adjusting your disty.

[anti-seize]

Originally Posted by Superman39

...What do you think about hydrogen kits.

Are these the hydrogen kits where you take power from your gasoline engine (~20% efficient) to turn your alternator to generate power (maybe 70% efficient) which is then used to generate hydrogen from water at another low efficiency reaction ( probably around 50%), which you then feed it back into the air intake?

I don't recommend them.

The laws of thermodynamics for dummies:
1. You can't win
2. You can't even break even.
3. Suck it up buddy, because this is the only game in town.

[Pvt-Public]

im looking to buy a gas milage meter to see how the car is doing.

Don't bother, the only way to figure MPG is divide the gallons used into the distance traveled.

[fenixus]

+1

most of OBD2 based MPG gauges show some weird results as they rely only on *some* sensor outputs translated into MPG number using some funky mathematical formula, that is usually far from real.

as above, the only real MPG you will get by dividing the traveled miles by gallons of fuel used on such distance.

Originally Posted by Pvt-Public

Don't bother, the only way to figure MPG is divide the gallons used into the distance traveled.