Strange Taco Gas Mileage

[DamnedDirtyApe]

When I bought my 102,000 mile 96 Taco in February, it was about 20 degrees every day. Gas mileage = a disappointing 24 MPG.

In spring, temperature rose into the 60's. Gas mileage = 26 MPG.

In late spring, temperature rose to the 90's. Gas mileage = 30 MPG.

In Southern Ohio the last week or so the temperatures's been in the 70's. Gas mileage = 28 MPG.

There is a direct relationship between temperature and gas mileage in my Taco. What can this be?

[qsd-dan]

I would consider this normal. Reason being is that fuel atomizes better with the increase of temperaure. One of the secrets to those "high milage carbs" of yesteryear. I have a few "experimental devices" on my honda accord (soon to be on the yota) and there is always a proportional increase in milage with the increase of temperature. Although on the accord, the increase is more like 10-15 mpg difference There are a few people who simply apply heat to the incomming fuel line (about 120 F) and have seen anywhere from 2 mpg to 15 mpg increase.

[Dana_15]

I dont know about Ohio but in Massachusetts an additive is added to gasoline in the cold months which lowers gas mileage. My 04 Tacoma gets about 20 in the summer but drops to closer to 16 in the winter. I believe the additive is some kind of dry gas to prevent freezing and moisture build up but I am not positive. Hoped this helped you out.

[87_SR5]

Originally Posted by qsd-dan

I have a few "experimental devices" on my honda accord (soon to be on the yota) and there is always a proportional increase in milage with the increase of temperature. Although on the accord, the increase is more like 10-15 mpg difference

Care to explain these "experimental devices"?

[95G ATL]

Originally Posted by 87_SR5

Care to explain these "experimental devices"?

Yes...and is that carb or EFI?

[DamnedDirtyApe]

Thanks for the interesting & helpful replies, all.