Re: [DML] help! newbie getting horrible gas mileage

[Jake Kamphoefner <jakekamp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Christian,
 
Unfortunately, there's no easy way to tell you to fix this.  I'm assuming your car has been sitting for some time before you bought it (as almost all DeLoreans have).  You really need to perform a fuel system overhaul.
 
Start at the tank and work your way back to the engine.  It could be several issues including: overly rich mixture adjustment, sticky fuel distributor plunger, bad injectors, etc.  You really shouldn't drive on it like this for long since that much fuel could damage (and potentially already has) your cat. converter, wash out your cylinders, and more.
 
Don't worry, though.  When you get the system resolved your mileage will be pretty good.  I regularly get over 20MPG around town, and I've gotten as high as 27.5MPG on level interstate through Indiana.
 
Also, don't forget about the other systems!  If your car has been sitting long enough to have fuel problems, it's been sitting long enough to have other problems.  Better take a look at cleaning and updating the electrical system thoroughly, coolant hoses and radiator, and all hydraulic systems (ie. brakes, clutch).  As David T. always says, do these correctly one at a time and you'll soon see the reliability you'll enjoy.
 
Jake Kamphoefner
1063


Christian_Witt <christian_witt@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:



proud owner for the last 4 months, but i get terrible gas mileage...

Tires are inflated, air filter, good... i only use the best gas 
available...

On a good week with mostly freeway i get 15-16mpg, on a bad week, 
it's as low as 10-12mpg.

I have a manual transmission, and the car only has 17K original 
miles. 

Help! I don't want to have to sell it :)





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