New from WI - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

blindman_10 · 03-06-2010, 01:35 AM

Hey,

I'm new..obviously. Hoping to use some of what I learn here to lower my MPG and have some fun while doing it!

Daox · 03-06-2010, 05:50 AM

Hello blindman. What do you drive and what kinda mileage does it get? Got a normal commute?

blindman_10 · 03-06-2010, 11:55 AM

I recently purchased a used and abused 94 ford ranger. It only has a 2.3L 4 cyl, but right now its getting pretty awful gas mileage because the previous owner neglected even routine maintenance let alone large repairs. First tank got in the lower teens for gas mileage with mostly highway driving. I've since replaced the air filter, fuel filter, cleaned the throttle body and IAC valve. I'll be replacing plugs/wires shortly and using a fuel injector treatment as well. We'll see where that puts me. More than you probably wanted to know....

And no, no normal commute unless you consider walking across the street a commute

I live right by my workplace so I only use the truck occasionally as opposed to daily.

Edit: I guess I got 15.3 mpg (just created a fuel log here!)

Angmaar · 03-06-2010, 12:03 PM

Welcome to ecomodder! Hopefully you mean increase your mileage not lower it.

ex-x-fire · 03-06-2010, 10:47 PM

Howdy blindman_10, does your Ranger have 2 plugs per cylinder? I can't remember if those had mass air flow sensers(which you can clean to improve mpg), or map sensers(check for vacuum leaks). Make sure the engine is running at normal temp. The temp gauge should be in the middle, 195 degrees or so.The operating temp. plays a big role in fuel mileage.

blindman_10 · 03-06-2010, 11:22 PM

Yep, 2 plugs per cylinder and I do have a MAF. MAF was nearly spotless, which was a surprise given the state of the throttle body and IAC valve! As stated earlier, that was all done after my initial fill up so I hope to see some improvement this next time. I'm sure new plugs and wires will help too because the current wires look as if they are stock and the amount of filth in the plug holes leads me to believe they are pretty old too.

My temp gauge has stayed on the cooler half of the gauge everytime I've driven but it is finally started to warm up here so I will keep an eye on it. My radiator has a small leak between the plastic side tank and the main body so I will be replacing that along with a flush and new thermostat.

zoom · 03-07-2010, 12:30 AM

High Blindman, "Zoom" here. Good to hear from other members from Wisconsin.