Newbie girl with '92 Honda VX Hatchback looking to maximize MPG

[Chrysler kid]

Originally Posted by Lovemy92vx

Michelle in Denver here. I also bought a 92 VX. Found it on eBay, flew to NC and drove it back. It has 267000 miles on it and has gotten as high as 47 mpg 2/3 city highway, 1/3 city. It has also dropped to a mere 39 the past two fill ups.
My mechanic is thinking thermostat or distributor since it also would not re-start at a drive through. Obviously I avoid idling.
The engine is being gently cleaned and I'm changing the oil every 2,000 miles.
It had a recent tune up, has new tires set for current weather conditions.

I've been using regular gas (10% ethanol), from the same Shell station.
Until the past cold snap, the weather was mild with little wind.
Anything you can suggest to be more consistent? What might explain this?
I Also have a 97 HX and have some widely (-5, 6) varying mpgs

Start out by removing the variables, check the tire pressure to make sure you're not low on pressure.

The very first thing I do on a high mileage Honda is a timing belt water pump tensioner and pulley.

You said tune up but the first task with an undocumented car is to assume nothing has been done. I would order an oem Honda tune up kit on eBay with cap rotor wires and plugs and fuel filter. The car dying is an indication of a spark or fuel problem.

Your driving style also needs to adapt to lean burn, on my hx its 5th gear from 52mph to 78mph. It should feel like the car takes a lot of throttle to stay at highway speed

[Xist]

Originally Posted by elhigh

That post was not too long.

So far I don't think I've seen a post that I considered "too long" unless it was someone selling 100% Unicorn Oil.

Or Free Energy. Oy.

Do you not even look at my posts?!

[Lovemy92vx]

Thank you! I should start my own thread?
* I apologize newbie girl if i stepped on you. I am just excited to find advice and folks w shared interests. I am a complete novice at this!*
To your kind response. Replaced broken thermostat, (assume new oem Honda parts unless otherwise recommended), tune up, cleaning dirty engine (oil 2000 miles w BGs MOA, it looks rusty but my guy says it's oil build up.
Timing belt package before new fuel jnjectors? He said I had about a year on the t-belt, but if I will see a bigger mpg. I will do that next. Any suggestion on injectors?
The distributor may only need an ignitor?

[Lovemy92vx]

Re: point to car dying. It actually just didnt re-start as i shut off the engine at a drive up window. Three cranks (i counted 1,2,3...pause) over 30-45 seconds and she came right back to life w no issues since.

[vrmouseyd15b]

Originally Posted by Lovemy92vx

Re: point to car dying. It actually just didnt re-start as i shut off the engine at a drive up window. Three cranks (i counted 1,2,3...pause) over 30-45 seconds and she came right back to life w no issues since.

I would second the advice about the tune-up and also suggest a fuel filter. I also usually dig right into brakes on any car I pick up on day one.
welcome aboard ladies and good luck!

thanks,
Victor

[Lovemy92vx]

Thanks for the kind welcome!
Full tune up w Honda parts already done. Afterward i had two half tank fill ups yield 47 mpg. I will ask about the fuel filter. Maybe air filter too.
(new tires and brake pads already :-)

[vrmouseyd15b]

Originally Posted by Lovemy92vx

(new tires and brake pads already :-)

Did you put air in the tires after they were installed as well? Most of us here run Max recommended pressure on the sidewall or higher



Thanks,
Victor

[Xist]

Originally Posted by redpoint5

This thread is pointless without pictures.

http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...tml#post444578

[Lovemy92vx]

Yes, thanks. Do you recommend differently for winter? I am in Denver with cold, snow and altitude.

[Mustang Dave]

Originally Posted by Lovemy92vx

Michelle in Denver here. I also bought a 92 VX. Found it on eBay, flew to NC and drove it back. It has 267000 miles on it and has gotten as high as 47 mpg 2/3 city highway, 1/3 city. It has also dropped to a mere 39 the past two fill ups.
My mechanic is thinking thermostat or distributor since it also would not re-start at a drive through. Obviously I avoid idling.
The engine is being gently cleaned and I'm changing the oil every 2,000 miles.
It had a recent tune up, has new tires set for current weather conditions.

I've been using regular gas (10% ethanol), from the same Shell station.
Until the past cold snap, the weather was mild with little wind.
Anything you can suggest to be more consistent? What might explain this?
I Also have a 97 HX and have some widely (-5, 6) varying mpgs

In my experience over the last 7 years, colder temperatures and winter gasoline (they start selling it in November around northern Arizona) contribute to about a 7% reduction in fuel economy compared to warm weather and summer gasoline. It's quite noticeable in my car's fuel log graph.