Notices
GM Engine & Exhaust Performance EFI | GEN I/GEN II/GEN III/GEN IV Engines |Small Block | Big Block |

Question about MPG loss

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 05-14-2007, 07:56 AM
  #1  
TECH Fanatic
Thread Starter
 
shandy294's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Cibolo Tx
Posts: 1,087
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Question about MPG loss

I'm getting 1 mpg less (combined) lately. I'm running 35 psi in the tires. It only has about 29K miles. It has gone from 18.6 to 17.6...not much difference but the consistent 35 psi should at least contribute to slighter more mpg.

I got a free nitrogen-for-air replacement a couple of months ago in the tires. My driving habits haven't changed except that I probably hit it less. Most trips are about 20 min. so it's fully warming-up.

I wonder if just some BG 44K might help. What about Sea Foaming the intake manifold;will that help with mileage?
Old 05-14-2007, 09:04 AM
  #2  
TECH Enthusiast
 
virgils4.85spd's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: stringer, ms
Posts: 552
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Its turning hot

my mpg usually goes down 1 or 2 during the summer due to heat. The air going in is less dense, so less power is made which in turn leads to a heavier foot. The ac running is also a factor.

Derek
Old 05-14-2007, 09:20 AM
  #3  
TECH Fanatic
Thread Starter
 
shandy294's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Cibolo Tx
Posts: 1,087
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

It was getting 18.6 for 3 years. This is a hot and humid climate like yours so we use ac for about 10 months out of the year.

1 mpg is minor;was just wondering about possibilities.
Old 05-14-2007, 01:33 PM
  #4  
TECH Senior Member
iTrader: (27)
 
GMCtrk's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Dallas
Posts: 12,275
Received 17 Likes on 17 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by virgils4.85spd
my mpg usually goes down 1 or 2 during the summer due to heat. The air going in is less dense, so less power is made which in turn leads to a heavier foot. The ac running is also a factor.

Derek
That's weird, mine has gone from 17 (winter) to 19 (summer). In the winter the oxygen in the air is denser thus causing more fuel into the combustion chamber.
Old 05-14-2007, 01:58 PM
  #5  
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (3)
 
silent1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Chicago, Il
Posts: 1,049
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Have you thought of maybe changing your spark plugs? They're "supposed" to be high mileage plugs, but I always change mine every 30K miles max.
Old 05-14-2007, 02:04 PM
  #6  
TECH Enthusiast
 
Wide Open's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Ohio
Posts: 700
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

I get two or three mpg's better in the summer despite using the AC. From what I have read it is due to the change in gasoline forumulations between summer and winter. Are all your vehicles getting less mpg's or just this one?
Old 05-14-2007, 06:20 PM
  #7  
Staging Lane
 
lethalyoyo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Bakersfield,CA
Posts: 85
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by virgils4.85spd
my mpg usually goes down 1 or 2 during the summer due to heat. The air going in is less dense, so less power is made which in turn leads to a heavier foot. The ac running is also a factor.

Derek
true!!!
Old 05-14-2007, 09:13 PM
  #8  
TECH Fanatic
Thread Starter
 
shandy294's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Cibolo Tx
Posts: 1,087
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

I only have one.
Old 05-15-2007, 07:17 PM
  #9  
TECH Fanatic
 
treyZ28's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Dallas, North Mexico
Posts: 1,842
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by virgils4.85spd
my mpg usually goes down 1 or 2 during the summer due to heat. The air going in is less dense, so less power is made which in turn leads to a heavier foot. The ac running is also a factor.

Derek
Actually, it's based off MASS air flow, not volume; it doesn't matter what the air density is. To make a certain amount of power, you need a certain amount of fuel which means a certain amount of air (mass, not volume) because you keep a constant air:fuel ratio.

You are right that you may have to open the throttle body more, but the same MASS of air is coming through to make the same amount of power.

If anything, thinner air is better for aero (really, that's negligible); the biggest difference, as stated, comes from getting rid of that winter-blend ****. I can tell exactly when winter blend comes in because my MPG drops by 2 or 3. Warmer air can also be better because colder air will wick away heat from the engine.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Oobray
8-Lug Truck Performance
70
06-13-2022 03:38 AM
Noah Burns
GMT K2xx Trucks General Discussion
12
10-05-2015 06:46 AM
vmaxpro
GM Drivetrain & Suspension
4
08-18-2015 09:24 PM
thewrx
Cars and Motorcycle Classifieds
1
08-12-2015 08:28 PM
USMCvet0311
INTERNAL ENGINE MODIFICATIONS
12
08-01-2015 07:45 AM



Quick Reply: Question about MPG loss



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:53 PM.