12MPG around town normal?

[ChrisTBird]

Can we please stick with the topic which started as *abnormally low* MPG which is a sign of malfunction and now I have a "random misfire" which kind of speaks to this. In my case, it's great (and smart) that I did check mpg because it has shown a problem that I didnt know I had by any other symptom. BTW when I drove the TBird 1500 miles home, I averaged 25 MPG. I have since gone one size larger on the tires so the odometer miles will be slightly less when calculating MPG but i should still see around 24 hwy MPG.

As soon as I have time, I am going to spend the $$$ to install motocraft plugs even though I just put in the Bosch 4 conductor variety (and cops). This could also be not ignition related, for example injector issue, intake air leak, or who knows what else. But starting with the plugs. It also could be as simple as plug wells with water or oil but I doubt it.

I will report the result if I ever get to the bottom of this.

[Brad]

If you don't have one, get a $20 blue tooth code scanner from eBay first, it provides a ton of information regarding misfires and your 02 sensors. Even though they might not be out of range and throwing an engine light, your engine could be getting inaccurate information and adjusting for it.

[ChrisTBird]

If you don't have one, get a $20 blue tooth code scanner from eBay first, it provides a ton of information regarding misfires and your 02 sensors. Even though they might not be out of range and throwing an engine light, your engine could be getting inaccurate information and adjusting for it.

thanks Brad, in fact I do carry one of those from Amazon (there are many fakes around), and that is how I knew it had a P0300 code on my trip. I didn't think of that I could monitor the O2 sensors etc. I will try that. Also, hard to get to but I am hoping to carry my IR temperature reader, and hoping that one side or the other of beginning exhaust is hotter which would trace it down to one bank. Unless its a misfire across all cylinders.

Also, I know the dealer has computers that can analyze more but as we all know the dealer should be "last resort" due to cost.

I'll do the blue tooth (I use Torque for the app) and the temperature thing and also, have the Motorcraft plugs (and left coil cover as mine has a damaged gasket) on the way.

[Brad]

Add screens in torque, some are cumulative averages and others are live data, you can even get things like MAF temperature. My ECU was erroneously reporting a bad coil on the wrong cylinder, replacing them all cleared it. These are cumulative not live data

[Brad]

This one shows current MPG

[Brad]

I've never paid attention to gas mileage before, but it was interesting monitoring it live today on the ride in to work. Average is 25 MPG. When coasting it goes up to 60 MPG and on acceleration it's at 1-3 MPG's

[007Cruiser]

Remember these? Some interesting background information.

https://www.hemmings.com/magazine/hs...s/1281740.html

[steelblue5505]

Here is another great article about gas pricing & octane levels.


Check out this article on Hemmings https://www.hemmings.com/blog/2014/0...-priced-fuels/

[Quickdraw]

Here is another great article about gas pricing & octane levels.


Check out this article on Hemmings https://www.hemmings.com/blog/2014/0...-priced-fuels/

HERESY!!!!!!!

[steelblue5505]

Harry,
I don't think I understand your response. What part s of the fuel article are you in disagreement.
I am asking because I thought I understood what I read, but maybe I don't. Fuel octane & how it impacts a engine has always confused me.
Harry, Help me out here.

[ChrisTBird]

hi, I think this would sum it up:

it's simple, an engine has a minimum octane number below that it will detonate (ping).

most (but not all) modern engines have knock sensors to reduce timing when this happens which greatly reduces power and mileage but saves the engine.

the owners manual will tell you the required minimum octane. anything more than the min octane does *nothing* for you.

[steelblue5505]

Chris,
I got that and understand that completely.
So what is Harry buzzed off about that he used Red color and bold print like he was upset over this discussion.

[Quickdraw]

Harry,
I don't think I understand your response. What part s of the fuel article are you in disagreement.
I am asking because I thought I understood what I read, but maybe I don't. Fuel octane & how it impacts a engine has always confused me.
Harry, Help me out here.

I was poking fun at the "93 octane Only" zealots. Although I do normally buy 93 octane because I drive it so little (less than 23,000 miles) I knew from only using 87 octane in my 2002 Lincoln LS that I, and seemingly the Thunderbird, can't tell the difference.

[RustyFrye]

I was poking fun at the "93 octane Only" zealots.

I don't think I understand your response, Harry. According to wikipedia ....

"The Zealots were a political movement in 1st-century Second Temple Judaism, which sought to incite the people of Judea Province to rebel against the Roman Empire and expel it from the Holy Land".

I'm fairly certain the Zealots could not have had access to 93 octane for their Thunderbirds since it probably wasn't created until many years later. Although they would have been very close to oil countries and there may have been secret stuff happening.....

[4LOWBIRDS+7]

I don't think I understand your response, Harry. According to wikipedia ....

"The Zealots were a political movement in 1st-century Second Temple Judaism, which sought to incite the people of Judea Province to rebel against the Roman Empire and expel it from the Holy Land".

I'm fairly certain the Zealots could not have had access to 93 octane for their Thunderbirds since it probably wasn't created until many years later. Although they would have been very close to oil countries and there may have been secret stuff happening.....

Thanks that sure clears it up.