Thoughts about my bad v8 fuel economy.

SWAPPING IN A 305, 350 OR ANY OTHER SMALL BLOCK, POST THEM HERE.

Topic author
canadavan
I get chills without my van.
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Post by canadavan »

Still haven't had an opportunity. My wife works A LOT and I don't get too many breaks from my young ones. I had the whole Canada Day weekend to myself but I didn't have the van. )>)

I've got a few hours this afternoon, maybe I'll get it done today...

I've also been wondering if my tranny is shifting too late. ie if the throttle valve cable isn't adjusted properly. If the engines was reving too high in each gear then...what are the shift point for a properly adjusted tv cable?
"Damn, youse funny lookin'..."

Todd
Former owner of the Rocket van - v8 powered 1990 Astro
Tall man, no van
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peter
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Post by peter »

I've noticed that you tend to repeat yourself lately. Is there a problem, be it mental or otherwise, that we can help you with? :whistle:

Our service trucks all average about 450km/tank. That's combined city/highway and they're all loaded with about 1,000 lbs of rolling stock. I dunno how you west coast 100 watters calculate your mpg, but my calculations show that even if you actually used a full 100 litres to go 450 km (which means you rolled into the station dry), that works out to 13 mpg. And don't forget to use the imperial gallon and not the puny l'il US gallon [-X
"Just keep swimming..."
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Rockwerx
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Post by Rockwerx »

Have you installed the new O2 sensor yet? We are looking for a progress report from you soon! :poke:
1988 V8 Safari Panel
1985 V8 Astro Panel
1990 V8 Astro LT AWD Lifted
1988 V6 Astro Panel
1990 V6 Astro Panel
1991 V6 Safari SLT AWD bad engine knock
19?? V6 Safari SLT for parts

Topic author
canadavan
I get chills without my van.
Posts: 93
Joined: Thu Sep 21, 2006 5:01 pm
Location: Port Moody, BC

Post by canadavan »

I know, I know...
"Damn, youse funny lookin'..."

Todd
Former owner of the Rocket van - v8 powered 1990 Astro
Tall man, no van

Rockwerx
I finally get the smurf thing
Posts: 150
Joined: Wed Sep 13, 2006 3:35 pm

Post by Rockwerx »

So, It is a month later...how did it work out?
1988 V8 Safari Panel
1985 V8 Astro Panel
1990 V8 Astro LT AWD Lifted
1988 V6 Astro Panel
1990 V6 Astro Panel
1991 V6 Safari SLT AWD bad engine knock
19?? V6 Safari SLT for parts

Topic author
canadavan
I get chills without my van.
Posts: 93
Joined: Thu Sep 21, 2006 5:01 pm
Location: Port Moody, BC

Post by canadavan »

OK, haven't been in here in awhile. The new sensor is in and I'm starting my first full tank. The slight stumble when its cold seems to be gone so that could be one benefit. I'll update when I have the results on this tank of fuel.

Incidentally, when my fuel gauge is showing only one red left, I can't fit more than 82-85 litres in the tank. A 27 gallon tank should hold over 100 litres. So either there's lots of needle travel left after the "E" or my tank is smaller.
"Damn, youse funny lookin'..."

Todd
Former owner of the Rocket van - v8 powered 1990 Astro
Tall man, no van

catch22
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Location: Orlando, FL.

Re: Thoughts about my bad v8 fuel economy.

Post by catch22 »

Bump, I too have had a change in gas milage after swaping my V8 from one Astro to another. I did upgrade a few things at the same time, just wanted to hear of your changes with the O2 install.

Jason
I have a V8 Astro and I'm not afraid to drift it.

rlsllc
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Re:

Post by rlsllc »

canadavan wrote:OK, haven't been in here in awhile. The new sensor is in and I'm starting my first full tank. The slight stumble when its cold seems to be gone so that could be one benefit. I'll update when I have the results on this tank of fuel.

Incidentally, when my fuel gauge is showing only one red left, I can't fit more than 82-85 litres in the tank. A 27 gallon tank should hold over 100 litres. So either there's lots of needle travel left after the "E" or my tank is smaller.
My 91 and my 99 hold about 22 gallons (US) when the gauge shows empty. I know that they both have 27 gallon tanks. I was told before (at the old board) that this was for the fuel pump, so it would be cooled by the sloshing fuel and not suck air. I have no idea if that is really why, but I've seen several Astros that hit full with 22-23 gallons from empty.

I hope the MPG gets better for you...Have you checked:
Tire pressure
brakes don't drag
Clutch fan works right
Speedometer is acurate (are you going more miles than you thought?)

All are minor, but it is all I could think of.

mikedamech
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Re: Thoughts about my bad v8 fuel economy.

Post by mikedamech »

The tank doesn't get full because of expansion, there's a air pocket on top but still a 5 gallon air pocket.
98 Astro with a 95 LT1
94 Astro stock w/Flo master.
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