hubie

i have a 93 pickup. it has a 3.0 liter. it has an automatic transmission. i use it as a work truck to haul tools around. has a lumber rack and a topper. the problem is i am only getting about 8 miles per gallon, my mechanic has plugged it up to his computer, he says that the timing is ok, and the computer shows no problems. i just don't understand why it is getting such bad mileage.

ChickenLover

It's probably in dire need of a full tune up and new o2 sensor. The average mpg for the 3.0 is about 15mpg. A well maintained 3.0 can get over 20 mpg.

hubie

it just blew a head gasket last year. engine was toast. warranty replacement happened in 1998 i think. i went through a big ordeal getting a used engine from a company out of california, they sent me two different engines. both had blown head gaskets when i got them. finally got a 3vze from a local salvage yard. it came out of a wrecked 4runner. mechanic put it in last summer. this one seems fine for head gasket issues, but has never got good mileage. has been back in to the mechanic two times, but he says he can't find anything wrong with it. there is no dealership within 4 hours. should i try a different mechanic? how much will carrying around 500 extra pounds of tools and lumber rack hurt the mileage? when we put the new engine in it got new plugs, wires, distributor, k&n air filter. also i live in colorado at 7000 feet in elevation. would that hurt the mileage. i know it doesn't have the power up here that it has at lower elevations.

ChickenLover

Hauling around an extra 500lbs and a lumber rack will lower your mileage. But not all the way down to 8mpg. I would start by replacing the o2 sensor. It plays a huge roll in fuel efficiency.

Elton

welcome to yotatech.... x2 on the o2 sensor and the full tune up