Really BAD Gas Mileage

4x4countrygirl · 02-22-2007, 10:58 AM

I have been averaging about 140 miles tops in my 4cyl. 94 p/u (15 gal. tank)...

I just bought it within the last month and I have had a full tune up done, we've replaced the EGR, seafoamed the engine and gas tank, had an 02 sensor replaced (the one before the converter) and cleaned out the throttle body and AFM. The VSV wires have been replaced because the wires were stripped and frayed. With all that done... my gas mileage is still super sucky. I thought at least one of these things would clean it up. What could I be missing that could really be causing such a loss in gas mileage?
-and-
I had a full diagnostics test done and my check engine light went off when we replaced the EGR but the weird thing to me is that we could not find an 02 sensor after the converter... is there one after on this model and year?

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Injohneer · 02-22-2007, 11:01 AM

Not sure on the P/Us but my '95 4Runner only has one O2 snsr - I'm pretty sure they didn't go on most vehicles until '96 or later.

I'll just throw these out there - how's your cat converter? you'd probably notice other symptoms first, but I thought I'd mention it.

MudHippy · 02-22-2007, 11:02 AM

Sorry if this is an insult to your intelligence, but I'm always suprised at how many people don't keep thier tires inflated to max, big difference, esp. with over-sized.

4x4countrygirl · 02-22-2007, 11:10 AM

Just got new rims and tires put on last week... so they were just mounted and balanced and should be properly inflated.

Bear80 · 02-22-2007, 11:22 AM

how's the engine on power, have you noticed a loss in power?

4x4countrygirl · 02-22-2007, 11:23 AM

I forgot to mention that my rpm's drop and go up while I am idle. When it's normal it usually idles around 1,000 rpm but sometimes it will fluctuate from 1-1500 rpms until I rev the engine and it drops to normal again. Sometimes it will even drop so low in idle it reaches around 5-600 rpm. What could this possibly be?

trythis · 02-22-2007, 11:25 AM

It could be that your thermostat needs replacement. There could be a problem with the cold start injector not turning off. You could also have a temperature sender that is bad.

Check your TPS to make sure it is working. and make sure your throttle body closes all the way.
CA trucks-4runnres have 2 ox sensors

Chapman88SR5 · 02-22-2007, 11:29 AM

If we, Im her boyfriend =), unplug the cold start injector, what would happen?

4x4countrygirl · 02-22-2007, 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bear80

how's the engine on power, have you noticed a loss in power?

Another thing I failed to mention... I need to get better at these post things!

But yes, I feel like there is power lacking. I know I'm not going to get a lot of speed/power out of a 4cyl, but I also know that it feels like there is something almost "blocking" it from it's full potential.

MudHippy · 02-22-2007, 12:38 PM

That makes me think fuel filter, gotta do'em every 60k. I aint sure about the cold start injector causing anything like that, maybe so. I would think if unplugged it would be harder to start, esp. when amb. air temp is low. It should help the idle, and substantially the power, if it's needed, the filter.

misterzee · 02-22-2007, 12:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chapman88SR5

If we, Im her boyfriend =), unplug the cold start injector, what would happen?

OMG ! Don't do it!! Not while your loved ones are near!! J/K

The cold start injector sprays extra fuel in there only when the engine is cold, there is a timer that kicks it off a short time after the engine is running. You can unplug it. Might make it a little 'cranky' when cold.

check: tire pressure, ignition timing, make sure the catalytic convertor is not plugged, clean air filter, make sure the brakes are in good condition and properly adjusted, I have had more than one instance of brake cylinders grabbing intermittently...

My 22re will idle up and down a bit, specially when the weather is COLD, I suppose due to linkages not moving as freely as they do when its warm.

91TPU · 02-22-2007, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4x4countrygirl

I have been averaging about 140 miles tops in my 4cyl. 94 p/u (15 gal. tank)...

I just bought it within the last month and I have had a full tune up done, we've replaced the EGR, seafoamed the engine and gas tank, had an 02 sensor replaced (the one before the converter) and cleaned out the throttle body and AFM. The VSV wires have been replaced because the wires were stripped and frayed. With all that done... my gas mileage is still super sucky. I thought at least one of these things would clean it up. What could I be missing that could really be causing such a loss in gas mileage?
-and-
I had a full diagnostics test done and my check engine light went off when we replaced the EGR but the weird thing to me is that we could not find an 02 sensor after the converter... is there one after on this model and year?

sensor should be before the converter, not after...some vehicles have them in the converter...but on my truck(i know all years arent the same), my 02 sensor is about a foot or so before the cat converter..

fork · 02-22-2007, 01:11 PM

checked for vacuum leaks?

pruney81 · 02-22-2007, 01:32 PM

140 is horrible for a 22re, maybe a valve adjustment? You should be getting a hundred more miles to that tank at least. I don't think just swapping a fuel filter in there is gonna solve this problem. Although I don't any suggestions

Schralper · 02-22-2007, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4x4countrygirl

Just got new rims and tires put on last week... so they were just mounted and balanced and should be properly inflated.

What size? If they're BIG badazz tires. You're mileage is gonna suck!
Though gears will help.

4x4countrygirl · 02-22-2007, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Schralper

What size? If they're BIG badazz tires. You're mileage is gonna suck!
Though gears will help.

The tires are bigger, but not enough by far to cause that kind of gas deficit... they are 31x10.5

pruney81 · 02-22-2007, 04:24 PM

So you're getting 9.3 mpg on a 22re? Are you sure you're calculating it right? I've got a 95 3.0 auto 4Runner with very loud valves and the original fuel filter and I'm geting about 14 mpg around town. I know in my old 86 22re I was getting around 20. I hope you figure it out

trythis · 02-22-2007, 04:31 PM

I think yu are just gonna have to go through the sensors and test them. Replace all your vasuum hoses and clean out the metal lines while you are doing this.

Chapman88SR5 · 02-22-2007, 05:21 PM

How do you go about cleaning the metal lines? Replacing the vacuum lines doesn't seem that bad. Any tips on checking all the sensors? Just use a test light or ...?

**UKMyers** · 02-22-2007, 05:38 PM

Use a multimeter to test voltage at the plug of your sensors. Last 22RE I seen with the fluctuating idle had a bad O2 sensor. Also just because a tire shop installed you tires means NOTHING on inflation pressures. I have seen all 4 have different pressures that varied vastly from one another coming out of a tire shop. It will not cause that bad of mileage like your getting but I'd check them anyways. I always ran 33psi in my 31's.

Chapman88SR5 · 02-22-2007, 05:46 PM

Which one?

**UKMyers** · 02-22-2007, 05:52 PM

Dude if you dont' have a multimeter and dont' even know which one you would need you should take that truck to a shop now and save yourself some trouble. Did they bother to pull the code during the diagnostics test that was mentioned? I'm guessing it had nothing to do with that EGR valve.

trythis · 02-22-2007, 06:24 PM

ANy multi meter will do. You gotta start somewhere learning how to work with them. The really cheap ones will fail eventually, but get what you can.

The Factory shop manual will be your friend. Checking the sensors requires removing them, running diagnostics according to the FSM. IT takes time, but it is very easy.

Chapman88SR5 · 02-22-2007, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UKMyers

Dude if you dont' have a multimeter and dont' even know which one you would need you should take that truck to a shop now and save yourself some trouble. Did they bother to pull the code during the diagnostics test that was mentioned? I'm guessing it had nothing to do with that EGR valve.

"Dude" I'm sorry I have never used a multimeter before. I am pretty sure I could learn how to use one with the proper guidance rather then telling me I am useless and to go to a shop. But thanks a lot! Its people like you who shouldn't be on this site. I guess learning how to install my own clutch and even my engine, means I can't learn how to use a multimeter.

trythis,

I have cleaned all of the sensors but still have yet to check them. You wouldn't happen to have the FSM on a PDF file for the 22RE would you?

notanymore · 02-22-2007, 08:23 PM

as far as a multi meter just go to sears or where ever works for you and one up for like $15-$20, it doesnt matter too much which one you get, they are not that hard to use so im sure you could figure it out

02-22-2007, 11:01 AM	#2 (permalink)
Injohneer Contributing Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Tulsa, OK Posts: 667	Not sure on the P/Us but my '95 4Runner only has one O2 snsr - I'm pretty sure they didn't go on most vehicles until '96 or later. I'll just throw these out there - how's your cat converter? you'd probably notice other symptoms first, but I thought I'd mention it. __________________ Trail/Build Rig: 1981 Toyota Pickup 4x4, flatbed Tow Rig: 2001 Chevy 2500HD Duramax 4x4, X-cab Long Bed. Will be my tow rig, when I get a trailer. RIP: 1995 4Runner. Last edited by Injohneer; 02-22-2007 at 11:05 AM.

02-22-2007, 11:02 AM	#3 (permalink)
MudHippy Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: The Realm Of Fecal Cohesion Posts: 2,129	Sorry if this is an insult to your intelligence, but I'm always suprised at how many people don't keep thier tires inflated to max, big difference, esp. with over-sized. Last edited by MudHippy; 02-22-2007 at 11:04 AM.

02-22-2007, 11:10 AM	#4 (permalink)
4x4countrygirl Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Antioch, IL Posts: 38	Just got new rims and tires put on last week... so they were just mounted and balanced and should be properly inflated. __________________ '94 Pickup 22RE/5sp/4x4

02-22-2007, 11:22 AM	#5 (permalink)
Bear80 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: San Antonio TX Posts: 358	how's the engine on power, have you noticed a loss in power? __________________ 1986 Truck - Monster IFS 1997 FZJ80 - Locked, Lifted, Ready Range Rover Recovery Vehicle

02-22-2007, 11:23 AM	#6 (permalink)
4x4countrygirl Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Antioch, IL Posts: 38	I forgot to mention that my rpm's drop and go up while I am idle. When it's normal it usually idles around 1,000 rpm but sometimes it will fluctuate from 1-1500 rpms until I rev the engine and it drops to normal again. Sometimes it will even drop so low in idle it reaches around 5-600 rpm. What could this possibly be? __________________ '94 Pickup 22RE/5sp/4x4

02-22-2007, 11:25 AM	#7 (permalink)
trythis Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kansas City Posts: 645	It could be that your thermostat needs replacement. There could be a problem with the cold start injector not turning off. You could also have a temperature sender that is bad. Check your TPS to make sure it is working. and make sure your throttle body closes all the way. CA trucks-4runnres have 2 ox sensors __________________ 89 DLX xtra cab 4x4 22re Auto with 210,000, 225 75R 15, Stock except, "new" 2000 toyota cd/radio, rear speakers hidden in the back seat, SR5 instrument cluster, factory clock. dead aftermarket cruise and some matching blue door pockets! New timing chain with Engine builders front end rebuild kit. Tokico RT trekmaster shocks <-like them. I found the turtle in my yard, after mowing over it and it was fine! Old toyota trucks are like turtles: slow, steady and durable. Last edited by trythis; 02-22-2007 at 11:27 AM.

02-22-2007, 11:29 AM	#8 (permalink)
Chapman88SR5 Contributing Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: wisconsin Posts: 1,455	If we, Im her boyfriend =), unplug the cold start injector, what would happen? __________________ *1988 4Runner* 3.Slow -33x12.5 Mickey Thompson Baja MTZ Radials -4Crawler 1.5" BJ Spacers -OME 2" Leaf Springs -Flowmaster 44 -Engine replaced at 200k -Green Rattle can paint The early bird gets the worm but the second mouse gets the cheese. Hmmm... See more in the** Check out my Truck section God works through Christians; I am a Christian. -George W. Bush

02-22-2007, 12:38 PM	#10 (permalink)
MudHippy Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: The Realm Of Fecal Cohesion Posts: 2,129	That makes me think fuel filter, gotta do'em every 60k. I aint sure about the cold start injector causing anything like that, maybe so. I would think if unplugged it would be harder to start, esp. when amb. air temp is low. It should help the idle, and substantially the power, if it's needed, the filter. Last edited by MudHippy; 02-22-2007 at 12:46 PM.

02-22-2007, 01:11 PM	#13 (permalink)
fork Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: out in the pacific Posts: 661	checked for vacuum leaks?

02-22-2007, 01:32 PM	#14 (permalink)
pruney81 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Leadville, Colorado Posts: 1,272	140 is horrible for a 22re, maybe a valve adjustment? You should be getting a hundred more miles to that tank at least. I don't think just swapping a fuel filter in there is gonna solve this problem. Although I don't any suggestions

02-22-2007, 04:24 PM	#17 (permalink)
pruney81 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Leadville, Colorado Posts: 1,272	So you're getting 9.3 mpg on a 22re? Are you sure you're calculating it right? I've got a 95 3.0 auto 4Runner with very loud valves and the original fuel filter and I'm geting about 14 mpg around town. I know in my old 86 22re I was getting around 20. I hope you figure it out

02-22-2007, 04:31 PM	#18 (permalink)
trythis Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kansas City Posts: 645	I think yu are just gonna have to go through the sensors and test them. Replace all your vasuum hoses and clean out the metal lines while you are doing this. __________________ 89 DLX xtra cab 4x4 22re Auto with 210,000, 225 75R 15, Stock except, "new" 2000 toyota cd/radio, rear speakers hidden in the back seat, SR5 instrument cluster, factory clock. dead aftermarket cruise and some matching blue door pockets! New timing chain with Engine builders front end rebuild kit. Tokico RT trekmaster shocks <-like them. I found the turtle in my yard, after mowing over it and it was fine! Old toyota trucks are like turtles: slow, steady and durable.

02-22-2007, 05:21 PM	#19 (permalink)
Chapman88SR5 Contributing Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: wisconsin Posts: 1,455	How do you go about cleaning the metal lines? Replacing the vacuum lines doesn't seem that bad. Any tips on checking all the sensors? Just use a test light or ...? __________________ *1988 4Runner* 3.Slow -33x12.5 Mickey Thompson Baja MTZ Radials -4Crawler 1.5" BJ Spacers -OME 2" Leaf Springs -Flowmaster 44 -Engine replaced at 200k -Green Rattle can paint The early bird gets the worm but the second mouse gets the cheese. Hmmm... See more in the** Check out my Truck section God works through Christians; I am a Christian. -George W. Bush

02-22-2007, 05:46 PM	#21 (permalink)
Chapman88SR5 Contributing Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: wisconsin Posts: 1,455	Which one? __________________ *1988 4Runner* 3.Slow -33x12.5 Mickey Thompson Baja MTZ Radials -4Crawler 1.5" BJ Spacers -OME 2" Leaf Springs -Flowmaster 44 -Engine replaced at 200k -Green Rattle can paint The early bird gets the worm but the second mouse gets the cheese. Hmmm... See more in the** Check out my Truck section God works through Christians; I am a Christian. -George W. Bush

02-22-2007, 06:24 PM	#23 (permalink)
trythis Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kansas City Posts: 645	ANy multi meter will do. You gotta start somewhere learning how to work with them. The really cheap ones will fail eventually, but get what you can. The Factory shop manual will be your friend. Checking the sensors requires removing them, running diagnostics according to the FSM. IT takes time, but it is very easy. __________________ 89 DLX xtra cab 4x4 22re Auto with 210,000, 225 75R 15, Stock except, "new" 2000 toyota cd/radio, rear speakers hidden in the back seat, SR5 instrument cluster, factory clock. dead aftermarket cruise and some matching blue door pockets! New timing chain with Engine builders front end rebuild kit. Tokico RT trekmaster shocks <-like them. I found the turtle in my yard, after mowing over it and it was fine! Old toyota trucks are like turtles: slow, steady and durable.

02-22-2007, 08:23 PM	#25 (permalink)
notanymore Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Wenatchee WA Posts: 969	as far as a multi meter just go to sears or where ever works for you and one up for like $15-$20, it doesnt matter too much which one you get, they are not that hard to use so im sure you could figure it out

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