Notices
95.5-2004 Tacomas & 96-2002 4Runners 4th gen pickups and 3rd gen 4Runners

Help: MPG drop after T-belt, WP, t-stat, etc.

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 02-06-2011, 10:48 PM
  #1  
Registered User
Thread Starter
 
jon3170's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: OR
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Help: MPG drop after T-belt, WP, t-stat, etc.

Just did my timing belt, tensioner, idler pulleys, water pump, thermostat, drive belts, crank bolt, etc...put it all back together and I'm seeing a decrease of 2 mpg over the last several tanks. I was getting ~16 mpg before doing all the work now I'm at just 14.

I considered the timing could be off but I was pretty careful when I did it and checked the marks several times...plus it runs fine (no loss of power or wierd sounds).

I did do the deckplate mod before putting everything back together and ran it with the plate off. But it is back ON now and has been for the past several weeks. Still seeing a signifcant drop in MPG

Any help and/or troubleshooting insight would be appreciated. thanks

...should also note that coolant was flushed (toyota red) and oil was changed (cheap 5w-30)
Old 02-06-2011, 11:10 PM
  #2  
Registered User
 
PismoJoe's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Pismo Beach, California
Posts: 2,259
Received 84 Likes on 56 Posts
Don't drive like an angry school girl
Old 02-07-2011, 05:40 AM
  #3  
Contributing Member
 
BajaRunner's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: 5th Gen San Diegan, California
Posts: 7,122
Received 6 Likes on 4 Posts
Are you sure your coolant level is correct? (Not low). Sure that the thermostat is in the correct orientation? I'm just getting at the fact that the ECM adjusts mixture due to temperature and it could be getting thrown off by anything done to the cooling system. Doubtful but you never know.
Old 02-07-2011, 06:20 PM
  #4  
Registered User
 
etc.'s Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: South Texas
Posts: 141
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Is your engine revving a little higher? Did you check all the vacuum hoses?

It may also be the gas you're buying. Winter gas has been known to drop MGPs.
Old 02-07-2011, 06:45 PM
  #5  
Registered User
 
PismoJoe's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Pismo Beach, California
Posts: 2,259
Received 84 Likes on 56 Posts
Originally Posted by BajaRunner
Are you sure your coolant level is correct? (Not low).
Coolant level should be about 1" below FULL while engine is COLD
Sure that the thermostat is in the correct orientation?
In the 5vz, it is impossible to install the thermostat backwards. The housing will not allow you to bolt it down if you have it in backwards
.
Ok, I didn't really take this seriously because you're claiming a 2mg drop and you drive a stick, so there are many variables just within driving. I wouldn't really be concerned unless it dropped more, and it is winter time which will take more fuel at cold start to get it going.
Old 02-08-2011, 01:29 AM
  #6  
Registered User
iTrader: (1)
 
pkt1213's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 501
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I'm suprised you're getting 16 to begin with. Before I put my 32"s on I was getting about 18 sometimes close to 20 if I didn't drive like a pissed off teenager.
Old 02-09-2011, 03:36 AM
  #7  
Registered User
Thread Starter
 
jon3170's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: OR
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Are you sure your coolant level is correct? (Not low). Sure that the thermostat is in the correct orientation?
Coolant level looks fine. My gauge is kinda vague but it appears to be running at a normal temp. I installed the T-stat jiggle valve at 12 o'clock...not sure if thats correct b/c some FSM say 6 o'clock others say 12

Is your engine revving a little higher? Did you check all the vacuum hoses?
Seems to idle the same as before, ~700 rpm. Haven't thoroughly checked vacuum hoses but from a cursory look everything appears to be securely attached. I'll do a further check this weekend...

i wouldn't be as concerned if this had happened over time or at the onset of winter gas. Seeing as my mileage dropped right after getting everything put back togehter makes me think it was something I did.

I'm making a return at the parts store tomorrow so I'll pick up some of that MAF cleaner and see if that helps
Old 02-09-2011, 06:52 AM
  #8  
Registered User
 
swampfox's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Nw Arkansas
Posts: 879
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Did install the same temp thermostat as original ? A cooler one might cause it to run richer.
Old 02-09-2011, 08:31 AM
  #9  
Registered User
 
corax's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: PDX
Posts: 1,133
Received 7 Likes on 4 Posts
No change in idle quality or acceleration? If so, maybe the t-belt is off 1 tooth which would affect engine efficiency and MPG . . .
Old 02-12-2011, 03:13 AM
  #10  
Registered User
Thread Starter
 
jon3170's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: OR
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Did install the same temp thermostat as original ? A cooler one might cause it to run richer.
Just checked the box it came out of: 82 C (~180 F)..does that sound about right?

I'm suprised you're getting 16 to begin with. Before I put my 32"s on I was getting about 18 sometimes close to 20 if I didn't drive like a pissed off teenager.
I have 285/75 MT's with a 3" lift and factory roof rack so 16-17 mpg doesn't seem to out of the ordinary. Will probably be going back to 265's for the next set.

I cleaned out the MAF sensor last night so we'll see if this helps...I also changed the rear end fluid (not that I expect that to help a whole lot).
Old 02-12-2011, 08:19 AM
  #11  
Registered User
iTrader: (1)
 
pkt1213's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 501
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Well now I know what I have to look forward to getting when I get home and put my 3" lift and rr on.
Old 02-22-2011, 12:15 AM
  #12  
Registered User
Thread Starter
 
jon3170's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: OR
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Cleaned MAF, changed fuel filter, regreased drivelines and still no change. I'm lucky to get 200 miles per tank. Now I'm at the end of the line of things to try...

I even filled up with super last tank...didn't help at all.
So I may just have to wait it out til summer gas comes around to see if thats the problem
Old 02-22-2011, 03:10 AM
  #13  
Registered User
iTrader: (1)
 
pkt1213's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 501
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Curious. If you might have accidently changed your cam timing. Maybe advanced it a little and it sucking a little more fuel. Don't know.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
accuracy
86-95 Trucks & 4Runners
2
08-30-2015 09:47 PM
Gargoyle_Runner
86-95 Trucks & 4Runners
5
08-28-2015 01:36 AM
Luvmeye22re
95.5-2004 Tacomas & 96-2002 4Runners
1
08-04-2015 03:53 PM
krimsonone
86-95 Trucks & 4Runners
7
07-29-2015 11:53 AM
coffey50
Offroad Tech
17
07-28-2015 10:55 AM



Quick Reply: Help: MPG drop after T-belt, WP, t-stat, etc.



All times are GMT -8. The time now is 01:12 PM.