BS_4Runner

Can anyone tell me where the dang EGR valve is on my '97 4Runner? My Haynes manual doesn't help much. For all I know, it may not have one. I am trying to maximize my gas mileage. I am presently getting 21mpg(highway) if I drive like my grandmother, about 17mpg if I drive like I want to get arrested. Any other suggestions on helping with fuel economy would be welcome.

BigBallsMcFalls

you won't get better gas mileage than that

it is already
optimal.

only way to squeeze more would be a scangauge and then
monitor your driving habits to the Nth degree

Elton

i dont think most if not all 3.4L have egr

gilby4runner

Best i ever got was 23 mpg. I now average 20 on the hwy. Your not going to do much better than what your getting.

hross14

Yep, there is no EGR valve--it is built into the cams

BS_4Runner

Thanks for confirming "no EGR". I have been tracking my mileage on a spreadsheet I designed that also gives me cost per mile. I have been tracking it using all three octane levels and found that my 4Runner gets nearly the same mileage regardless of the octane level.

bwhyit

I'm curious on what you were going to do with your EGR (if you had one)? Removing an EGR system will only get you worse gas mileage.

BS_4Runner

I was going to replace it since I have 205k on the engine. I keep hearing that EGR valve needs to be replaced to help improve mileage. It may be BS, but I thought it was worth looking into since maximum mpg is what I am shutting for right now. Do you know of any other tune-up type procedures that need to be done?

gilby4runner

205k and 21mpg... gotta love a toyota

mkgarrison5

ditto

BigBallsMcFalls

if you are not showing any MIL indicator

if your OBD II I/M passes all tests including evap....
----
then all you can do for 1/2 percent more is:

fresh spark plugs
fresh o2 or air fuel sensor(s)
clean MAF

not clogged air filter, it can be dirty just not clogged
not clogged catalytic converter
non-binding propeller/differential or bearings
OEM spec tires, inflated to 35psi all around

you are still gonna get 22-20 and 18-16 mpg

the ECU will keep the thing running as things wear and get slightly
out of spec.

-------

really, if you can get 21mpg now, then all you can do to get better
is learn what rpm, tps, and instantaneous mpg add up to, and you can only
get that with a scangauge type display and 24/7 monitoring of your driving
habits. learn what driving patterns eat mpg, and which local routes
you use eat gas.

find the sweet spot going up hills. slower is not always better, and faster isn't better either. somewhere in-between that you will find the optimal mpg and if
you keep it there you can maybe stretch 20 more miles out of a full tank


In reality you need a different vehicle. 21 is great on the 3.4 engine hauling a 4runner around.

hell, take out extra seats, jack, spare, and any other weight, remove roof rack and fender flares and rear air dam if you
have it, for that much more mpg.

BS_4Runner

Thanks for the info.

I mainly wanted to hear if what I am getting for mpg is normal. I don't expect to get 28-30mpg, I know its not likely with any six cylinder I have ever seen. Just the fact of staying out of the throttle moved me from 16mpg to 20/21 mpg. Topping it off at 62-65 mph on the interstate works great except for nearly getting ran over. I am satisfied that I am getting good mpg after hearing what everyone has said. I will be digging into the other threads to see what mods are available. The only mod I have done so far is the rear diff-lock pushbutton mod.