96 4runner with bad gas mileage
 

Hi guys,

I have a 96 4runner with the 3.4L V6, and I am getting pretty poor mileage (12/18) and am trying to figure out why. I have noticed that the truck takes a long time for the high idle to drop down to normal 800 rpm. I'd estimate about 8 minutes driving in city traffic, even with warm outside temps here in N. Cal. I can also smell the exhaust and its quite rich, like unburned gas.

I recently had it smogged, and it did pass, and there were no codes. There are about 30k miles on the O2 sensor, I just replaced the spark plugs and wires, and I'm wondering what else to try. I need some diagnostic advice.

Its acting like the thermostat is stuck open and perhaps my mileage problem is simply the fact its running too rich for too long at high idle when you start it up. I'm just hoping for some advice on how to proceed from here.

Thanks!

MJ

Maybe the fuel filter? its easy to swap in a new one.

true..another easy quick check. I'll source that out as well. any other thoughts? Thanks!

MJ