I've been asking around on different boards about my current problem with my 91 4runner. Apparently, most owners of stock V6 3.0L 1991 4runners are getting around 400 km per tank (Im canadian, and i dont know what the converts to in miles). Yet, I am getting around 200-240 km per tank. I dont go crazy on the gas pedal, and i have 31 inch tires. Nor do i think that going crazy on the gas pedal would cause me to lose almost half of what i am supposed to be getting. I was just wondering if anyone has any suggestions to what the problem could be??

I've bought some fuel injector cleaner, and someone said that my timing could be off or my e-brake could be rubbing. One, or both, of these is probably what it is.... but just last month when i bought the truck i had it fully inspected and on the report, it doesnt state anything wrong with the engine... or e-brake..... all it said was that there was a small oil leak.... everything else was in top condition...

I dunno, Im not really good with solving things like this so i am totally clueless... Im hoping someone knows whats going on. I just hope that i can get the km's im supposed to be getting, rather than half of it.

Thanks guys....

 

What pressure you running your tires? Low tire pressure can kill mileage but not to the extent your talking about. Might be worth trying though. I Run my BFG's at about 32-34 on the highway.

 

I did just recently check them.. i cant remember what they were. But i know they were between 33-36

 

Have you checked the other 'easy' items (other than tire pressure & injector cleaner) yet?

-unnecessary weight in your Runner (tools, etc.)
-spark plugs
-air filter
-clean oil / oil change
-there's probably others I'm forgetting...people will pipe in.

Then work your way on to other things:

-throttle body cleaning
-MAF cleaning
-exhaust inspection
-O2 sensor(s)
-again I'm probably forgetting other stuff

Those are all the 'off the top of my head' suggestions I have for you.

Hope it helps.

Al

P.S. Convert from km -> miles = divide by 1.6
Convert from miles -> km = multiply by 1.6

400 km = 250 miles

 

Id be interested to know if the people that are getting 400 km a tank, are putting in more gas than you. Perhaps your fuel gauge is inaccurate? Different size fuel tank? This is the direction I would investigate.

Knowing the miles per gallon, is better data then miles per tank. (or kilometers)

More info please.

Jay

 

I get about 400 kms to a tank on the hwy.and about 240 kms per tank in city driving. I think thats pretty normal with most , But i agree with jay, mabey you should check the tank size first and then go from there.

 

Hey another Vancouver Islander! Welcome.

Why would his gas tank be any different than ours? :rolleyes:

It could be that some fill theirs more than others though. Which is why the KM/litre is a more accurate data. Also, did your vehicle come stock with 31s? A different tire size than stock will alter your speedo and odometer.

Warren

 

Well Im not quite sure or not if the tires were stock 31's. I just bought the truck about a month ago, and he said he had just recently put on 31's.. not knowing if they used to be smaller tires. And after about 200 km's it usually takes me down to below 1/4 of a tank... I cant really tell how far between empty and 1/4 it is because the gas guage's shape. Anyways, it usually costs me about $35 to put it back up to full (At 60 cents a litre)... so therefor...about 58 litres=200km on my truck...

I hope that gives you a bit more info...

Thanks for all the replies so far tho

 

I had a similar problem and it turned out the MAF was bad. Cost me $700. O2 sensor also causes poor mileage, but it also triggers the check engine light, so I doubt that's it.

58L=15.3gal sounds like close to a full tank doesn't it?
200km=124miles

that's 8mpg. (US)

that's all I know about, I'll let you guys figure this out.
Steve

 

Whats typical miles per gallon on the 3.0L? (12 - 15?)

Seems we have a problem.

You notice any driveability problems at all?

Jay

 

Yeah Jay your estimate for the MPG on a 3.0 is about right. My '91 4Runner averages about 12 or 13 mpg just driving around town. And I don't do enough highway driving to measure that

But yeah 8 mpg (about 3.5 KM/L) seems really bad, there's definitely something not right. I'm thinking that Steve is probably right about the MAF Sensor or the O2 Sensor. Because a while ago my O2 sensor went out, and my MPG dropped into the 8-9 MPG Range, I replaced it and it went back to normal. But again like Steve said if it's the O2 Sensor the check engine light would/should come on.

-Braden

 

My '90 with the 3.0 got about 20-21 mpg highway/backroad, 18-19 around town and ~16 towing. I had stock 31's on it with over 200,000 miles. The only thing that killed my mileage was the crap gas used here in the northeast during the winter, typically reducing the above figures by about 2 mpg.

 

Toyotadan, you can tell if your truck came with stock 31's or 225's by checking the size of your spare and by how it is lowered. With 225's you put the crank lever staight in, with the 31's you put it in at an angle if I remember right. This is how I found out. The dealer told me it came with 31's but it actually came with 225's.

Also does anyone know how far south do they use "winter" gas? because my milage has drop to 16-17 on highway instead of 19-20.:cry:

 

ToyotaDan. Where do you get gas for 60 cents?

Also, the answers are in your door jam re: stock drivetrain.

warren

 

This is the first time I have heard this one. I have a 225 spare, had 225's when I bought it but I have to put my crank in at an angle. Maybe you have that backwards.. Or I came with 31's and got stitched around somehow.. hmm would like to know.

 

I just had the misfortune of uncranking my spare down while a fresh 6 to 8 inches of snow fell. The "rod" goes in at an angle (ouch) to free my spare. My crankcase thingie needed to be whacked a couple of time with a BPH to unseize it. A word to the wise. Once or twice a year, drop the spare. BTW, I have a 32 on my spare and it fits quite nicely up there.

 

I get my gas from Safeway in Aldergrove ... im guessing that it is more expensive in Victoria?? You get 3.5 cents off every litre if you have your club card...

But anyways, I will make sure to mention the MAF Sensor to a mechanic friend that i usually get to fix my vehicle.. see what he says. And just to answer the question, no my "Check Engine: light doesnt come on....

Its a little early, and cold, so i will go out later and check the spare tire thing..... I dont think ill bother adding another reply tho

And as usual... thanks for all the replies guys. Its awesome to have help like this... i think i gotta get a yotatech sticker for my truck

 

UK, check your owners manual. Unless it changed after 93, 31's the shaft goes in at an angle, 225's goes staight in according to my manual.