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Anyone know anything
- Thread starter ladybug
- Start date
Mockingbird
New member
Do you have an air condidtioner? i heard using the air conditioner can reduce efficiency.
Yeah, and we run the AC all the time. But... that is no different than how often we run it when its 80-90, and its higher gas mileage....
So, would the fact that it is much hotter AND we're running the AC just as often be putting more pressure on the car as well?
Thanks for the responses!
So, would the fact that it is much hotter AND we're running the AC just as often be putting more pressure on the car as well?
Thanks for the responses!
Lungboy911
New member
Hi Sonia,
I work on and used to race cars. It's not the weather, I live in Los Angeles and it's around 100 degrees. This past weekend it was 115 degrees where I live.
The fact is, you may have dust in your fuel system. Also, using higher grade fuel like 89 or 91 premium gas may help. However, with gas prices being what they are, why guess????
I would have your fuel system checked out by a mechanic you trust.
You may want to send a private message to "icefisherman". He knows cars pretty well too.
Good luck,
I work on and used to race cars. It's not the weather, I live in Los Angeles and it's around 100 degrees. This past weekend it was 115 degrees where I live.
The fact is, you may have dust in your fuel system. Also, using higher grade fuel like 89 or 91 premium gas may help. However, with gas prices being what they are, why guess????
I would have your fuel system checked out by a mechanic you trust.
You may want to send a private message to "icefisherman". He knows cars pretty well too.
Good luck,
Thanks, ya'll...
My dad mentioned the fuel system too.... I took the car to a mechanic in town (that we've used before) and they kinda blew us off saying, "oh, its the hot weather."... I don't buy that, cause its also really really slow to accelerate all the time lately. When the mechanic drove it, of course, it didn't do it, so they just kinda blew it off like a waste of their time. Urgh.
Thanks, again for the info. I may just PM icefisherman! I appreciate you telling me. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
My dad mentioned the fuel system too.... I took the car to a mechanic in town (that we've used before) and they kinda blew us off saying, "oh, its the hot weather."... I don't buy that, cause its also really really slow to accelerate all the time lately. When the mechanic drove it, of course, it didn't do it, so they just kinda blew it off like a waste of their time. Urgh.
Thanks, again for the info. I may just PM icefisherman! I appreciate you telling me. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
6
65rosessamurai
Guest
as far as mechanics go, usually the mechanics you happen to know personally, or have heard by reputation that are good would be the best bet to finding a mechanic that won't blow you off. My mom worked for an auto mechanic, and he was good at what he did, as well as being kind to his customers. I would have wanted him for an employer if I went into the auto repair biz!
I think it's odd that BOTH cars are getting lower gas mileage. It could have to do with the type of gasoline, and running the AC all the time. The AC will actually put quite a load on your engine depending on the size of the engine. City driving, especially with an automatic transmission, will also give poorer gas mileage than if you use the freeway.
I would also look into the coolant, though the high temps may not have to do with gas mileage, but overheating in those temperatures are highly possible, so having the radiator checked would be a good idea. Dyza did have a point, there is a small significance in the amount of heat in the tires, and when the weather and atmospheric pressure changes drastically, the tire pressure will drop as well.
Also, checking to make sure the air filter is clean. if it's too clotted up, sufficient air cannot get into the cylinders to properly mix with the gas, and the gas will end up burning more "rich". good gas economy comes from a "lean" burn!
Another pointer I'd like to add about gasoline, is:
1. try and get the same kind of gasoline from the same gas station.
2. if not the same gas station all the time, try and get the gas from the same gas company.
3. High octane is more expensive, but it will also keep your fuel injectors clean, and give a cleaner burn to the gas. It's been over 14 years since I've owned a car, but as I recall, most engines were direct-fuel-injected, so they no longer have carburetors anymore!
4. do not fill up soon after you see the gas tanker truck fill the tanks at the gas stand. Filling the gas will mix up a lot of things that had settled at the bottom of the tank, and that may go into your gas tank (things like rusted metals, sand, etc.)
Hope those added tid-bits helped!
I think it's odd that BOTH cars are getting lower gas mileage. It could have to do with the type of gasoline, and running the AC all the time. The AC will actually put quite a load on your engine depending on the size of the engine. City driving, especially with an automatic transmission, will also give poorer gas mileage than if you use the freeway.
I would also look into the coolant, though the high temps may not have to do with gas mileage, but overheating in those temperatures are highly possible, so having the radiator checked would be a good idea. Dyza did have a point, there is a small significance in the amount of heat in the tires, and when the weather and atmospheric pressure changes drastically, the tire pressure will drop as well.
Also, checking to make sure the air filter is clean. if it's too clotted up, sufficient air cannot get into the cylinders to properly mix with the gas, and the gas will end up burning more "rich". good gas economy comes from a "lean" burn!
Another pointer I'd like to add about gasoline, is:
1. try and get the same kind of gasoline from the same gas station.
2. if not the same gas station all the time, try and get the gas from the same gas company.
3. High octane is more expensive, but it will also keep your fuel injectors clean, and give a cleaner burn to the gas. It's been over 14 years since I've owned a car, but as I recall, most engines were direct-fuel-injected, so they no longer have carburetors anymore!
4. do not fill up soon after you see the gas tanker truck fill the tanks at the gas stand. Filling the gas will mix up a lot of things that had settled at the bottom of the tank, and that may go into your gas tank (things like rusted metals, sand, etc.)
Hope those added tid-bits helped!
icefisherman
New member
Hello,
There are lots of good ideas here. One thing i have noticed is that the fuel quality has gone to crap! I'm having trouble and my mother-in-law is also having problems. I would put a bottle of fuel injector cleaner (if your car is fuel injected) or fuel system cleaner(if it's not) with your next tank of gas. That would be a good place to start. Hesitation is usualy fuel related. Also in hotter weather your cooling fan runs more. If your fan is driven off the engine there is a thermostat that engages a clutch to run the fan. It's possible that it is so hot that the fan is running non-stop and that could make a small difference in gas milage. Electric fans could also lower your gas milage b/c then the alternator is running more to keep your battery charged. Hotter air is less dense, so that makes you loose power also.
let me know what year and kind of cars, and i could look deeper into it. I'm guessing that the weather isn't helping, but maybe we can get a few MPG back for you.
Ben
There are lots of good ideas here. One thing i have noticed is that the fuel quality has gone to crap! I'm having trouble and my mother-in-law is also having problems. I would put a bottle of fuel injector cleaner (if your car is fuel injected) or fuel system cleaner(if it's not) with your next tank of gas. That would be a good place to start. Hesitation is usualy fuel related. Also in hotter weather your cooling fan runs more. If your fan is driven off the engine there is a thermostat that engages a clutch to run the fan. It's possible that it is so hot that the fan is running non-stop and that could make a small difference in gas milage. Electric fans could also lower your gas milage b/c then the alternator is running more to keep your battery charged. Hotter air is less dense, so that makes you loose power also.
let me know what year and kind of cars, and i could look deeper into it. I'm guessing that the weather isn't helping, but maybe we can get a few MPG back for you.
Ben
<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>icefisherman</b></i>
Hello,
There are lots of good ideas here. One thing i have noticed is that the fuel quality has gone to crap! I'm having trouble and my mother-in-law is also having problems. I would put a bottle of fuel injector cleaner (if your car is fuel injected) or fuel system cleaner(if it's not) with your next tank of gas. That would be a good place to start. Hesitation is usualy fuel related. Also in hotter weather your cooling fan runs more. If your fan is driven off the engine there is a thermostat that engages a clutch to run the fan. It's possible that it is so hot that the fan is running non-stop and that could make a small difference in gas milage. Electric fans could also lower your gas milage b/c then the alternator is running more to keep your battery charged. Hotter air is less dense, so that makes you loose power also.
let me know what year and kind of cars, and i could look deeper into it. I'm guessing that the weather isn't helping, but maybe we can get a few MPG back for you.
Ben</end quote></div>
Yeah what Ben said LOL!
Hello,
There are lots of good ideas here. One thing i have noticed is that the fuel quality has gone to crap! I'm having trouble and my mother-in-law is also having problems. I would put a bottle of fuel injector cleaner (if your car is fuel injected) or fuel system cleaner(if it's not) with your next tank of gas. That would be a good place to start. Hesitation is usualy fuel related. Also in hotter weather your cooling fan runs more. If your fan is driven off the engine there is a thermostat that engages a clutch to run the fan. It's possible that it is so hot that the fan is running non-stop and that could make a small difference in gas milage. Electric fans could also lower your gas milage b/c then the alternator is running more to keep your battery charged. Hotter air is less dense, so that makes you loose power also.
let me know what year and kind of cars, and i could look deeper into it. I'm guessing that the weather isn't helping, but maybe we can get a few MPG back for you.
Ben</end quote></div>
Yeah what Ben said LOL!
6
65rosessamurai
Guest
Hey, Ben (icefisherman),
those were really good points to mention, too! I was thinking of the additive for fuel injectors, but was hesitant because I've never personally done it.
However, being analytical as I am, i wish to correct, or clarify, your perception of the alternator...Before the engine is started, everything is run off the battery, after that, as soon as the engine is running, everything is run off the alternator. The Battery will only take a charge until it's fully charged, then it won't take anymore (at the most, just a trickle charge). As for the load to the fan clutch, and perhaps the A/C, I agree with that statement, and no doubt the alternator is taking on a little more, along with the A/C compressor, Car Stereo, Car Navi, etc. that the engine has to use part of it's horsepower to run.
Proof to my statement about the alternator, is if you disconnect the alternator from the battery (Kids, don't try this at home), the engine will still run.
YEARS ago, I had a 75 Celica, and I installed a 40Watt Power booster to my stereo. It took me a while (long after I got rid of the car) to figure out why the headlamps, etc., would be flashing to the beat of the bass part of the song...I realized the alternator wasn't putting out enough current and was getting overloaded! (Not related to the top, but to the alternator view, and I thought it was a good anectdote!)
And, Janet..when you go faster, you gotta look at that thingamajig on your front window that helps you see behind you, so you know when those red flashing thingies are behind you!!
those were really good points to mention, too! I was thinking of the additive for fuel injectors, but was hesitant because I've never personally done it.
However, being analytical as I am, i wish to correct, or clarify, your perception of the alternator...Before the engine is started, everything is run off the battery, after that, as soon as the engine is running, everything is run off the alternator. The Battery will only take a charge until it's fully charged, then it won't take anymore (at the most, just a trickle charge). As for the load to the fan clutch, and perhaps the A/C, I agree with that statement, and no doubt the alternator is taking on a little more, along with the A/C compressor, Car Stereo, Car Navi, etc. that the engine has to use part of it's horsepower to run.
Proof to my statement about the alternator, is if you disconnect the alternator from the battery (Kids, don't try this at home), the engine will still run.
YEARS ago, I had a 75 Celica, and I installed a 40Watt Power booster to my stereo. It took me a while (long after I got rid of the car) to figure out why the headlamps, etc., would be flashing to the beat of the bass part of the song...I realized the alternator wasn't putting out enough current and was getting overloaded! (Not related to the top, but to the alternator view, and I thought it was a good anectdote!)
And, Janet..when you go faster, you gotta look at that thingamajig on your front window that helps you see behind you, so you know when those red flashing thingies are behind you!!
<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>65rosessamurai</b></i>
Hey, Ben (icefisherman),
those were really good points to mention, too! I was thinking of the additive for fuel injectors, but was hesitant because I've never personally done it.
However, being analytical as I am, i wish to correct, or clarify, your perception of the alternator...Before the engine is started, everything is run off the battery, after that, as soon as the engine is running, everything is run off the alternator. The Battery will only take a charge until it's fully charged, then it won't take anymore (at the most, just a trickle charge). As for the load to the fan clutch, and perhaps the A/C, I agree with that statement, and no doubt the alternator is taking on a little more, along with the A/C compressor, Car Stereo, Car Navi, etc. that the engine has to use part of it's horsepower to run.
Proof to my statement about the alternator, is if you disconnect the alternator from the battery (Kids, don't try this at home), the engine will still run.
YEARS ago, I had a 75 Celica, and I installed a 40Watt Power booster to my stereo. It took me a while (long after I got rid of the car) to figure out why the headlamps, etc., would be flashing to the beat of the bass part of the song...I realized the alternator wasn't putting out enough current and was getting overloaded! (Not related to the top, but to the alternator view, and I thought it was a good anectdote!)</end quote></div>
I completely agree! LMAO!
Hey, Ben (icefisherman),
those were really good points to mention, too! I was thinking of the additive for fuel injectors, but was hesitant because I've never personally done it.
However, being analytical as I am, i wish to correct, or clarify, your perception of the alternator...Before the engine is started, everything is run off the battery, after that, as soon as the engine is running, everything is run off the alternator. The Battery will only take a charge until it's fully charged, then it won't take anymore (at the most, just a trickle charge). As for the load to the fan clutch, and perhaps the A/C, I agree with that statement, and no doubt the alternator is taking on a little more, along with the A/C compressor, Car Stereo, Car Navi, etc. that the engine has to use part of it's horsepower to run.
Proof to my statement about the alternator, is if you disconnect the alternator from the battery (Kids, don't try this at home), the engine will still run.
YEARS ago, I had a 75 Celica, and I installed a 40Watt Power booster to my stereo. It took me a while (long after I got rid of the car) to figure out why the headlamps, etc., would be flashing to the beat of the bass part of the song...I realized the alternator wasn't putting out enough current and was getting overloaded! (Not related to the top, but to the alternator view, and I thought it was a good anectdote!)</end quote></div>
I completely agree! LMAO!
icefisherman
New member
65rosessammurai,
I understand how an alternator works, maybe i worded it wrong. All i meant was the more electrical load you put on the alternator, the more load you are putting on the engine. Also (not to debate or anything lol) but the car does still run off the battery and the alternator when the car is running. On'96 or new cars if you disconnect the battery while the car if running it will quit, older cars would stay running because they didn't have all this computer BS we have today. I found that out after numerous attemps and push starting my eclipse. I miss the old cars lol.
as far as the gas petal, beware of this!
<img src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i244/icefisherman/trooper.jpg">
I understand how an alternator works, maybe i worded it wrong. All i meant was the more electrical load you put on the alternator, the more load you are putting on the engine. Also (not to debate or anything lol) but the car does still run off the battery and the alternator when the car is running. On'96 or new cars if you disconnect the battery while the car if running it will quit, older cars would stay running because they didn't have all this computer BS we have today. I found that out after numerous attemps and push starting my eclipse. I miss the old cars lol.
as far as the gas petal, beware of this!
<img src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i244/icefisherman/trooper.jpg">
Mockingbird
New member
<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>icefisherman</b></i>
One thing i have noticed is that the fuel quality has gone to crap! </end quote></div>
Didn't they just change the refining process, or whatever? I didn't understand exactly what was changed, but is that the reason for the fuel quality, or does it have more to do with the middle east?
One thing i have noticed is that the fuel quality has gone to crap! </end quote></div>
Didn't they just change the refining process, or whatever? I didn't understand exactly what was changed, but is that the reason for the fuel quality, or does it have more to do with the middle east?
6
65rosessamurai
Guest
Thanks icefisherman for the tip. As I mentioned, it has been 14 years since I drove a car, and nearly 16 since I actually bought a car, so I'm not surprised about so many changes. I suppose the reason for the battery to stay connected might be because the computer is either sensing the battery for proper charging/maintenance, or for security reasons. I also miss those cars of the past! I kinda wanna get me a fixer-upper when I come back to the states...always dreamed of owning a 65 Mustang, or 65 Corvette!! (I gotta dirty rich to own a Vette!)
A Dodge or Pontiac would be nice...my next favorite was a 79 Pontiac Grand Prix! My dad bought it for my mom, but it had a spunky small block V8 in it!! Ahh, the good old days where just starting the engine would take a gallon of gas!! (LOL)
BTW, the picture in my rearview would be slightly different!!
A Dodge or Pontiac would be nice...my next favorite was a 79 Pontiac Grand Prix! My dad bought it for my mom, but it had a spunky small block V8 in it!! Ahh, the good old days where just starting the engine would take a gallon of gas!! (LOL)
BTW, the picture in my rearview would be slightly different!!
icefisherman
New member
bring me back a Hachi Roku when you come back, so i can build a drift car lol.