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        General >> Problems >> Low MPG
        
(Message started by: DaveN on Jan 26^th, 2006, 4:21pm)

Title: Low MPG
Post by DaveN on Jan 26^th, 2006, 4:21pm

Hi Folks, newbee member here in need of some advice please. I now have a 2.9 12V 1995 scorpio that goes well but is only doing 15 MPG according to the computer, is this the norm?. The engine temperature gauge takes ages to get off the stop and the heater is poor - so I assume the thermostat needs replacing. Also the tacho doesn't work? any thoughts - regards

Title: Re: Low MPG
Post by Simmo on Jan 26^th, 2006, 5:30pm

This may help - or depress you!.http://www.fordscorpio.co.uk/specifications.htm. as far as the MPG is concerned.

Title: Re: Low MPG
Post by DaveN on Jan 26^th, 2006, 5:56pm

Thanks for that info, my handbook gives MPG for all the variants but for the 2.9 12V states that figures were "unavailable"?. I have been travelling on a fairly straight run to work about 10 miles each way and had hoped to get a bit more out of it than 15, thanks again
regards - Dave

Title: Re: Low MPG
Post by music_master on Jan 26^th, 2006, 7:07pm

have you tried cleaning the maf other memebers on the site says this helps and improve fuel econony ;D

Title: Re: Low MPG
Post by Highlander on Jan 26^th, 2006, 7:17pm

theres no MAF on the 12v
Is it well serviced etc?
Should definitley be getting more than that, depending on how you drive it of course :)
sounds like stat is stuck open or maybe even missing altogether which wouldnt help either.
gearbox behaving ok? (auto?)
tyre pressures correct etc?
brakes binding?
fuel leak?

Title: Re: Low MPG
Post by DaveN on Jan 26^th, 2006, 7:56pm

Hi, I'm told that it has been regularly serviced, it runs fine with no gear box problems and have been driving it very carefully since I found out what it's capable of! Haven't noticed any fuel leaks but will have a good look round and sus out that stat at the weekend -many thanks Dave

Title: Re: Low MPG
Post by Highlander on Jan 26^th, 2006, 8:12pm

Im sure the 12v guys out there will have a more ideas of possible causes though :)

Title: Re: Low MPG
Post by Pauleo on Jan 26^th, 2006, 9:11pm

The tacho problem, try tapping the perspex over the needle while it's running, mine got stuck regularly, its worth a try.MPG could be down to a leaky injector does it start ok or run on a little after stopping?

Title: Re: Low MPG
Post by Highlander on Jan 26^th, 2006, 9:51pm

Has you got standard size wheels/tyres??

Title: Re: Low MPG
Post by DaveN on Jan 27^th, 2006, 8:02am

Hi, Gave it a bash initialy but no luck, didn't even get off the stop. Found the instrument reset and all clocks kicked, so could it be a bad connection? . Tyres are standard 195's. How do you check for a leaking injector? - cheers

Title: Re: Low MPG
Post by martin_rowe on Jan 27^th, 2006, 8:34am

if engine temp is low it will run rich, check / replace t/stat first, if you have fuel leak you would smell it, also check operation of llambda sensors & for vacuum leaks.

Title: Re: Low MPG
Post by DaveN on Jan 27^th, 2006, 10:39am

Haven't noticed any fuel smells when driving and had no problems with over running or starting although a colleague said he thought the exhaust smelt very petrol/oily as I pulled away. Will look up how to check that sensor etc - Thanks

Title: Re: Low MPG
Post by david_molloy on Jan 28^th, 2006, 12:07am

I'd start with the stat.
If opening too soon engine will be running on part "choke" as only luke warm - not good for economy!!!
But first try covering 50 - 70% of radiator with silver wrap.
Go for a spin & see if any improvement after a couple of miles. Should be obvious.
Easy & cheap to do.
david

Title: Re: Low MPG
Post by Ultima_Stu on Jan 28^th, 2006, 10:41am

I have run a 12v for a couple of years now and struggle with very low 20's in the winter (with +5/6 in the summer months) average. Tried most things including checking for a blocked cat at the start.

I have now accepted these models just burn fuel for fun! (unlike it's MKIII version)

Title: Re: Low MPG
Post by DaveN on Jan 28^th, 2006, 2:19pm

Tried the tin foil trick..Heater much improved, MPG no better though. Bought a new stat £15! from fords, Hoping to get it fitted tomorrow. If I can get 20 MPG that would be a 30% improvement - any more thoughts appreciated - regards

Title: Re: Low MPG
Post by Snoopy on Jan 28^th, 2006, 3:38pm

I agree with ultima Stu Low 20's in winter but a lot lot better in Summer.

Title: Re: Low MPG
Post by DaveN on Jan 28^th, 2006, 11:40pm

I know it's warmer in summer but why is it so different between summer and winter? also is it just the 12V or has anyone else noticed large variations in MPG with other engines? -

Title: Re: Low MPG
Post by Ultima_Stu on Jan 29^th, 2006, 11:45am

I just put it down to lights, heated things etc in the winter. The a/c is never turned off and makes no noticeable difference in consumption but at least the cabin never 'steams up'.

Title: Re: Low MPG
Post by Paulus on Jan 29^th, 2006, 3:47pm

Hi Guys,
FYI.
On a run, using cruise control on my 12v estate, I get the following MPG according to the computer.

65mph - 35mpg ;D
70mph - 30mpg :)
80mph - 25mpg :(

Around town the figure is scary, so I don't look :o

Paul.

Title: Re: Low MPG
Post by KronosKeylock on Jan 29^th, 2006, 5:08pm

It could be tied in with my poor warm starting problems, which as far as I gan gather could be caused by the fuel system overpressurising, how does yours start after a good run?

Happy 12v motoring, (If it had any more holes in the head it would piss more petrol, expect two lungs are better than one comments from cossie owners)

Title: Re: Low MPG
Post by DaveN on Jan 29^th, 2006, 7:25pm

Those figures from paul look pretty impresive, took mine on a fairly long run yesterday still couldn't get much better than 16MPG. Haven't had any warm start problems so far, still need to get that stat fitted..slight distraction this PM headgasket gone on the wifes Astra!! but that's another story - cheers

Title: Re: Low MPG
Post by Butterfingers on Jan 29^th, 2006, 7:58pm

Hi DaveN,

I've just had a stat fitted on Friday. I got 22mpg around town today, before it was giving me about 16mpg. THe car heated up so much quicker and has made a difference of an extra 6mpg. So perhaps get the stat changed over first. Mine is a 2.3 Ultima, 16V.

Good luck

Title: Re: Low MPG
Post by DaveN on Jan 29^th, 2006, 8:41pm

Many thanks for that info it's very encouraging, must get that stat fitted asap - regards

Title: Re: Low MPG
Post by Paulus on Jan 30^th, 2006, 6:19pm

I forgot to mention that my car has got 194000 miles on it (and a small misfire under load). I must have a light right foot.

Title: Re: Low MPG
Post by DaveN on Jan 31^st, 2006, 6:48pm

Finally got the stat fitted this afternoon, had to get the local garage to fit it in the end-They reckon the old one was OK the temp gauge now reads half way but also undulates slowly up and down? The heater seems to do the same blowing warm and then cooler. They suggested getting the matrix flushed and hinted about "electric problems" so will be going back Thursday...with fingers crossed. I'm starting to get a bit twitchy but will go with it for the time being! It's too early to say if the MPG has improved so watch this space..

Title: Re: Low MPG
Post by DaveN on Feb 5^th, 2006, 6:17pm

Still struggling with low MPG so ran the instrument diagnostics again and noticed that the pulses value is 0? when idling and driving, could this be the reason for the Tacho not working and could it also have a bearing on the MPG - anyone know?

Title: Re: Low MPG
Post by ricky on Feb 5^th, 2006, 7:16pm

hi my 2.9 12v is recording 15.8mpg round town , runs perfectly but seems as the fuel consumption gets much worse during the cold, if that was possible !!!!! on a motorway run i can get it up to 32.6 mpg which would be fantastic round town, , good luck im off to the shell main depot to discuss bulk discounts !!!!!!!! :( :( :(

Title: Re: Low MPG
Post by DaveN on Feb 5^th, 2006, 7:52pm

Fuel consumption doesn't seem to improve at all on a long run and whilst at the petrol station (again!) the chap behind the counter recognised the scorp as once belonging to him (it's true) and he reckoned he got around 25 on average and like you into the 30's on a run..didn't think to ask for a discount though!

Title: Re: Low MPG
Post by ricky on Feb 5^th, 2006, 8:00pm

yea 25mpg average sounds about right, ive been using mine just round town , 5/10 miles and thats when the consuption is worse than me at a beer festival !!!!!!!!

Title: Re: Low MPG
Post by ricky on Feb 5^th, 2006, 8:03pm

nectar points were invented for scorpy 2.9 12v owners !!!

Title: Re: Low MPG
Post by Scorpio_Sam on Feb 6^th, 2006, 2:44pm

I have a run to Scotland at least 3 times a month, average fuel consumption at 27mpg at 85mph, 187,000 miles on clock, still going strong but disapointed when burnt off by a M reg Mondeo 2.0 on a straight line drag, he was ahead up to well I cant say but I passed him in the end.
Sam ;D