Re: low mileage

["John H. Graham" <jgraham1@erols.com>]

Peter Plangger wrote:
> 
> Hi List,
> 
> for half a year now my car has needed 10 percent more fuel than a year
> ago. This is becoming expensive. I also notice that the engine is a
> bit rough at idle and idle varies from 800-850. The exhaust is deep
> black inside.
> 
> Last week I stopped by a garage to let them look for it. They told me
> that the emissions were so bad it wouldn't even pass the emissions
> test. They suspected a vacuum leak or a leak in the exhaust system but
> couldn't find any and told be to bring the car in for 2-3 days. I
> can't do that at the moment.
> 
> Today I remembered that somebody had once told me that I could check
> for exhaust leaks by closing the exhaust end while the engine is
> running. Ok, a friend of mine held a piece of rubber against the
> exhaust while I laid under the car. Oooops - the engine didn't mind.
> Same I5-sound as usual, no effect on idle. Just a hissing sound from
> under the car, apperently after the catalytic converter, but I'm not
> sure.
> 
> So question: Can this rise up fuel comsumption by 10%? It now needs
> 9,5-10 litres per 100 km (premium ROZ 95).
> 
> BTW, I once had the habit to drink a beer or two while fixing my cars.
> With this car I'd really have a big round belly in the meantime if I
> hadn't changed this.
> 
> Peter
 Doe's your car have an O2 sensor? If so I'd check the connections
and make sure there clean.


John
1990 CQ