15mpg??? Is that right?!?!?!?!

[rollinwardle]

Wondering if anyone can give me some advice.
I've gotta '86 Cabriolet. 220k miles, 8v engine, only engine mods are a Neuspeed Throttle Body, K&N air filter (the panel type), and an exhaust system. I JUST got the car so not entirely sure of it's history.

My question is what sorta mileage should I be getting?
With a very heavy foot I ran through my last tank in 183 miles. Seems REALLY low considering it's a 13 gallon tank, right?

I'm using 87 octane fuel from a Valero station if that makes a difference.

It runs fine enough, pops alot on decel and has a slightly twitchy idle.

Thanks for any help...


Rolly

[DTolo]

15mpg.. something could def use some fixing. Decelleration popping and poor gas mileage... I'm thinking maybe timing.

[rollinwardle]

I guess I need to bite the bullet and take it to a shop to get it looked over.

I'm TOTALLY new to VW and have no idea what's "normal" and what's a problem... like the poor mileage and the sound of the motor seeming a little strange to me but who knows...

I picked this car up to save money and was REALLY wanting to avoid dumping money into it but looks like I'll at least get it looked over to figure out where I stand.

Thanks.


Rolly

[veedubber7]

maybe a tune up is in order

[rollinwardle]

Looks like it...
Anyone have a handy checklist for a tune-up?
Might as well ask... ;)

Thanks.


Rolly

[lbvr6]

If you haven't already, you might want to look into new:
plugs
wires
fuel filter
belts
distributor cap/rotor
O2 sensor

I would say from your description that you may need to replace the O2.

[lbvr6]

Oh, and take a good look over the motor to check for oil leaks: valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, etc.

[SoCal_GLI]

you sure its not cammed?

but either way it should be getting over 20mpg

im off today i can give it a listen if you want, let me know

[bugzy]

depending on where your located, there's a couple shops that could help with some maintaince repairs

or maybe one of the members here can help

www.samtechauto.com (http://www.samtechauto.com)
www.extremems.com (http://www.extremems.com)
www.allgermanauto.com (http://www.allgermanauto.com)

are great dealership alternative shops

lb can help you with a lot of that stuff, at least parts wise and maybe send you to some other good shops

Kevin, is G5 gonna do any maintaince work at the shop ? :)

[GTiGirl]

I had an 86 8v GTi that was moderately modded and I usually got around 25 mpg... easily 30 mpg when being easy on it on the freeway. The list of things to do given by lbvr6 is pretty good. Definitely do those first, since you should do them anyways. Timing is a big factor on that motor, too, so check that shit as well. It won't cost you much to do all that stuff.

Good luck!

[Ivan]

If you're flooring it all the time doesn't 15mpg sound normal? I get that just
cruising around town. :(

[lbvr6]

Kevin, is G5 gonna do any maintaince work at the shop ? :)

It depends on what it is, but I usually try to convince people to try it themselves. Like this Cabriolet is still pretty simple to work on, just need a Bentley to walk through some things you're not familiar with.

[lbvr6]

Rolly, do you have a Bentley service manual? If not, it will be the best $50 you've ever spent

[jayDUB]

im running dual 45 webers and cams and i get about that so yeah there's something not right.