1989 Honda Accord 1989 Honda Accord Fuel Usage

KPATEL3929

MEMBER
1989 HONDA ACCORD
4 CYL
FWD
MANUAL
290,000 MILES

1989 Honda Accord mileage: 290,000 Carburated. My car has started consuming more fuel lately. I used to get 30-32 mpg until 3 months ago. Now it has gone down to 23-25. If I fill up the tank and drive long distance, the average is still around 30. But commuting back and forth to work it is definitely down to less than 25. I don't understand this. Could it be the cold weather? When cold starting the car, the engine idles rough for the first few mintues. After the engine warms up, it idles fine. What should I check? Thank you!

1 Reply

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

When was the last time it had a major tune-up?

Warm the engine up for 5 mins. Shut it down look inside the throttle bore do you see fuel dribbling from the main nozzle-if so time to rebuld.

If not-test the coolant temperature sensor/idle air controller/throttle position sensor.

Most Common Fuel Wasters:

Loose or missing gas caps. 17 percent of U.S. Vehicles have a loose or missing gas cap. This allows an estimated 147,000,000 gallons of gas per year to evaporate into thin air.

Underinflated tires

Faulty thermostats

Worn spark plugs

Malfunctioning engine controls

Poor wheel alignment