1998 Buick Lesabre Sending unit replaced

JJAAWW22

MEMBER
1998 BUICK LESABRE
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
150,000 MILES

I had the sending unit in the fuel tank and fuel filter replaced do to the sending unit leaking. Ever since the gas mileage seems to have dropped off by 5 miles per gallon. I have checked this three times since the replacement of the sending unit and the fuel filter. Each time the mileage performance has suffered. My local mechanic has no idea why! Any suggestions?

5 Replies

DENNYP

MECHANIC
1,823 POSTS

How are you checking the fuel mileage? The repair should not have done anything to change the fuel economy.

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Tuesday, December 23rd, 2008 AT 4:34 PM

JJAAWW22

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3 POSTS

Setting the trip odometer after fill up and keeping track of the gallons put in the fuel tank.

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Wednesday, December 24th, 2008 AT 4:58 AM

DENNYP

MECHANIC
1,823 POSTS

Ok, you are checking it properly. It amazes me sometimes that people don't check the fuel economy the correct way. The next step is to check the tire size on the vehicle. Compare the size to the size listed on the sticker in the driver door jam. When you open the door, it should be near the latch area of the door. (Example P215/75/R15)
Also, have you noticed any excessive cranking times when starting the engine?

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Wednesday, December 24th, 2008 AT 7:11 PM

JJAAWW22

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3 POSTS

My son seams to think there is some extra cranking time but I am not sure there is. The car runs fine other than the gas mileage. Could the fuel regulator be causing a problem. I know there was a recall a while back concerning the fuel regulator leaking.

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Thursday, January 8th, 2009 AT 12:59 PM

DENNYP

MECHANIC
1,823 POSTS

Yes, if it has a long crank time, the fuel pressure regulator could be the fault. Turn the key on and off a few times, then remove the rubber vacuum hose from the regulator. If you see fuel, it's bad.