2003 Honda Accord (4cyl auto) in good shape, runs well, about 24000
miles. No maintenance on the car except oil changes and did one about
1000 miles ago. Front tires are replaced recently (back tires look
very good) so they are almost new condition but I'm not getting the
mileage I did on the highway. Once with a full load (4 passengers and
luggage) got around 37 mpg (mileage then was about 12,000 miles) and
about a month ago (same trip, mileage around 22,000 miles, less load)
got around 32 mpg and now for the same trip, I'm guessing a bit less
than that with less load. I'm guessing 27 to 29 mpg (I didn't fill
up yet). I drove it locally a little (35 miles) before taking to the
highway (300 miles) so I expect less than 37 but 27+ sounds a bit
severe. What do you guys normally expect to get on the highway for
this car?

I realize traffic, weather, load and speed have some bearing but just
so I don't overlook the obvious, what are the "simple" things to check
that I can replace and help improve the mileage? Off the top of my
head is the air filter. I'm not sure about the pcv valve or fuel
filter for mpg since the car runs well as far as I can tell otherwise.
I hate to mess with the engine more than I have to because I'm a bit
hesitant since I haven't done these type repairs in years and I never
worked on this car so the placement of things is kinda new to me.
Around town, it still averages around 24mpg which seems to be fairly
consistent since it was new. thanks

 

db wrote:
> 2003 Honda Accord (4cyl auto) in good shape, runs well, about 24000
> miles. No maintenance on the car except oil changes and did one about
> 1000 miles ago. Front tires are replaced recently (back tires look
> very good) so they are almost new condition but I'm not getting the
> mileage I did on the highway. Once with a full load (4 passengers and
> luggage) got around 37 mpg (mileage then was about 12,000 miles) and
> about a month ago (same trip, mileage around 22,000 miles, less load)
> got around 32 mpg and now for the same trip, I'm guessing a bit less
> than that with less load. I'm guessing 27 to 29 mpg (I didn't fill
> up yet). I drove it locally a little (35 miles) before taking to the
> highway (300 miles) so I expect less than 37 but 27+ sounds a bit
> severe. What do you guys normally expect to get on the highway for
> this car?
>
> I realize traffic, weather, load and speed have some bearing but just
> so I don't overlook the obvious, what are the "simple" things to check
> that I can replace and help improve the mileage? Off the top of my
> head is the air filter. I'm not sure about the pcv valve or fuel
> filter for mpg since the car runs well as far as I can tell otherwise.
> I hate to mess with the engine more than I have to because I'm a bit
> hesitant since I haven't done these type repairs in years and I never
> worked on this car so the placement of things is kinda new to me.
> Around town, it still averages around 24mpg which seems to be fairly
> consistent since it was new. thanks

---------------------------

Forget the fuel filter (read the service interval on that puppy). Put a
bottle of fuel injector cleaner in the tank two or three times per year.
Injectors that don't spray properly will not give good fuel mileage.

'Curly'

 

db wrote:
> 2003 Honda Accord (4cyl auto) in good shape, runs well, about 24000
> miles. No maintenance on the car except oil changes and did one about
> 1000 miles ago. Front tires are replaced recently (back tires look
> very good) so they are almost new condition but I'm not getting the
> mileage I did on the highway. Once with a full load (4 passengers and
> luggage) got around 37 mpg (mileage then was about 12,000 miles) and
> about a month ago (same trip, mileage around 22,000 miles, less load)
> got around 32 mpg and now for the same trip, I'm guessing a bit less
> than that with less load. I'm guessing 27 to 29 mpg (I didn't fill
> up yet). I drove it locally a little (35 miles) before taking to the
> highway (300 miles) so I expect less than 37 but 27+ sounds a bit
> severe. What do you guys normally expect to get on the highway for
> this car?
>
> I realize traffic, weather, load and speed have some bearing but just
> so I don't overlook the obvious, what are the "simple" things to check
> that I can replace and help improve the mileage? Off the top of my
> head is the air filter. I'm not sure about the pcv valve or fuel
> filter for mpg since the car runs well as far as I can tell otherwise.
> I hate to mess with the engine more than I have to because I'm a bit
> hesitant since I haven't done these type repairs in years and I never
> worked on this car so the placement of things is kinda new to me.
> Around town, it still averages around 24mpg which seems to be fairly
> consistent since it was new. thanks

---------------------------

Forget the fuel filter (read the service interval on that puppy). Put a
bottle of fuel injector cleaner in the tank two or three times per year.
Injectors that don't spray properly will not give good fuel mileage.

'Curly'

 

motsco_ wrote:
> db wrote:
>> 2003 Honda Accord (4cyl auto) in good shape, runs well, about 24000
>> miles. No maintenance on the car except oil changes and did one about
>> 1000 miles ago. Front tires are replaced recently (back tires look
>> very good) so they are almost new condition but I'm not getting the
>> mileage I did on the highway. Once with a full load (4 passengers and
>> luggage) got around 37 mpg (mileage then was about 12,000 miles) and
>> about a month ago (same trip, mileage around 22,000 miles, less load)
>> got around 32 mpg and now for the same trip, I'm guessing a bit less
>> than that with less load. I'm guessing 27 to 29 mpg (I didn't fill
>> up yet). I drove it locally a little (35 miles) before taking to the
>> highway (300 miles) so I expect less than 37 but 27+ sounds a bit
>> severe. What do you guys normally expect to get on the highway for
>> this car?
>> I realize traffic, weather, load and speed have some bearing but just
>> so I don't overlook the obvious, what are the "simple" things to check
>> that I can replace and help improve the mileage? Off the top of my
>> head is the air filter. I'm not sure about the pcv valve or fuel
>> filter for mpg since the car runs well as far as I can tell otherwise.
>> I hate to mess with the engine more than I have to because I'm a bit
>> hesitant since I haven't done these type repairs in years and I never
>> worked on this car so the placement of things is kinda new to me.
>> Around town, it still averages around 24mpg which seems to be fairly
>> consistent since it was new. thanks
>
> ---------------------------
>
> Forget the fuel filter (read the service interval on that puppy). Put a
> bottle of fuel injector cleaner in the tank two or three times per year.
> Injectors that don't spray properly will not give good fuel mileage.
>
> 'Curly'

Do you have any objective evidence that the fuel injector cleaners do
any good? I mean evidence from people independent of the people making
and selling the fuel injector cleaner?

Or, alternatively, what is being cleaned? Wallets or injectors?

Jeff

 

motsco_ wrote:
> db wrote:
>> 2003 Honda Accord (4cyl auto) in good shape, runs well, about 24000
>> miles. No maintenance on the car except oil changes and did one about
>> 1000 miles ago. Front tires are replaced recently (back tires look
>> very good) so they are almost new condition but I'm not getting the
>> mileage I did on the highway. Once with a full load (4 passengers and
>> luggage) got around 37 mpg (mileage then was about 12,000 miles) and
>> about a month ago (same trip, mileage around 22,000 miles, less load)
>> got around 32 mpg and now for the same trip, I'm guessing a bit less
>> than that with less load. I'm guessing 27 to 29 mpg (I didn't fill
>> up yet). I drove it locally a little (35 miles) before taking to the
>> highway (300 miles) so I expect less than 37 but 27+ sounds a bit
>> severe. What do you guys normally expect to get on the highway for
>> this car?
>> I realize traffic, weather, load and speed have some bearing but just
>> so I don't overlook the obvious, what are the "simple" things to check
>> that I can replace and help improve the mileage? Off the top of my
>> head is the air filter. I'm not sure about the pcv valve or fuel
>> filter for mpg since the car runs well as far as I can tell otherwise.
>> I hate to mess with the engine more than I have to because I'm a bit
>> hesitant since I haven't done these type repairs in years and I never
>> worked on this car so the placement of things is kinda new to me.
>> Around town, it still averages around 24mpg which seems to be fairly
>> consistent since it was new. thanks
>
> ---------------------------
>
> Forget the fuel filter (read the service interval on that puppy). Put a
> bottle of fuel injector cleaner in the tank two or three times per year.
> Injectors that don't spray properly will not give good fuel mileage.
>
> 'Curly'

Do you have any objective evidence that the fuel injector cleaners do
any good? I mean evidence from people independent of the people making
and selling the fuel injector cleaner?

Or, alternatively, what is being cleaned? Wallets or injectors?

Jeff

 

On Mon, 01 Oct 2007 17:01:01 GMT, Jeff <kidsdoc2000@hotmail.com>
wrote:

>motsco_ wrote:
>> db wrote:
>>> 2003 Honda Accord (4cyl auto) in good shape, runs well, about 24000
>>> miles. No maintenance on the car except oil changes and did one about
>>> 1000 miles ago. Front tires are replaced recently (back tires look
>>> very good) so they are almost new condition but I'm not getting the
>>> mileage I did on the highway. Once with a full load (4 passengers and
>>> luggage) got around 37 mpg (mileage then was about 12,000 miles) and
>>> about a month ago (same trip, mileage around 22,000 miles, less load)
>>> got around 32 mpg and now for the same trip, I'm guessing a bit less
>>> than that with less load. I'm guessing 27 to 29 mpg (I didn't fill
>>> up yet). I drove it locally a little (35 miles) before taking to the
>>> highway (300 miles) so I expect less than 37 but 27+ sounds a bit
>>> severe. What do you guys normally expect to get on the highway for
>>> this car?
>>> I realize traffic, weather, load and speed have some bearing but just
>>> so I don't overlook the obvious, what are the "simple" things to check
>>> that I can replace and help improve the mileage? Off the top of my
>>> head is the air filter. I'm not sure about the pcv valve or fuel
>>> filter for mpg since the car runs well as far as I can tell otherwise.
>>> I hate to mess with the engine more than I have to because I'm a bit
>>> hesitant since I haven't done these type repairs in years and I never
>>> worked on this car so the placement of things is kinda new to me.
>>> Around town, it still averages around 24mpg which seems to be fairly
>>> consistent since it was new. thanks
>>
>> ---------------------------
>>
>> Forget the fuel filter (read the service interval on that puppy). Put a
>> bottle of fuel injector cleaner in the tank two or three times per year.
>> Injectors that don't spray properly will not give good fuel mileage.
>>
>> 'Curly'
>
>Do you have any objective evidence that the fuel injector cleaners do
>any good? I mean evidence from people independent of the people making
>and selling the fuel injector cleaner?
>
>Or, alternatively, what is being cleaned? Wallets or injectors?
>
>Jeff


Come on Jeff, I'm the one who asked for help and he was nice enough
to try. He's not asking whether I agree or you agree with him. I
understand your point and I'm not knowledgeable enough to say you are
right or wrong but it doesn't seem like it will break the bank to try.

 

On Mon, 01 Oct 2007 17:01:01 GMT, Jeff <kidsdoc2000@hotmail.com>
wrote:

>motsco_ wrote:
>> db wrote:
>>> 2003 Honda Accord (4cyl auto) in good shape, runs well, about 24000
>>> miles. No maintenance on the car except oil changes and did one about
>>> 1000 miles ago. Front tires are replaced recently (back tires look
>>> very good) so they are almost new condition but I'm not getting the
>>> mileage I did on the highway. Once with a full load (4 passengers and
>>> luggage) got around 37 mpg (mileage then was about 12,000 miles) and
>>> about a month ago (same trip, mileage around 22,000 miles, less load)
>>> got around 32 mpg and now for the same trip, I'm guessing a bit less
>>> than that with less load. I'm guessing 27 to 29 mpg (I didn't fill
>>> up yet). I drove it locally a little (35 miles) before taking to the
>>> highway (300 miles) so I expect less than 37 but 27+ sounds a bit
>>> severe. What do you guys normally expect to get on the highway for
>>> this car?
>>> I realize traffic, weather, load and speed have some bearing but just
>>> so I don't overlook the obvious, what are the "simple" things to check
>>> that I can replace and help improve the mileage? Off the top of my
>>> head is the air filter. I'm not sure about the pcv valve or fuel
>>> filter for mpg since the car runs well as far as I can tell otherwise.
>>> I hate to mess with the engine more than I have to because I'm a bit
>>> hesitant since I haven't done these type repairs in years and I never
>>> worked on this car so the placement of things is kinda new to me.
>>> Around town, it still averages around 24mpg which seems to be fairly
>>> consistent since it was new. thanks
>>
>> ---------------------------
>>
>> Forget the fuel filter (read the service interval on that puppy). Put a
>> bottle of fuel injector cleaner in the tank two or three times per year.
>> Injectors that don't spray properly will not give good fuel mileage.
>>
>> 'Curly'
>
>Do you have any objective evidence that the fuel injector cleaners do
>any good? I mean evidence from people independent of the people making
>and selling the fuel injector cleaner?
>
>Or, alternatively, what is being cleaned? Wallets or injectors?
>
>Jeff


Come on Jeff, I'm the one who asked for help and he was nice enough
to try. He's not asking whether I agree or you agree with him. I
understand your point and I'm not knowledgeable enough to say you are
right or wrong but it doesn't seem like it will break the bank to try.

 

On Mon, 01 Oct 2007 16:27:23 -0500, db wrote:

>On Mon, 01 Oct 2007 17:01:01 GMT, Jeff <kidsdoc2000@hotmail.com>
>wrote:
>
>>motsco_ wrote:
>>> db wrote:
>>>> 2003 Honda Accord (4cyl auto) in good shape, runs well, about 24000
>>>> miles. No maintenance on the car except oil changes and did one about
>>>> 1000 miles ago. Front tires are replaced recently (back tires look
>>>> very good) so they are almost new condition but I'm not getting the
>>>> mileage I did on the highway. Once with a full load (4 passengers and
>>>> luggage) got around 37 mpg (mileage then was about 12,000 miles) and
>>>> about a month ago (same trip, mileage around 22,000 miles, less load)
>>>> got around 32 mpg and now for the same trip, I'm guessing a bit less
>>>> than that with less load. I'm guessing 27 to 29 mpg (I didn't fill
>>>> up yet). I drove it locally a little (35 miles) before taking to the
>>>> highway (300 miles) so I expect less than 37 but 27+ sounds a bit
>>>> severe. What do you guys normally expect to get on the highway for
>>>> this car?
>>>> I realize traffic, weather, load and speed have some bearing but just
>>>> so I don't overlook the obvious, what are the "simple" things to check
>>>> that I can replace and help improve the mileage? Off the top of my
>>>> head is the air filter. I'm not sure about the pcv valve or fuel
>>>> filter for mpg since the car runs well as far as I can tell otherwise.
>>>> I hate to mess with the engine more than I have to because I'm a bit
>>>> hesitant since I haven't done these type repairs in years and I never
>>>> worked on this car so the placement of things is kinda new to me.
>>>> Around town, it still averages around 24mpg which seems to be fairly
>>>> consistent since it was new. thanks
>>>
>>> ---------------------------
>>>
>>> Forget the fuel filter (read the service interval on that puppy). Put a
>>> bottle of fuel injector cleaner in the tank two or three times per year.
>>> Injectors that don't spray properly will not give good fuel mileage.
>>>
>>> 'Curly'
>>
>>Do you have any objective evidence that the fuel injector cleaners do
>>any good? I mean evidence from people independent of the people making
>>and selling the fuel injector cleaner?
>>
>>Or, alternatively, what is being cleaned? Wallets or injectors?
>>
>>Jeff
>
>
>Come on Jeff, I'm the one who asked for help and he was nice enough
>to try. He's not asking whether I agree or you agree with him. I
>understand your point and I'm not knowledgeable enough to say you are
>right or wrong but it doesn't seem like it will break the bank to try.

All the same, I am skeptical that the injectors are the problem at
this tender age. Are you using crappy gas?

In my experience, mileage can bounce a lot from tank to tank for
reasons that are usually a mystery. Keep a log of every fill up and
you will get a better picture of what is happening.

You mention the new tires. They may have greater rolling resistance
or may be larger diameter (even if the same nominal size). We are
assuming they are properly inflated.

The temperature may have dropped significantly in the last couple
months depending on your location.

 

On Mon, 01 Oct 2007 16:27:23 -0500, db wrote:

>On Mon, 01 Oct 2007 17:01:01 GMT, Jeff <kidsdoc2000@hotmail.com>
>wrote:
>
>>motsco_ wrote:
>>> db wrote:
>>>> 2003 Honda Accord (4cyl auto) in good shape, runs well, about 24000
>>>> miles. No maintenance on the car except oil changes and did one about
>>>> 1000 miles ago. Front tires are replaced recently (back tires look
>>>> very good) so they are almost new condition but I'm not getting the
>>>> mileage I did on the highway. Once with a full load (4 passengers and
>>>> luggage) got around 37 mpg (mileage then was about 12,000 miles) and
>>>> about a month ago (same trip, mileage around 22,000 miles, less load)
>>>> got around 32 mpg and now for the same trip, I'm guessing a bit less
>>>> than that with less load. I'm guessing 27 to 29 mpg (I didn't fill
>>>> up yet). I drove it locally a little (35 miles) before taking to the
>>>> highway (300 miles) so I expect less than 37 but 27+ sounds a bit
>>>> severe. What do you guys normally expect to get on the highway for
>>>> this car?
>>>> I realize traffic, weather, load and speed have some bearing but just
>>>> so I don't overlook the obvious, what are the "simple" things to check
>>>> that I can replace and help improve the mileage? Off the top of my
>>>> head is the air filter. I'm not sure about the pcv valve or fuel
>>>> filter for mpg since the car runs well as far as I can tell otherwise.
>>>> I hate to mess with the engine more than I have to because I'm a bit
>>>> hesitant since I haven't done these type repairs in years and I never
>>>> worked on this car so the placement of things is kinda new to me.
>>>> Around town, it still averages around 24mpg which seems to be fairly
>>>> consistent since it was new. thanks
>>>
>>> ---------------------------
>>>
>>> Forget the fuel filter (read the service interval on that puppy). Put a
>>> bottle of fuel injector cleaner in the tank two or three times per year.
>>> Injectors that don't spray properly will not give good fuel mileage.
>>>
>>> 'Curly'
>>
>>Do you have any objective evidence that the fuel injector cleaners do
>>any good? I mean evidence from people independent of the people making
>>and selling the fuel injector cleaner?
>>
>>Or, alternatively, what is being cleaned? Wallets or injectors?
>>
>>Jeff
>
>
>Come on Jeff, I'm the one who asked for help and he was nice enough
>to try. He's not asking whether I agree or you agree with him. I
>understand your point and I'm not knowledgeable enough to say you are
>right or wrong but it doesn't seem like it will break the bank to try.

All the same, I am skeptical that the injectors are the problem at
this tender age. Are you using crappy gas?

In my experience, mileage can bounce a lot from tank to tank for
reasons that are usually a mystery. Keep a log of every fill up and
you will get a better picture of what is happening.

You mention the new tires. They may have greater rolling resistance
or may be larger diameter (even if the same nominal size). We are
assuming they are properly inflated.

The temperature may have dropped significantly in the last couple
months depending on your location.

 

I think the biggest unknown is when you fill up your tank. Is it full or not?
The only way to REALLY find out is to keep topping it up until its spilling
out. Of course I would never recommend doing this, as it can cause MAJOR
problems in the EVAP system.

But the variance can be from 3-8 litres (1-2 gallons) which could affect
mileage in a 11 US gall tank by 10-15%.

t

Gordon McGrew wrote:
>>>>> 2003 Honda Accord (4cyl auto) in good shape, runs well, about 24000
>>>>> miles. No maintenance on the car except oil changes and did one about
>[quoted text clipped - 40 lines]
>>understand your point and I'm not knowledgeable enough to say you are
>>right or wrong but it doesn't seem like it will break the bank to try.
>
>All the same, I am skeptical that the injectors are the problem at
>this tender age. Are you using crappy gas?
>
>In my experience, mileage can bounce a lot from tank to tank for
>reasons that are usually a mystery. Keep a log of every fill up and
>you will get a better picture of what is happening.
>
>You mention the new tires. They may have greater rolling resistance
>or may be larger diameter (even if the same nominal size). We are
>assuming they are properly inflated.
>
>The temperature may have dropped significantly in the last couple
>months depending on your location.

--
Message posted via CarKB.com
http://www.carkb.com/Uwe/Forums.aspx...-cars/200710/1

 

I think the biggest unknown is when you fill up your tank. Is it full or not?
The only way to REALLY find out is to keep topping it up until its spilling
out. Of course I would never recommend doing this, as it can cause MAJOR
problems in the EVAP system.

But the variance can be from 3-8 litres (1-2 gallons) which could affect
mileage in a 11 US gall tank by 10-15%.

t

Gordon McGrew wrote:
>>>>> 2003 Honda Accord (4cyl auto) in good shape, runs well, about 24000
>>>>> miles. No maintenance on the car except oil changes and did one about
>[quoted text clipped - 40 lines]
>>understand your point and I'm not knowledgeable enough to say you are
>>right or wrong but it doesn't seem like it will break the bank to try.
>
>All the same, I am skeptical that the injectors are the problem at
>this tender age. Are you using crappy gas?
>
>In my experience, mileage can bounce a lot from tank to tank for
>reasons that are usually a mystery. Keep a log of every fill up and
>you will get a better picture of what is happening.
>
>You mention the new tires. They may have greater rolling resistance
>or may be larger diameter (even if the same nominal size). We are
>assuming they are properly inflated.
>
>The temperature may have dropped significantly in the last couple
>months depending on your location.

--
Message posted via CarKB.com
http://www.carkb.com/Uwe/Forums.aspx...-cars/200710/1

 

loewent via CarKB.com wrote:
> I think the biggest unknown is when you fill up your tank. Is it full or not?
> The only way to REALLY find out is to keep topping it up until its spilling
> out. Of course I would never recommend doing this, as it can cause MAJOR
> problems in the EVAP system.
>
> But the variance can be from 3-8 litres (1-2 gallons) which could affect
> mileage in a 11 US gall tank by 10-15%.
>
> t
---------------------------------

The VOLUME of the fuel (litres or gallons) is printed right on the
receipt. Whether the tank is totally full doesn't matter much.
Overfilling is bad from the fire department's perspective too.

'Curly'

 

loewent via CarKB.com wrote:
> I think the biggest unknown is when you fill up your tank. Is it full or not?
> The only way to REALLY find out is to keep topping it up until its spilling
> out. Of course I would never recommend doing this, as it can cause MAJOR
> problems in the EVAP system.
>
> But the variance can be from 3-8 litres (1-2 gallons) which could affect
> mileage in a 11 US gall tank by 10-15%.
>
> t
---------------------------------

The VOLUME of the fuel (litres or gallons) is printed right on the
receipt. Whether the tank is totally full doesn't matter much.
Overfilling is bad from the fire department's perspective too.

'Curly'

 

OK... so what about the next time you fill up? Maybe the fuel froths a
little more this time and the tank doesn't get as full as last time. Means
your calculation will be better mileage on this tank.

Unless you actually know how much fuel is in your tank before you start
filling, you will never ACTUALLY know your correct mileage on that particular
tank. And there's no way to actually know how much is in there without
running the tank dry (bad for fuel pump) or draining it and measuring what
comes out.

Otherwise you have to settle for the variation I mentioned earlier.

t

motsco_ wrote:
>> I think the biggest unknown is when you fill up your tank. Is it full or not?
>> The only way to REALLY find out is to keep topping it up until its spilling
>[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
>>
>> t
>---------------------------------
>
>The VOLUME of the fuel (litres or gallons) is printed right on the
>receipt. Whether the tank is totally full doesn't matter much.
>Overfilling is bad from the fire department's perspective too.
>
>'Curly'

--
Message posted via CarKB.com
http://www.carkb.com/Uwe/Forums.aspx...-cars/200710/1

 

OK... so what about the next time you fill up? Maybe the fuel froths a
little more this time and the tank doesn't get as full as last time. Means
your calculation will be better mileage on this tank.

Unless you actually know how much fuel is in your tank before you start
filling, you will never ACTUALLY know your correct mileage on that particular
tank. And there's no way to actually know how much is in there without
running the tank dry (bad for fuel pump) or draining it and measuring what
comes out.

Otherwise you have to settle for the variation I mentioned earlier.

t

motsco_ wrote:
>> I think the biggest unknown is when you fill up your tank. Is it full or not?
>> The only way to REALLY find out is to keep topping it up until its spilling
>[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
>>
>> t
>---------------------------------
>
>The VOLUME of the fuel (litres or gallons) is printed right on the
>receipt. Whether the tank is totally full doesn't matter much.
>Overfilling is bad from the fire department's perspective too.
>
>'Curly'

--
Message posted via CarKB.com
http://www.carkb.com/Uwe/Forums.aspx...-cars/200710/1