Volvo RWD 200 Forum

INDEX FOR 2/2026(CURRENT) INDEX FOR 10/2014 200 INDEX

[<<]  [>>]


THREADED THREADED EXPANDED FLAT PRINT ALL
MESSAGES IN THIS THREAD




  REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE Replies to this message will be emailed.    PRINT   SAVE 

Low gas mileage 200 83

posted by  someone claiming to be Ken on  Sun Dec 10 13:00 CST 2000 [RELATED]

My 83 dl is getting about 21 miles to the gallon on the road. Seems a bit low but the car seems to be running well. I recently changed the air filter and the spark plugs. Any ideas on improving the gas mileage?







  •   REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE Replies to this message will be emailed.    PRINT   SAVE 

    Re: Low gas mileage 200 83

    posted by  someone claiming to be Jason Kneier on  Mon Dec 11 01:17 CST 2000 [RELATED]

    If you're running well, but getting low mileage, I'd suspect you're running a bit rich. Check your O2 sensor output - it may be time for a new one. If that checks out, your fuel rail pressure may be high (but that's much less likely.)







    •   REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE Replies to this message will be emailed.    PRINT   SAVE 

      Re: Low gas mileage 200 83

      posted by  someone claiming to be Steve on  Mon Dec 11 06:57 CST 2000 [RELATED]

      how do you go about checking the o2 sensor?

      I have an 81 240 with the same low milage problem. I know it is running rich because the exhaust stinks of gas. I had a moron try to tune it up and he disconnected vaccum hoses and dicked around till he got it to run. I think I will be able to do better if I get a book and try to figure all the hoses and crap all out. failing that the only good volvo mechanic I knoe of is 4 hours away.







      •   REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE Replies to this message will be emailed.    PRINT   SAVE 

        Re: Low gas mileage 200 83

        posted by  someone claiming to be Dom Loiacono on  Wed Dec 13 04:07 CST 2000 [RELATED]

        Steve,

        Here is some info on testing the O2 sensor:

        http://www.mr2.com/TEXT/O2_Sensor.html







      •   REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE Replies to this message will be emailed.    PRINT   SAVE 

        Re: Low gas mileage 200 83

        posted by  someone claiming to be Jason Kneier on  Mon Dec 11 07:19 CST 2000 [RELATED]

        I can't recall the exact procedure, but a if you've got a good manual like Haynes or Bentley, it describes it (or you might find out here on the board.) Basically, you disconnect the O2 sensor wire and watch the voltage change on it as you run the engine through the RPM range. There is a defined range that is "good", and readings outside of that (or readings which fail to change) indicate a bad or clogged sensor.

        Some people have had some luck cleaning their sensors, but most go for a replacement.







  •   REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE Replies to this message will be emailed.    PRINT   SAVE 

    Re: Low gas mileage 200 83

    posted by  someone claiming to be roger on  Mon Dec 11 00:28 CST 2000 [RELATED]

    i really don't have any input other than being curious to the answer myself and the only way i'll get updates (besides have to take the effort to find this link again) is to make a follow-up post.

    i've seen past posts that say you're getting pretty much the average for what these cars will get. i have an '88 244dl and i'm getting about 25mpg (pretty damned good from what i can tell.) i constantly run premium and can tell a HUGH difference in the 'performance' than when running the low-end sludge. i also run the Chevron w/ Techron fuel additive about every 5th tank (highly recommended from an 'old hand' when i had my vw bug; stuff did wonders for the system on it.)

    a question does come to mind - beside cleaning the throttle-body and running and additive/cleaner, what else should i clean?? also, some time ago, i was watching an episode of 'shadetree mechanic' and they mentioned buying my own injector cleaning kit (from memory, it was a can of cleaner and a connection tube that went to the injectors. you cranked the car, ran this stuf through 'til the car died and you were through.) anyone know where i can get one of these??

    ken-sorry to 'steal your limelight'.







    •   REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE Replies to this message will be emailed.    PRINT   SAVE 

      Re: 200 83

      posted by  someone claiming to be stevie ray on  Mon Dec 11 14:26 CST 2000 [RELATED]

      Ken,

      You'll be in trouble if any of your tires get punctured etc.

      You should look for a spare tyre.

      244 80 with 5 tires






<< < > >>



©Jarrod Stenberg 1997-2022. All material except where indicated.


All participants agree to these terms.

Brickboard.com is not affiliated with nor sponsored by AB Volvo, Volvo Car Corporation, Volvo Cars of North America, Inc. or Ford Motor Company. Brickboard.com is a Volvo owner/enthusiast site, similar to a club, and does not intend to pose as an official Volvo site. The official Volvo site can be found here.