Really Bad MPG, any advice...

I know this is discussed in numerous threads, but i started using fuelly for 3 fuel ups and my average is under 13MPG? I drive almost everywhere in 6th gear at 2,000 RPMS. I know the Taco is lifted w/ mud terrains, but is there something else that can be affecting the MPG that I can look at (hopefully adjust)? I was hoping for 15-16MPGs, especially b/c I took someones adivce and drive like there is an egg under the gas pedal.
thanks

 

What size tires?

 

Are you taking into account that your odometer reads low due to the increased tire size? That makes a difference of a few percent.

 

13mpg sounds right to me... that's what I was getting with a fully armored truck running on 265/70/17 AT's.

 

Ignore what that person said. Drive it normally. I tried what you did and got horrible results too. When I drove it a little more spiritedly the MPGs improved cause I was in the power band more.

Don't pussy foot it. Give it some beans.

 

tires are 285/75/16's

I think it's just a shock to the system b/c my previous car was a 1.8T Jetta 4cyl.

 

Didn't think about that. might help a little, thanks

 

I wish i didn't even sign up on fuelly. The next tank I am going to drive like i just robbed a bank and see what those results are haha.
"They've gone plaid..." - anyone name that movie?

 

use this and add in the % to your mileage to see what you are really getting per tank

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/tirecalc.php


It also might be time for a tune up. Spark plugs, rear diff fluid.

 

haha the other week i was getting less than 10 mpgs. i came to the conclusion it was my MAF sensor. I'm sure this might not be your problem but just a thought. Maybe cleaning it might help and check your plugs.

 

good idea. clean the throttle body while you're at it.

 

Thanks for the calculator! I didn't realize it would make that much of a difference. How'd you do with balck friday zombie?

A tune up/cleaning is probably a good idea since I'm not sure when the last owner did it last.

 

if you have an iPhone, download Road Trip. It makes adjustments for tire size. The app is well worth the money.

 

I will soon, I have an Android now but eligible for an upgrade.

I found this under mods & tutorials so i will give it a go. Is the MAF Sensor something i can do or does it go to the mechanic (don't know what it is).
thanks
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/technical-chat/30479-how-spark-plug-change-1-gr-fe.html

 

Spaceballs

 

I got 2D LED mag lights at lowes for $15 each and some dremmel parts. and Ordered some OME 885's from toytec. Thanks for asking.

yea the calculator also makes you realize your speeding most of the time too...haha

two allen head screws and its off. I think you can get MAF cleaner at any auto parts store. wipe it down and put it back on.
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/1st-gen-tacomas/205764-how-clean-maf.html
thats for a 1st gen but its pretty much the same thing. It will be on your air intake tube and have a few wires coming out of it.

 

i have to agree - io get better gas mileage when i just drive it without worrying about saving mpgs and accelerating slow.

 

just for the record I'm running the same size tire in an all terrain and get anywhere from 15.8-18 and i don't drive like a maniac but i don't baby it...BFG AT KO's, no engine mods, front armor and a winch

 

ive noticed this too. my old cbr600rr was the same way. crazy stuff

 

Make sure you are running correct tire pressure. I think many folks just throw 32-35 psi in their tires thinking that's "standard" when the tires are designed to be run A LOT higher. I run my BFG 285/75/16 at 40 psi and the mileage is dramatically better. Sidewall says 80 psi but I have load range E tires. I could obviously run them even higher but at some point ride quality and mileage need to balance. at 40 psi it rides great. I may bump up to 45 psi and experiment a little.

At any rate try it out I think you will be surprised.