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Poor gas mileage

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by DLFINCH, Jul 5, 2008.

  1. Jul 5, 2008 at 7:44 PM
    #1
    DLFINCH

    DLFINCH [OP] Member

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    Hey folks,

    I just bought a 2004 2.4L 4 Cylinder Tacoma extended cab. It has 142K miles on it. I haven't gotten very satisfactory gas mileage. I was expecting to get 22 city and 26 Hwy. I got 18 in the city this past week. I has put new plugs and air filter in it. Is there anything else I can do to up the mpg? (clean injectors, etc.) Someone mentioned using synthetic oil may increase mpg. I read that tire inflation should follow the recommend pressure written on the door sticker. It seems that there are differing options on this.

    Any advice would be appreciated.

    Thanks.
     
  2. Jul 5, 2008 at 7:47 PM
    #2
    tacomaman06

    tacomaman06 Carolina Alliance: Enforcer

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    getting there....
    definitely adj air pressure in the tires.....really makes a difference, especially if you run the pressure a little higher than whats called for. also......when is the last time the fuel filter was changed?? if its been a while, may be a good idea to change it. also, cleaning the throttle body will help?? it could be time for new o2 sensors, but if the cel isnt on, then maybe not. hope this helps. also.......get a good air filter.....afe pro dry s, as some people are getting good mileage gains with them.
     
  3. Jul 6, 2008 at 1:54 AM
    #3
    Janster

    Janster Old & Forgetful

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    ....Also, get some fuel injector cleaner and run that through the tank a couple times initially. I always use Techron.

    There's sooo many things you can do to help - it's a matter of how much money & time you wanna spend to do it.

    With that many miles on the truck - I'd do a complete maintenance overhaul (so to speak). Change the oil in the differentials (front & rear), change the transmission fluid (If you have an auto, have it flushed), change t-case oil, flush & fill radiator, fuel filter (as already mentioned), check your steering fluid (you could also flush this too)....

    Most of the stuff listed above - you can do yourself with a little research and common 'wrenching' knowledge. The only thing I personally don't do myself, if the automatic transmission flush/fill. I'd rather pay someone to have that done right.... but that's me. I had a 96 taco and I used synthetic fluids in everything - but again, that's me.

    Every little thing helps (or should help) and will also give you peace of mind knowing the maintenance items are complete.

    Good Luck!
     
  4. Jul 6, 2008 at 6:58 PM
    #4
    DLFINCH

    DLFINCH [OP] Member

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    Thanks for the advice. I have indeed already changed all the fluids in my truck. (Oil, transmission, radiator, differential). I have added some air to my tires to see if this helps any. I will try add some injector cleaner to the gas. The fuel filter on these trucks is apparently really hard to change. I'm going to wait on that. I might try cleaning the throttle body. I also am trying to purchase on of the AFE Pro Dry S air filters. Maybe some of these steps will add a little gas mileage.
     
  5. Jul 6, 2008 at 8:13 PM
    #5
    tacomaman06

    tacomaman06 Carolina Alliance: Enforcer

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    getting there....
    the fuel filter is really easy to change.......just unbolt the clamp, then unscrew each end, then its out....put the new one in, tighten up, and you're good to go. im gonna change mine tomorrow!!
     
  6. Jul 7, 2008 at 3:14 AM
    #6
    Janster

    Janster Old & Forgetful

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    I know its easy on the 3.4L - but he has a 2.7L......
     
  7. Jul 7, 2008 at 6:32 AM
    #7
    chris4x4

    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine. Moderator

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    Umm.......a 2.4 :D
     
  8. Jul 7, 2008 at 8:26 AM
    #8
    tacomaman06

    tacomaman06 Carolina Alliance: Enforcer

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    getting there....

    oh, my bad.......i figured they were in the same location for both:eek:.
     
  9. Jul 7, 2008 at 8:45 AM
    #9
    Hotdog

    Hotdog My hair is all natural Moderator

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    How is the tire wear? Are they wearing evenly? If not, I'd spring for an alignment.

    One thing I noticed about mine was that as soon as I got off the gas, the truck really started slowing down. Turns out that I needed an alignment and now I can coast much longer.
     
  10. Jul 7, 2008 at 1:40 PM
    #10
    DLFINCH

    DLFINCH [OP] Member

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    Thanks for all the input guys. About the fuel filter, I read from several guys that it is as bear to change on the 4 banger. I don't know any of you try to change one or not.
    My tires are good and no need for an alignment.
    I talked with a good friend about the injectors and he suggested I try BG 44 K. I bought a can today for $23 including tax. I had to go to a dealer to find it. Since my truck is really sluggish on the take off I think my injectors might be pretty bad off. I will let you know how it works.

    Later
     
  11. Jul 7, 2008 at 1:41 PM
    #11
    tacomaman06

    tacomaman06 Carolina Alliance: Enforcer

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    getting there....
    i definitely wanna know how the bg 44 works man.
     
  12. Jul 7, 2008 at 4:01 PM
    #12
    chris4x4

    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine. Moderator

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    Changing the Fuel filter on the 4 banger Isnt that hard, just time consuming. Its under the intake manifold, and can be accessed from the driver side wheel well. Removeing the front tire makes it much easier. :)
     
  13. Jul 17, 2008 at 2:55 PM
    #13
    ubermx5

    ubermx5 Well-Known Member

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    K&N Air filter
    I know after I got new NGK plugs and wires My gas milage came back to Normal.

    But then my intake manifold started to have an Air leak. My Tech guy found it after he scanned it to see how the Air fuel ratio was doing.

    So now I am going to change my intake Manifold gaskets.

    So you may want to have your System scanned. Also have the O2 checked out.

    make sure your CAT is not plugged...
     

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