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METRO MILEAGE TIPS (as promised)


doug7x
06-20-2008, 04:24 AM
OK, Folks..(sorry for the delay, Mark)..Here's the story.(& Dr. Bill...this post may rival your "phoenix" post in length)..I've spent the last few days looking at & for recipts & old parts, hoping to be able to say "I did THIS, & it got me THIS mpg improvement", but my lack of record keeping & 52 yr. old memory won't let me be that precise, so I'm just going to start from the beginning.
I bought the car ('95 HB, 1.0 5 spd. with A/C) on ebay in 7/04. Filled up in St. Louis, & drove it home (60 mi. SW of Chicago) It was hotter than h-LL, so I had the A/C blasting the whole trip. (65-70 mph, with 1 run up to 85 mph just to see how it would act.) Filled up when I got home & mileage came to 42 MPG. I WAS NOT HAPPY...I was getting 31-34 out of my 4-banger Chevy Cav, & I had gotten 56 mpg beating up on my '91 XFI, so I was expecting 50+ out of the new (only 90,000 miles) '95.
First thing I did was a pretty good tune-up...my local NAPA guy is also a Metro guy, & he told me to use the correct NGK plugs, new cap, rotor, & wires...I did this, & my mileage went up to 46-48 MPG. I drove it like this for a few months & was fairly happy, until it started getting cold out & the mileage started to drop. (down to 39-42 mpg in the winter) It was around this time that I disconnected the COLD AIR INTAKE (just pull the rectangular plastic piece off the end of the air cleaner intake, & let the engine suck in the warmer air from under the hood). This increased the mileage quite a bit, but I don't remember exactly how much. When spring came around, I bumped up the ignition timing up slowly until I had it running @ 8 deg. BTDC. This also helped, but I don't remember how much. Also, around the same time, I changed the trans fluid to a synthetic gear lube that we use at work...I don't know for sure if this helped my mileage, but it made my shifter A LOT easier to use in the cold, so I figure the gears are spinning easier, too.
It's pretty hard to calculate winter MPG, what with pre-warming the car once in a while, getting stuck in the snow once in a while, etc., but my 2nd winter with this car I was getting about a 42 mpg average.
After this, I changed the tires (they wore out) Car came with P-185/70 R-13's..I replaced them with (correct) P-155/80 R-13's, & at the same time, increased the air pressure from 35 PSI to 40 PSI (these tires are rated @ 38 PSI max). These tires seem to be the exact same height (I DID measure them), so it did NOT affect my speedo/ odo accuracy at all. (My trip to work, 1 way, has been 52 mi...with the '95, with the Cav, & with my S-10, so I KNOW my figs. are accurate) Last couple things I did was to bump the timing to 10 deg. BTDC, & (well, I can't take credit for this one...it goes to mother nature)...when my muffler rotted & fell off last Feb, I DID NOT REPLACE IT. (probably 3 MPG all by itself, but I can't say for sure. (car runs great w/10 deg. advance, but I DO get a little "pinging" once in a while. I have also stopped using my daylight running lights (pull your parking brake lever up 1 notch, & they go off...just make sure that your brakes don't drag) This removes A LOT of the load on the alternator, & therefore your engine. I also keep my battery fully charged.(same reason). Electrical load can REALLY hit your MPG.
As it stands right now, I'm getting anywhere from 53-56 MPG. This is driving the exact same route & mileage every day. Last winter (Chicago winter) the worst I got was 45 mpg, & I got stuck in my driveway & had to rock it quite a bit to get out...most weeks were right around 47MPG.
NOW...Driving conditions....My trip is 70% interstate hwy, 15% county roads (55 zone w/ stop signs & busy RR crossing) & 15% stop & go city. On the weekends, I do my grocery getting, beer runs, etc. My mileage figures are what I actually use...road construction, jams due to accidents, gapers blocks, running the A/C, etc, are all included. If I were to take a "pure highway" trip, I'd guess i'd be in the 58-60 MPG range, but THIS IS A GUESS.
Now, you ALSO need to know this....I NEVER see my shift light come on...I keep my RPM as low as possible (& with no muffler, It keeps the cops off of me) (BTW...just the muffler is gone...the cat & the orig. resonator are still there) The ONLY time that I go past 1/2 throttle is when I'm merging onto I-55, or when I'm passing someone on a 2 lane.(doesn't happen very often) When I'm on the interstate, I hang in the right lane & cruise @ 60 MPH, & I let the gas hogs pass me. (Funny...@60 mph on the highway, I'm home in just about the same time as 65mph.) When I use my A/C, it is on the hwy, AFTER I have gotten up to speed...I leave the "fresh/recycle" lever on "recycle" whenever I'm running the A/C, & I SWITCH OFF the compressor anytime I put an extra load on the engine ( merging, passing, climbing a hill, etc.), & just switch it back on when I'm back to cruise...when I hit town, the A/C gets turned off & the windows get cranked open (wheather or not the OL complains) I am also using Valvoline 5W30 synthetic/mineral blend oil, & I maintain my oil level @ 1/2 QUART LOW..(less windage resistance, but you have to check it EVERY FILL UP to be safe...don't let it go beyond 1 QT low)changing it at 5000 miles. (FYI...I'm using 1 1/2 qts. between changes...not too bad for 192,000 miles)
A couple more tips...(some I do, some I don't do)
Wash your car..get the bugs & road crap off (wind resistance)
If you know that you are going to have to stop soon, pop it into neutral & coast ...free mileage...just don't do it if there's an 18 wheeler climbing up your a-s.
If you're waiting for a train or long red light, etc, SHUT IT OFF...a car that is not moving with the engine running gets ZERO MPG. (better yet, if you can see it coming, shut down the engine AND coast to a stop)(again, beware of the last warning)MORE FREE MILES.
That's about all I can remember now...hope this will help some of you save some gas...God knows we drive the cars that can do it...If enough of us do this, maybe we'll be able to tell Osama & his buddies to go F--K themselves.
There was a little bit of an effort here, seeing how congress can pass good laws much faster than I can type....good luck to all of you...Doug

DangerDude
06-20-2008, 11:09 AM
Ecellent - Excellent write up! Thank You! Some of these I already do in my 1.0 5 speed Hatchback. All of us should be proud of our quirky determination to use our skills an resources and determination NOT to get fleeced like sheep by the Gov. & car industry (same crooks). Congratulations and thanks for "validating" my endeavors too.
DangerDude

cubano112266
06-20-2008, 11:30 AM
Doug,

Great write up.
Two questions, is the metro much loader now that you have no muffler and what did you do to get a pipe to extend past the rear bumper?

I have to agree that raising the tire pressure to 42 to 45 did help me reach 42 in city driving with an auto tranny.

:2cents:

dwendt1978
06-20-2008, 05:12 PM
I've noticed a 7 mpg increase from running a straight pipe exhaust. And driving 55 on the hwy and 45-50 on the backroads nets me 55-56 mpg's

doug7x
06-20-2008, 10:25 PM
Yes, it's a little louder, not near as loud as a Harley, & as far as the pipe...I just left it there...probably about a foot short of the bumper...no exhaust fume problems YET

older'n'dirt
06-24-2008, 12:48 AM
Are you guys for real? You can get 55mpg? I am assuming you are talking an American gallon (128oz) right? If I do my math right, us Johnnies should get in the neighbourhood of 68 mpCdng. I thought my 49mpg was good. Obviously, I have some work to do.

MrPink
06-24-2008, 01:44 AM
I used to easily get 50 MPG n my non-XFI '91 1.0 5-speed (wish I still had that car!) without even thinking about it.

I've managed to push my '96 1.3 slushbox to 46 MPG highway (Kalifornia crap gas, too) and have more work to do. Goal is 50 or better.

Changes include:

NGK V-power plugs (cheap, and good!)
Higher tire pressure (about 3 pounds over, can go another 8-10 pounds, might try that)
Mix of DexMerc and 3/4 quart of Torco SR-5 in the tranny (sure shifts nicely!)
No cold air intake (just pull the snorkel off and plug the sidewall hole with a rag)
8 degrees of advance (lightly pings a bit every now and again, no big deal)
Acetone/Xylol/Synthetic oil in fuel.

Like Doug, I keep the DRLs off with the brake pulled one click. Scangauge notices (I think), but barely. A/C however, is a major killer. I cycle it by hand, and use it only when I absolutely have to.

Upcoming changes:
Install my old Jacobs ignition and wires (had this on my Samurai, definitely made a difference. You think the 1.0 is slow? Drive an '84 Samurai and see what slow REALLY is!)
Torco MPZ Magnetic Friction Reducer in crankcase (I don't know what magnetic friction is, but I want it GONE!)
Fuel-leaner-outer gizmo and display hung on the O2 sensor circuit to fool the OBD-II box (have to build this and don't have time, yet)
Fuel warmer
Magnets (what the heck.. why not? Just yesterday my Tarot card reader threw a Hanging Mobil card at me!) on fuel line

Wash it? You gotta be kidding. I'll leave that extra 1/100th MPG to the Dougmeister!

Wish this thing was a 5-speed... (sigh)

-Pink

RossT
06-24-2008, 03:37 AM
Thanks for the heads up on gas mileage. I just read an article that has you beat. Check out these crazy guys using something called "hypermilling"

http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/2008-06-23-hypermilers-saving-gas_N.htm

Fatslicks
06-24-2008, 08:58 PM
Acetone/Xylol/Synthetic oil in fuel.

Howdy--I'm new to the forum. I just inherited a '95 Metro 2 door LSI 5-speed. I realize that the 1.3 isn't the 1st choice for fuel economy, but compared to my 19 mpg Toyota Tacoma, it's a far sight better.

I was planning on doing quite a few things mentioned in the original post (which was quite informative--thank you) like new plugs, wires, cap and rotor and air filter.

I've heard about adding acetone to fuel before but don't know too much about the specifics. How much do you add? I know that acetone doesn't get along with some different kinds of plastics very well--do you need to replace any fuel lines or other parts?

Are there any other simple recommendations that any of you have for a newbie like myself?

RossT
06-25-2008, 03:06 AM
Fatslicks. WELCOME! Doug has some geat ideas. As far as gas additives go, you should check out www.bobistheoilguy.com click on forums and go to the fuel additive section. This is one of the best places on the net to learn about everylthing auto. Search the fuel additive section about acetone. It has been posted numberous times. People pretty much ruel it out for various reasons. The one additive that has proven to give better mileage and pay for itself + is called fuelpower You can purchase it at www.lcdinc.com but please read that section first.


Doug, all I could think of when I initially read your post was that great quote from the BluesBorthers movie. It's 106 miles to Chicago, we got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it's dark, and we're wearing sunglasses.. Hit it!

MrPink
06-25-2008, 10:56 AM
I've heard about adding acetone to fuel before but don't know too much about the specifics. How much do you add? I know that acetone doesn't get along with some different kinds of plastics very well--do you need to replace any fuel lines or other parts?

My mix is 4 ounces of acetone, 2 oz Xylene, 1oz 5W-30 synthetic (any synthetic, doesn't matter) per ten gallons of fuel.

The nonsense about acetone being bad for fuel components is just that. Especially considering that MTBE was a published solvent for common plastics used in older fuel systems, and they didn't have any problem with putting THAT in gasoline. Remember the labels on Chevron pumps? "This gas might cause an engine fire in older cars..."

Acetone will dissolve thermoplastics like Styrene, ABS, PVC etc. It will not hurt things like Delrin, Teflon or any of the other plastics used in fuel system components.

After you have a baseline mileage established for a few tanks, try that mix. You'll be pleasantly surprised.

BTW, not all gas is the same. Try different brands for best mileage, then once you know, start adding the mix.

-Pink

Johnny Mullet
06-25-2008, 10:48 PM
I am currently getting over 62 MPG on my 1998 1.0L Metro. All the info on how is found by clicking my signature image.

mtran2000
06-25-2008, 11:14 PM
I am currently getting over 62 MPG on my 1998 1.0L Metro. All the info on how is found by clicking my signature image.

Johnny is that pretty much 100% highway driving you are doing to achieve that kind of MPG and at what speed?

My driving is around 90% city and 10% highway and I am low 40's MPG but needing rings and valves. Also going to install econo cam. Will be interesting to see MPG after rebuild.

Mark

Johnny Mullet
06-26-2008, 06:29 AM
I never take the Interstate or highway. I travel on mainly state routes and stay at 55 MPH. My city or "In Town" driving is very minimal. I live in a very rural area.

sixseas
06-29-2008, 12:29 PM
Man O Man alot of nice information and things to try and toss over as the miles pass by. Has anyone experimented with the ram air concept Suzuki offered on the 87/88 Sprint 1.0L Turbo? It had a blower in the air intake to increase volume and supposedly performance. Never knew if this was a gimic or really worked. Always wanted to try one on a long ride especially in the thin air in the Rockies and Mojave but never got the chance.

Fatslicks
07-03-2008, 04:56 PM
So I just filled up my Metro for the first time since getting it last Friday (which is great for the amount of driving that I do). I got 39 mpg out of my first tank, without so much as popping the hood.

What I'm wondering is--what have you all found to be the single biggest mileage increaser? Is it a mechanical mod or a change in driving style? I want to definitely work on some mechanical changes/upgrades, so I'm curious as to what your experience tells you are the biggest hitters?

dwendt1978
07-05-2008, 08:09 AM
Adjust the nut......behind the wheel. Is the biggest increase in fuel economy.
Slow acceleration, 45-50mph on back roads and 55 on the highway. No idle time. Proper tire inflation.

These things have made my XFI net 54.55 mpg, 55.82, and 62.5 on my last 3 tanks. And it has 165000 miles on it.

doug7x
07-07-2008, 06:40 PM
Disconnect the cold air intake...let it breathe the nice, hot air from under the hood, & advance your timing to 8-10 deg. BTDC...Listen for pinging when hot...you may want to back the timing back a degree or 2 if it's pinging too much.

Fatslicks
07-07-2008, 06:50 PM
Disconnect the cold air intake...let it breathe the nice, hot air from under the hood, & advance your timing to 8-10 deg. BTDC...Listen for pinging when hot...you may want to back the timing back a degree or 2 if it's pinging too much.

Why does the cold air drop the fuel efficiency? I used to have a '70 Nova with a pretty snorty 283 in it (kind of the opposite of a Metro), and one of the big performance mods (fuel economy and horsepower) was a cold air intake. My understanding was that the cold air was denser than the ambient hot air in the engine compartment and allowed for a more efficient burn.

Is this a misconception? I definitely noticed a big increase in power and efficiency when I set it up in my Nova. Can anybody explain why ?

doug7x
07-07-2008, 10:32 PM
Yep..cold air IS great for HP, but nowadays, with the ECM controlling our mixture, it sees the colder (more dense, more O2) air coming in, & then it enrichens the mixture to keep the ideal gas/air ratio (if I remember it right, 14.7 lbs. of air to 1 lb. gas). The warmer the air is, the less gas it will take to keep your ECM happy. This is also ONE of the reasons we get so much better mileage in the summer than in the winter.

Fatslicks
07-10-2008, 10:39 AM
That seems to make sense--a carburetor squirts in the same amount of gas whether it's hot or cold, so if the air is colder and denser it will make better use of the atomized fuel that's alread there.

I tried being a little more conservative with my driving/shifting on this last tank of gas and went from 39mpg up to 42.5mpg. Not too shabby. I'm planning on driving a few more tanks before I start doing any mechanical mods (just to get a good average baseline). I really appreciate this forum. Virtually all of the questions/answers that I've read here seem to be genuinely helpful and with some experience and knowledge behind them...not something you see on lots of other forums. :smile:

doug7x
08-01-2008, 06:18 PM
UPDATE ...since I replaced the timing belt & re-set my ignition timing to 9 deg. BTDC (was at 11),...last 3 tanks were 58.4, 58.4, 59.1. WITH THE A/C running about 1/2 the time. (it's been hot in the Chicago area) I DO BELIEVE that 9 deg. BTDC is the optinum setting. (& it doesn't ping anymore) What do you folks think?

Woodie83
08-01-2008, 09:58 PM
The optimal setting is as far advanced as possible without pinging. Every car, engine, tank of gas, driver, weather conditions, geographical condition is different.

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