Poor Fuel Economy

[muddatrucker 125]

So I have a 1991 1.4 Gt and its delivering me about 20mpg or less.

 

Its got a manual choke (which I try not to have out for longer than necessary) a possible hole in the exhaust manifold and its not particularly aerodynamic due to a custom roof rack, I haven't had a chance to check the plugs yet due to a final year uni workload and a full-time job, but I shall be on it shortly.

 

It revs at about 1000rpm when not moving. Are there any of these issues that act as a major contributor? I figure none help, but what are possible reasons for poor economy? I don't drive it high into the revs or like a lunatic.

 

EDIT: I do also have an ignition that turns too far in the lock and seems to continue to crank the starter if I was to leave it, but I turn this back towards its expected place ASAP.

Edited April 20, 2010 by muddatrucker

[RossD 44]

Sounds like a good service and tune up could work wonders - Checking the ignition timing and the idle CO using an exhaust analyser, new air filter, oil etc

 

What are your journies like, lots of town driving or long a-road type driving? Town driving probably won't help.

 

For reference I used to get about 36 - 40mpg out of my 1.4 205, in fact in it's current guise it's getting 32 - 36mpg and thats with a 1.6 with low ratios.

[muddatrucker 125]

The 20mpg is around town, it's a banger thus my unwillingness to take it to a garage (I figure I should but fear they'd have a field day with all its niggles!)

 

I'll change the air/oil filters/plugs etc and see if that makes any difference.

 

Cheers.