1. Home
  2. Chevrolet Trucks
  3. Pro help needed - gas mileage 1990 1 ton

Pro help needed - gas mileage 1990 1 ton

I have a 1990 4X4, 1 ton, 454 chevy. It gets 8.8 mpg with no load - most of those are country miles. I try to drive with a light touch. Shouldn't I be getting closer to 12 mpg? The engine seems to run smoothly except when the EGR valve sticks and I have to unstick it. I had a mechanic check it out tuneup-wise before I new the gas mileage and he said it was fine.

Where do I start checking? Can someone give a list of what to check?

Thanks! Dan H

Also posted to alt.autos.4x4.chevy-trucks

-----------------

formatting link
- *Completion*Retention*Speed* Access your favorite newsgroups from home or on the road

-----------------

Reply to
Dan
Loading thread data ...

I had a 98 454 1 ton ex cab dually . I don't think that truck ever got over 8 or 9 if even that. it's just the way they are from what I know. My 04 Duramax Deisel gets 11-13 loaded and 18-22 empty... I don't think there is anything you can do to the 454. But you certainly have plenty of power with that engine.

Have a Great One ! Bob :)

Reply to
Bob Perkins JustaBenz

Dan,

If it's the original 02 sensor, or if the sensor has more than 75k miles on it, it's time for a replacement.

A nice set of plugs and wires will do her well also. I recommend AC Delco Rapidfire Plugs, and Accell Plug wires. Believe it or not, when I swapped a set of new Accell wires into my 1/2 ton they gave me a 1 mpg increase over the new generic wires I had in there.

Doc

Reply to
"Doc"

Get a new EGR valve, replace the O2 sensor, new air filter(don't run an open element), check all vacuum lines, clean the TBI, new plugs, new wires, new cap and rotor, torque all TBI and intake bolts, and give EVERYTHING a once over. Replace the catalytic converter with a new one(or eliminate it altogether if you can get away with it(I didn't say that)) and put a good

3inch(minimum) single or 2 1/2inch(minimum) dual exhaust on with good mufflers(NOT glass packs). A set of full length headers would make a BIG difference!!!

Reply to
Shades

Love them Rapid Fire Plugs, but do you really think the Accell Plug wires are better than the AC Delco wires? I've tried a few aftermarket brands over the years, but always end up back with the AC wires(which I believe are made by Packard Cable), course it helps if you have a parts house that is a Delco distributor instead of paying double at the dealership. still, always open for suggestions that increase mileage and power. Whitelightning

Reply to
Whitelightning

I agree with the Accel wires...and plugs(u-groove), and cap 'n' rotor too...all I use!

Reply to
Shades

Thanks to all who contributed! I installed a new egr valve and now I'm getting 11.9 mpg! (I went on a trip last night and this AM) Nothing to brag about, but decent. I'm still going to try the other things too.

Thanks again! Dan H

Dan wrote in news:Xns95C28BF1032CDdanhargravehotmailco@66.250.146.161:

-----------------

formatting link
- *Completion*Retention*Speed* Access your favorite newsgroups from home or on the road

-----------------

Reply to
Dan

MotorsForum website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.