I bought this car brand new back in 1988 and I still love driving it. I've only driven in around town so it only has 120,000 mile on it, but it is starting to having a few problems. Just recently, I've noticed that it is going through gas at an accelerated rate. It usually gets about 25 miles per gallon, but over the past two weeks it is only getting 10 miles to the gallon. What might be causing such a sudden change. I can't tell if there is a leak and know no one is syphoning gas. I have a great mechanic, but I just don't have a lot time and money right now to go see him...
1988 Toyota Corolla Hatch Back - losing gas
Dec 12, 2005
6 Replies
Several things can make the car go through gas.
- A leak somewhere in the fuel system, including the filler neck, tank itself, fuel lines, or a leaking carb/injector.
- Transmission problem - choosing incorrect gear, torque converter/clutch slippage
- Carb/fuel injection problem with the engine running rich
- Dragging brakes
- Siphoning - how do you know that nobody is siphoning gas?
Check the filler neck for leaks. My 86 rotten out after only 80k miles. It began by leaking gas when the tank was full and the car was parked on an incline with the front higher then the rear. If this is your problem then duplicating these conditions should easily show a leak.
Did it recently get cold where you live? Does your thermostat warm up as fast as it used to? Have you ever replaced the thermostat?
Check your oil level. Couldn't the fuel pump be a source for leaking into the crank case?
A mechanical fuel pump could potentially leak fuel into the crank case, an electric fuel pump is not likely to do so.
Thanks for all the help everyone. I found out that there was a leak or tear in the manifold which was causing the gas leak. I had it fixed and the car is running great and getting great gas mileage.
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