MPG going down? Something to try

[Skidoo]

Have 165K on my 2000 LC and mileage has been going down for a while.
Pulled all my fuel injectors and took them to a fuel injector service guy.
They were checked for leakage, spray pattern, volume of fuel at cruise speed and idle. Ultrasonically cleaned and retested. Mine were somewhat clogged and spray patterns were poor. The idle fuel volume changed the most and they were more even across the set. They are marked so the leanest ones can go into front of engine where cooling is better.
My Scangauge shows a couple of MPG better around town, but that is not a good test. Heading out to CruiseMoab and will get some long trip results then. Expect the ECU will be re-calibrating for a while, so that will also be a factor. If it turns out with a decent improvement it will be worth the $200 to have them cleaned and tested.
If your injectors are in good shape this is not going to help you.

 

[Thundercloud Cruiser]

I saw great improvements after plugs, maf, and throttle body clean. It did have to recalibrate for a couple drives before results were noticeable. I also started using 93 octane. But I'm averaging a solid 14 and can get 18 on the highway. Keeping around 65 to 70 mph. It was getting 10 to 13 before I did all this

 

[Intre9id]

I would be interested in trying this with my 2000 cruiser. Fuel mileage is almost the exact same as my wife's 2001 Sequoia (2UZ-FE as well) which sucks. I have a spreadsheet I fill in every Sunday (when I fill all of our vehicles up, whether they are empty or not) so I can track weekly mileage, cost, fuel mileage, etc.

Here is the Land Cruiser YTD average (this is a total of 4 weeks of driving albeit mostly city driving)

 

[Thundercloud Cruiser]

Yeah my numbers looked liked that before I did the things listed above. Now I get 300 + range on the computer. I do have stock size tires too. That probably helps.

 

[Thundercloud Cruiser]

I might need to add I do a lot of city and 35% hwy

 

[LC 100 Bat]

I saw great improvements after plugs, maf, and throttle body clean. It did have to recalibrate for a couple drives before results were noticeable. I also started using 93 octane. But I'm averaging a solid 14 and can get 18 on the highway. Keeping around 65 to 70 mph. It was getting 10 to 13 before I did all this

How did you or with what do you clean the plugs, maf and throttle?

 

[zbossrt]

My first post, i just picked up a 98LC. I've been getting about 14mpg combined. now I have the k&n drop in so we'll see on the next refill. Will probably seafoam, check plugs, New fuel filter, clean MAF and see what happens. has anyone tried the EMS cat back & headers? my 07 Tundra 5.7 with cold air intake, trd duel cat back was able to get 23mpg on the freeway.

 

[KlausVanWinkle]

14mpg combined is very good for these trucks. I wouldn't waste too much money trying to beat that. In West LA traffic I only get 10. It got 16 or 17 at best on the highway when stock. Loaded down with a lightbar and built up I only got 13mpg highway on my last trip (something must wrong).

 

[Skidoo]

Back from Cruise Moab and mileage is definitely improved. Number of tanks in the high 14mpg, and off-road mileage is much better, took extra gas for San Rafael Swell overnight, but didn't need it.
Rig is "kind of" modified and with gear for trip was probably at 7200 lbs. Tires are 295/75R16 so a lot of tire.
Other than some drama (but that's in another post) on Friday's run it was a great trip. Always meet some great folks at CM.
So if you are seeing sub 14 on highway and have tried the usual fixes, this fix might be for you.

 

[DJWUZJ]

I was getting 14.8 average w/my 285's (65% city, 35% hwy)... then added
- cargo drawers w/fridge
- rooftop tent on thule cross bars

Now getting about 13.8. When factoring in 6% larger tires, this equates to 15.7 and
14.6 respectively, all on 87 octane.

Running M1, with MAF and TB cleanout at every oil change.

Oddly enough, last summer I noticed a drop when I swapped plugs and timing belt was done... may pull plugs this summer, check gaps, etc.

 

[PIPO]

The more I read about modified rigs' gas mileage the more I love my stock LC doing 17.5-18mpg (85% hwy) on 87oct. I also have 32" tires but do drive like an old lady .

 

[montanacruiser161]

I always thought my 14mpg was awful but it sounds pretty goood...

 

[Manhattan]

The key to decent gas mileage in the LC is how you drive it. Drive it like a rental, and you'll see those 12 mpg highway, 10 mph city numbers.

On the advice from another thread, I upped the PSI from 35 to 45 in my BFGs. I was reluctant - fearing a harsh ride. Didn't notice any difference in the ride, but saw the best mpg to date. 13 mpg IN TOWN - no highway miles. That's really not bad for any SUV, especially a 5,600 lb 4x4 with 33" ATs, a roof rack, slight lift...

 

[OregonLC]

16.25 on the last tank which was the first tank after the 90k. Truck is mostly built with 35's, bumpers, etc. Rolls at 6,700 lbs. Trip was rural hwy with hills, 60 mph with a few towns/stop lights. Miles were gps corrected. I was surprised. Before the 90k would have been 14.5-14.8, same trip done many times. Running 92. Might be an anomaly. Will repeat the trip 7/4.

 

[danquixote]

PIPO, considering those highway miles appear to be around Tacoma, that is a seriously good avg mileage!

 

[Thundercloud Cruiser]

I just bought MAF cleaner and throttle body cleaner. I put new plugs in.

 

[PIPO]

PIPO, considering those highway miles appear to be around Tacoma, that is a seriously good avg mileage!

Yeah, I got no complaints. Most of my hwy mileage come from trips to Seattle. I used my 03 corolla as my daily commuter (Yelm-Tacoma).