Chevy Silverado/ GMC Sierra Forum Discuss the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra here.

1989 Silverado getting bad mileage

Old Nov 26, 2006 | 11:50 PM
  #1  
little wolf's Avatar
Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 5
From:
Default 1989 Silverado getting bad mileage

I have a 1989 Silverado 1500 4X4 with 350cid and automatic transmission. I used to get 17-19mpg, now I'm lucky to get 10mpg. I used to be able to drive about 190 miles on a 1/4 tank of fuel, now it takes me 3/4 of a tank to go the same distance!! I've done all the basic things: tune-up, changed all the filters, and oil, checked for brakes dragging, checked exhaust system, checked intake system, checked the fuel system for leaks, tire psi, and there is no "check engine light" or codes. The exhaust(when at operating temp) still smells rich. The engine runs smooth with no missing in any rpm range. I've ran out of ideas, can someone please help?? Thank you in advance. [&o]
 
Old Nov 27, 2006 | 10:40 PM
  #2  
smoke20's Avatar
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,701
From:
Default RE: 1989 Silverado getting bad mileage

maybe cat is clogged and blocking exhaust. should not make smell rich, but could reduce milage. Also if running rich, could be throttle position sensor staying open or some other throttle body part. Also check if thermostat is stuck. If truck cannot warm up properly may run rich to try to warm up. My old jeep use to do the latter.
 
Old Nov 27, 2006 | 11:46 PM
  #3  
little wolf's Avatar
Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 5
From:
Default RE: 1989 Silverado getting bad mileage

The cat was removed and a test pipe installed. The thermostat was replaced, as was the temp sensor.
 
Old Dec 1, 2006 | 02:34 AM
  #4  
under construction's Avatar
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 167
From:
Default RE: 1989 Silverado getting bad mileage

mines a '88 2wd and im having the same problem...
 
Old Dec 4, 2006 | 03:27 AM
  #5  
goldfever's Avatar
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 25
From:
Default RE: 1989 Silverado getting bad mileage

hey, check your oxygen sensor if its bad that will really drag gas mileage down. i have a 90 chevy silverado and the engine light came on checked with key and told me it was bad, but now i dont know because my damn odometer and mileage doesnt work, the dealerships charge somuch for so little. i had to make aluminum door panels, and cast new door handles out of bronze because of the cheap pot metal kept breaking even casted the 2500 emblems in bronze look awsom when mounted on my 70 firebird scoops. put a 99 yukon gmc grill on it with a early 60s chevy emblem on it
guess quite bragging lol try some fuel additives, or you can do like i did and make your truck as light as possable, still working on that but for a three quarter ton with less weight that succas gone. check underneith your truck as welll because between the cab and the fuel line. cab rubbed hole in it fricken genuises at the plant didnt see that one comming lol hope this helps
 
Old Dec 8, 2006 | 11:29 PM
  #6  
under construction's Avatar
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 167
From:
Default RE: 1989 Silverado getting bad mileage


ORIGINAL: goldfever

hey, check your oxygen sensor if its bad that will really drag gas mileage down. i have a 90 chevy silverado and the engine light came on checked with key and told me it was bad, but now i dont know because my damn odometer and mileage doesnt work, the dealerships charge somuch for so little. i had to make aluminum door panels, and cast new door handles out of bronze because of the cheap pot metal kept breaking even casted the 2500 emblems in bronze look awsom when mounted on my 70 firebird scoops. put a 99 yukon gmc grill on it with a early 60s chevy emblem on it
guess quite bragging lol try some fuel additives, or you can do like i did and make your truck as light as possable, still working on that but for a three quarter ton with less weight that succas gone. check underneith your truck as welll because between the cab and the fuel line. cab rubbed hole in it fricken genuises at the plant didnt see that one comming lol hope this helps
WOW!!! Thanks buddy, that had NOTHING to do with what the topic was about...
 
Old Dec 13, 2006 | 08:25 PM
  #7  
GEARHEADRT's Avatar
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 98
From: N.Y.
Default RE: 1989 Silverado getting bad mileage

how many mi. do you have on the truck?
 
Old Dec 14, 2006 | 01:32 AM
  #8  
under construction's Avatar
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 167
From:
Default RE: 1989 Silverado getting bad mileage


ORIGINAL: GEARHEADRT

how many mi. do you have on the truck?
on mine, my od broke so i dont know how many current miles are on it, and its been like that since i got it...so yea it reads 230,000 ha ha ha...im sure it has a lot more than that!!!
 
Old Dec 25, 2006 | 09:08 PM
  #9  
JohnO356's Avatar
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 9
Default RE: 1989 Silverado getting bad mileage

Replace the Coolant Temperature Sensor. If it's sending the wrong temp to the computer, it will run rich (computer thinks engine is cold).


Oops. Just noticed date. Well, hope it helps.
 
Old Dec 27, 2006 | 05:34 AM
  #10  
under construction's Avatar
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 167
From:
Default RE: 1989 Silverado getting bad mileage

im still on here, imma check that out...it dont hurt to look...
 

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:45 AM.