1.6 GTI, MPG in low 20's, Help!

Things I've tried so far in my search for better MPG  (currently about 22mpg calculated from fill ups etc) are:

Set timing accurately to TDC (Correct for 1.6 GTI)
Oil and filter changed, VW synta silver
Fuel filter changed, Mann item
Distributor cap & rotor changed (GSF)
Magnecor 8mm HT leads fitted

What should I look into next? Warm idle is fine, around 950rpm. Some small poppings are heard on the over-run. CO is not too high. Tyres are inflated etc etc!

How easy is it to check valve clearances on the shim-tappets? It's the only other thing I can think of which is giving the poor MPG!

See previous ramblings /answers on my other thread:
http://www.vwgolfmk1.o…ms&file=viewtopic&t=18706

Unless maybe my speedo/trip-meter is way out? Would affect milage reading. Got original wheels and tyres though  :dontknow:

It's just getting expensive, ?20 for 80 odd miles  

Could also depend on driving style ? Whats it like on a long run at a steady speed ?

Try economy driving ? Chap up the road was complaing about poor mpg in his MK2 GTI . Economy driving gave high 40's , thrashing it gave low 20's

   :dontknow: just a thought .

I had the exact problem mine turned out to be the mixture.

when you say co is not too high, how did you measure it?
 ht leads and plugs will play their part too.
  ?20 for 80 miles? shocking, but as said, how are you driving the old girl? spirited round town driving?
funny how the 1.8s give better economy

Yes I suspect it is related to driving style, but even driving like an angel, I can't seem to improve the economy very much. I admit, it is hard to drive it economically, it just sounds so good and goes so well  :roll:

CO was checked at MOT time, had 2 computer print outs on different machines, both saying it's quite low CO.

Think the 1.8 has different crankshaft/stroke, and different cam. But then again, you hear of tuned cars also returning good MPG figures.

I will update this in the near future with what I find, may be useful to other 1.6 GTI drivers. Cheers

both saying quite low?
 what figures were they? if the mixture is too lean it can affect fuel economy.

I had the same prob with my 1600 gti about a month back….its most likely your mixture as people have already stated or its the pressure regualator sensor that hasnt got power or less than it should…mine had 2 volts witch made it run as it was cold all the timeQ my advice would be check all the voltages to the senders…

hope this helps cheers

jonny

Elfboi7 said

I had the same prob with my 1600 gti about a month back….its most likely your mixture as people have already stated or its the pressure regualator sensor that hasnt got power or less than it should…mine had 2 volts witch made it run as it was cold all the timeQ my advice would be check all the voltages to the senders…

hope this helps cheers

jonny

Ive got similar probs with my 1800 lol, wheres this sensor mate?

(sorry to hi-jack)

Its the one on the front of the block near the dipstick and the oil filter its like a box shape and it has a (green connector) it works in relations with the auzil air valve on the back of the engine (black connector) and the temp sender on top of the metal pipe going into the block. If there not all working in relation then it could think its cold and run with the choke all the time...

Cheers mate.

try it....just check all the connectors have 12v with a vdo thingy...let me know what happens..