The 3.2 seems to be running rich lately. Judging by the soot on the base of the spark plugs, and my 3mpg drop.
I don't have any driveability problems, and she isn't smoking. No CEL. There may be a slight loss of power, but it might just be me.
I'm running Amsoil, fresh tranny fluid, diff fluid, and even clean power steering fluid.
Spark plugs are Ngk double platinums, gasped at .042
New pcv, recent intake cleaning, clean EGR, no vacuum leaks.
Throttle body is shiny. Air filter is clean. Tires are at 38psi.
I'm running out of ideas. What do you guys think? I suddenly went from 20 to 17 mpg.

 

I've seen a new O2 sensor make a difference. As they age, the sensor accuracy and response can drop off enough to affect gas mileage and performance modestly. Relatively inexpensive to replace.

good luck

 

I replaced the o2 sensors in March, but who knows

 

Check your long term fuel trim. If negative LT fuel trim is high, then something is causing the ECU to constantly decrease fuel trim to maintain optimumum mixture based on O2 sensor feedback. If LTfuel trim is near zero, then all is probably OK and other reasons for increased fuel consumption should be investigated: brakes, tires, "lead foot" syndrome, alignment, etc. System does same and sets code 0172 if rich condition is detected on 2 consecutive trips.

A scanguage might be a good investment to monitor the system and look for marginal components; too good to set CEL, but affecting fuel efficiency.

good luck

 

I have a scan tool at work that I can use. Should I be checking it at idle, or driving, or sitting with the rpm's up a little? I will check today before work. Thanks

 

Load value 30.1%
Closed loop
Coolant temp 190
Long term trim #1 2.3%
Long term trim #2 3.9%
Map sensor 9in.hg
Ign timing 14-15
Int air temp 131
Throttle pas 9%
Short term trim -2-4%
O2 sensor 1&2 bounce between .100&.800 volts

 

Those look good to me. I don't think fuel management system is your problem.

Some claim wonderful results from Seafoam cleanings. Also EGR cleaning can make for smoother acceleration.

good luck

 

EGR would be my suspect.

 

I know my EGR doesn't seal all the way, allowing exhaust to be sucked into the intake all the time. I can't seem to get it to seat well enough. Nothing cleans that carbon off the pintle, and a new EGR is f*cking expensive.$300+

 

I have a 96 3.2 TL, and I found an EGR valve at a "CarQuest" near me for $186. Try CarQuest if you have one near you. Everywhere else wanted $300+ like you said.

 

I've seen suggestions to soak the pintle in carb cleaner for 8 hrs to soften the deposits.

The carb dip cleaner from Chemtron will dissolve just about any carbon buildup, including your hands if it gets on them. I think you have buy a gallon to get some, but a soak in that stuff ought to clear the deposits. Plug the outlet and fill from inlet, and let soak.

good luck

 

Idk if this has anything to do with anything, but my cooling system never seems to build much pressure. There are no leaks, and I never add any fluid. The cap is new. Could this be any part of the problem?
I will try the soak soon.

 

Well, i came up with something. i checked my plugs today, and my gapper said .035
Thats way too small. I dont remember putting them at .035. I reset them all to .044
Hope this helps

 

Any ideas why my "calculated load value" would be so high at idle?

 

After rexamining your scanned values, the TPS value appears high. I think this should be <= 2%. This might explain the high load value. Has anyone tried to adjust the idle stop on the throttle linkage. This should never be adjusted. There is a bleed screw (TDC of throttle body inlet) to adjust idle speed.

Is idle speed high/low?

good luck

 

Idle speed is generally 600 +/-
It doesn't look like the bleed screw has ever been touched. And the idle stop screw still has paint on it from the factory.
If I push the pedal to the floor, tps only goes up to 97%...key on, engine off

 

I took the idle screw out, with the scan-tool hooked up, and the tps value never went below 9%
Unhooking the tps connector set a CEL, but after I plugged it back in and cleared the code, the long term fuel trim went down to 0.
I checked the voltage at the tps, and with the throttle closed, it was .49 volts. Should it be at .49 or .45?

 

Those values are fine and 10% at idle is good too.

Something else is problem. Check your mileage carefully to be sure you're not miscalculating due to different fillup levels.

good luck

 

I would really like to meet up with another member, and put the scanner on their car, so I can compare results. Or any 3.2 owner I can find

 

A friend and I pulled the exhaust system off last night, thinking maybe it was a plugged catalytic converter. The honeycomb was *perfect*
Still scratching my head

 

 

New revelation...it didn't want to start today. And it stumbled at low speeds until it warmed up. No CEL though. This sucks.

 

Trip to Portland, 25 mpg @ 75 mpg... I guess nothing is wrong??

 

I have the same problem...running too rich. 2.5 TL 1996.
How you solve your problem????

regards

 

I haven't gotten to the bottom of it yet.

My freeway mileage is still really good, I must be doing too much In-town driving.

I'm going to keep searching though

 

after warm up, long term fuel trim=19.5%, short term fuel trim=19.5%, PHO2S=0.005 V and SHO2S=0.980 V.

tail is black smoke !!!!!!

any idea???

 

Any codes?

 

no, but sometimes 1491 !!!!!. cleared run 2 or 3 days and again 1491.

 

P1491, insufficient EGR valve lift, means the EGR valve is not responding to vacuum actuated movement command. This could happen due to a frozen EGR valve. If it's frozen in open position, the engine would run lean and the ECU would add fuel attempting to balance the air/fuel mixture.

Suggest removing and cleaning the EGR valve. Use throttle body cleaner or carb cleaner to soak the pintle and then blow out. See if valve will move easily, seat, and seal.

good luck

 

well, im going to perform a full test of egr system. tell you later

regards

 

I cleaned my EGR valve using oven cleaner. It worked better than ANYTHING else.

 

found a small steel ball in EGR vacuum hose. now codes are 130, 171 and 1459 !!!!!, EGR system was clogged, and now is already clean and shine!!! im keep walking !!!

 

My egt is a constant vacuum leak. I need to find an inexpensive new egr valve.
also, I changed my sparkplugs yesterday to denso double platinums. That made a huge difference