Burning too much gas

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Old Sep 10, 2008 | 09:59 PM
  #1  
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Burning too much gas

I have a 2003 acura tl 3.2 base runs fine except it's using too much gas, i'm getting about 120 for half gallon and 260 for full tank, I already using STP and other fuel injection cleaner, I have also done tune up, just put new wheels on all four. I do speed sometimes but average speed is about 60mph. It's killing my pocket, can anyone give me some suggestions on what to do?
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Old Sep 10, 2008 | 10:01 PM
  #2  
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Here comes the Seafoam advocates.
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Old Sep 10, 2008 | 11:01 PM
  #3  
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Imho...

260 miles on a full tank of gas, which seems to average around 14 gallons, for me, means you are getting about 18.5 mpg.

You don't state if that is all highway driving, all around town driving, a mix , or what. 18.5 on the highway would truely suck, but 18.5 for around town driving is about right. If you do mix of both type, and you accelerate quickly and drive spiriteditly, then 18.5 might be about right for that.
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Old Sep 11, 2008 | 12:44 AM
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Originally Posted by AlanW
260 miles on a full tank of gas, which seems to average around 14 gallons, for me, means you are getting about 18.5 mpg.

You don't state if that is all highway driving, all around town driving, a mix , or what. 18.5 on the highway would truely suck, but 18.5 for around town driving is about right. If you do mix of both type, and you accelerate quickly and drive spiriteditly, then 18.5 might be about right for that.
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Old Sep 11, 2008 | 03:43 PM
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I'm assuming you've tried all the basic fixes? keeping your trunk empty, clean air filter, controlled excelleration...if you have then I agree, it's time for Seafoam.
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Old Sep 11, 2008 | 06:13 PM
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What kind of driving is that? All city? a mix? if its one or both of those that is normal.
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Old Sep 11, 2008 | 06:17 PM
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Air filter
Spark plugs
Seafoam treatment (search)
Clean/fresh fluids

Depending on mileage you may also be due for a valve adjustment, timing belt waterpump replacement.
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Old Sep 14, 2008 | 05:17 AM
  #8  
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it's a mix of city and highway, changed the plugs, the filter, maybe i need the seafoam treatment....don't know
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Old Sep 14, 2008 | 09:10 AM
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i get about 260-280 miles a full tank in my tl-s, highway (60mph cruise) and some city, dont know why but my tl-p gets about 350-370miles a full tank and both of them have new spark plugs, filters, and regular maintanace done to them
the tl-s i put 93 and the tl-p i put 89, would that cause a difference in milage?
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Old Sep 14, 2008 | 10:53 AM
  #10  
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What do you mean Tune Up?
What spark plugs did you use- that could be your whole problem there
NGK Iridium IX is what you want- if you used ac delco- pull them out today!!!

Keeping the rpm below 3500 and using only medium throttle to accellerate will usually help

Plus if its time for plugs its time for seafoam
STP is decent product- but does not contain the secret sauce in seafoam, and cannot be used directly in the intake vac port- only gas tank use for stp type products
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Old Sep 14, 2008 | 10:56 AM
  #11  
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raj--
use 91 in the TL- or 93 if thats what they sell in your state
89 or 87 causes the comnputer to alter ignition timing, and in the long run- you lose!
Higher octane is only 87 gas with special `combustion delayers` which also raise the octane number
read up on octanes and see what gets added in at the last second before it hits the tanker truck
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Old Sep 16, 2008 | 01:30 PM
  #12  
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Originally Posted by Rajca
i get about 260-280 miles a full tank in my tl-s, highway (60mph cruise) and some city, dont know why but my tl-p gets about 350-370miles a full tank and both of them have new spark plugs, filters, and regular maintanace done to them
the tl-s i put 93 and the tl-p i put 89, would that cause a difference in milage?
Wow, that's it? In my TL-S I get on 50/50 city/highway driving a minimum of 300 miles a tank. 300 miles means that week I was stuck in traffic and had a heavier foot. 350 is usually the normal miles per tank.
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Old Sep 16, 2008 | 02:42 PM
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How are you driving it? With such poor mpg I'm thinking you're taking it to 4-6K alot.
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Old Sep 16, 2008 | 02:43 PM
  #14  
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Originally Posted by Rajca
i get about 260-280 miles a full tank in my tl-s, highway (60mph cruise) and some city, dont know why but my tl-p gets about 350-370miles a full tank and both of them have new spark plugs, filters, and regular maintanace done to them
the tl-s i put 93 and the tl-p i put 89, would that cause a difference in milage?
Haven't noticed a drop in MPG on 89 or 87 on my 2000 TL. Not opening a gas debate.
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Old Sep 16, 2008 | 08:29 PM
  #15  
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i do take it out and rip on my car every once in a while. but even if i dont rip on my car i still get the same gas mileage
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Old Sep 16, 2008 | 10:14 PM
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i be lucky to get 240 for a full tank. i go down 19 alot so i always get stared down so have to push down on that gas
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Old Sep 16, 2008 | 10:52 PM
  #17  
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Short trips kill mileage.
Driving style is also a big factor.
If the car gets around 30 at 65-70 mph on the freeway, the gas mileage "problem" is you.
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Old Sep 17, 2008 | 12:27 PM
  #18  
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Originally Posted by RalphiieP
i be lucky to get 240 for a full tank. i go down 19 alot so i always get stared down so have to push down on that gas
damn, 240? I'm at 320 now and I still have a little under a quarter tank! You must really have a heavy foot!
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Old Sep 17, 2008 | 12:30 PM
  #19  
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Originally Posted by Rajca
i do take it out and rip on my car every once in a while. but even if i dont rip on my car i still get the same gas mileage
Well there is two ways to look at this
1. something is wrong with the car
2. something is wrong with your driving

If you're doing mostly city, your mileage is to the lower end of normal. If you're ripping on it at all, even once or twice to a tank in the city you'll see a major drop.If you have heavy rims on your car, and do mostly city driving, this is about the best you'll do.

Keeping the shifting between 2-2.5k will get you in the low 20's city.

If you want to see if it's you or not, take the car on the freeway for a trip and keep to about the speed limit - use cruise. If you get high 20's low 30's it's your driving that's giving you the poor mpg. If you get low 20's something is wrong with your car.

The best way to determine mpg. Fill to the first click. Reset trip computer, driving for 150+ miles and refill to first click. miles/gal = mpg if you're doing it any other way you're going to mess up.

The more miles you drive on a tank the more accurate your measure. If you drive 50 miles and fill up expect it to be off. If you're currently estimating your miles based on the needle, expect it to be off.

I typically get 180-260 to a 7.7 gal fill up, or appoximately 1/2 way. I rarely run my tank below half way because I'm in earthquake country and want to be able to have a reserve. 180 being city and 260 being only highway. I get in the middle with mixed driving.

Currently
City 20-23
Highway 29-33
Mixed 24-27

I track my mileage very carefully and after getting the K&N airfilter in the car, I have noted an increase in power and a decrease in mpg.
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Old Sep 17, 2008 | 01:54 PM
  #20  
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when i first got the my tl-s and to this day i get the same gas mileage. my third gear slips and i still get the same gas mileage even when it didnt slip.
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Old Sep 19, 2008 | 12:18 AM
  #21  
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I got a little over 15mpg on my last tank, and that's taking it up between 4k-6k RPM's a lot.
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Old Sep 19, 2008 | 12:37 AM
  #22  
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I remember the first 2-3 tanks when I bought the TL---and was experimenting with its braking limits and throttle response- SS useage
It ate those gallons up quick!
So I changed the spark plugs (my first shock at the price of TL parts)
and,- ----wait--lets all say it together---

Seafoamed the gas tank and intake

say rob- for earthquake preparedness: do you keep a go-bag in the car with clothing/jacket and an emergency kit- things like flashlight and hearing protectors?
I missed the great collapse in 1989 of the macarthur/oakland double decker overpass freeway---by minutes-(timing is everything)
Having passed thru the structure- then the earthquake hit- the whole thing pancaked down on itself and crushed cars with horns were blaring---
Hearing protection is now part of the survival/escape/rescue pack in my car--
right next to the fire extinguisher in the trunk, and an emergency escape knife/cutter glass breaker in the door pocket.
Just a few weeks ago a van went into the delta canal and sunk- someone stopped who had a device to break glass and they saved an unconscious and drowning little girl's life! 3 strangers driving down the road stopped- and each played a crucial part is saving 5 people.
I know that was off topic but a good lesson for anyone in flood areas or anywhere really, to carry the special 5$ tool- cuts seatbelts and breaks glass- the life you save may be your own!
Know where the TL emergency hand crank for the sunroof is?
With the jack--in the trunk~ real handy there!!!
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Old Sep 19, 2008 | 01:22 PM
  #23  
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Yup we have 2 days worth of clothing in the car, and extra shoes. No food though. Going to get some military rations shortly.

I was also thinking that you coudld have a brake pad rubbing/dragging. If this is the gas you'd get poor mpg.
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Old Sep 19, 2008 | 02:37 PM
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If the trans is going out it- can get bad mileage
If the sprak plugs are shot- it can get bad mileage
If a tire is a 10 psi- that'll do it too!
We need more info to properly diagnose this problem over the Internet
If the OP could please move his/her modem closer to the car- I believe that will help us all~
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Old Sep 19, 2008 | 02:46 PM
  #25  
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rob and all- More emergency kit ideas-

real work BOOTS-kneepads-heavy work gloves-full eye protection-good dust mask.
There will be broken everything!! to walk or crawl across... everywhere!!
A whistle to call for help, rope to repel down from an overpass..
power bars-waters, and of course- your SuperHero costume should be always at the ready.
I dont carry an O2 bottle, but do have a full sized rescue breather mask, and keep current on my CPR re-training.

Everyone should be prepared to ride out a storm or emergency with in car supplies-
It doesnt take much space, a small daypack can mean the differance between death,,, and being the person who brought a tent to the shelter~
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Old Sep 19, 2008 | 03:58 PM
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Originally Posted by 01tl4tl
rob and all- More emergency kit ideas-
real work BOOTS-kneepads-heavy work gloves-full eye protection-good dust mask.
Everyone should be prepared to ride out a storm or emergency with in car supplies-
It doesnt take much space, a small daypack can mean the differance between death,,, and being the person who brought a tent to the shelter~
OR you could move somewhere safe where you dont need a earthquake kit,
<------ or paddles to row with
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Old Sep 19, 2008 | 05:20 PM
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when they said grab what most important to you- and Kris passes you with a paddle...

Where in the world are you really safe from flood or earthquake?

Your either a survivor/rescue person,,, or you are just another one of the victums
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Old Sep 19, 2008 | 06:48 PM
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Originally Posted by fsttyms1
OR you could move somewhere safe where you dont need a earthquake kit,
<------ or paddles to row with
Kris, people are flocking to California. It's the 5/6th largest market in the world and the leader in inovation. No offense but it's the place to be, it happens here first and then the rest of the country gets to enjoy it.

I'm happy to live here, even if there are shakes. Living anywhere else, with winter, without the American dream is just not living for me. I'm happy to pay the price
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Old Sep 22, 2008 | 08:58 PM
  #29  
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What is this seafoam you speak of?
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Old Sep 22, 2008 | 09:20 PM
  #30  
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SEARCH!!!
seafoam and transmission threads have been beaten to death already
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Old Sep 22, 2008 | 11:31 PM
  #31  
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did you clean the egr ports. when you take off the engine cover and remove that plate with 10 crome screws, there are ports for the egr . they get build up and cause xcessive gas usage.
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Old Jul 25, 2009 | 02:50 PM
  #32  
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Get ready to get warned or banned if ur not a vendor. And 300mpt is low. I get 450+ on my tl-p on 87. And about 200mpt on my cl-s6, but I'm alway wot or racing it. So 300 is low.
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Old Jul 25, 2009 | 03:55 PM
  #33  
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Originally Posted by civic2000
Use syntek. I put in 87 octane an one pouch and no problems. Check it out guys. I am selling this stuff and use it daily in my 2000 TL and 2003 Expedition. I get 300 miles per fuel up w/ 87 octane in the TL. That's right, the TL. No knocking! Vtec do not pull as much though. This is a guaranteed product. Do not like it, they will give back your money. You cannot lose: 1. Increase MPG 2. Protects engine 3. Clean out entire fuel delivery system 4. Stabilizes fuel and 5. Increase horsepower. Keep your engine clean after seafoaming. Go to www.antoinele.gosyntek.com/
You'll be hooked
Dude..you've posted this on every gas related thread. Quit reviving these stupid threads..
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Old Jul 25, 2009 | 04:23 PM
  #34  
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Someone ban this guy.
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Old Jul 25, 2009 | 06:06 PM
  #35  
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Look, I like the product and decided to sell it. I was averaging 20-22 mpg and now I average 22-24mpg with cheaper gas. Other Acura members have complained about having to pay for 91 octane gas and what sucky mpg they get so I thought this might help. If there are rule against selling, then I will stop. Don't have to be f!#$@!ing rude.
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Old Jul 26, 2009 | 12:10 AM
  #36  
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It's not being rude though. You posted the same thing in 4 threads. If you wanted to explain what you did hen you should of started a thread explaining why you made, how you made it and what it does.

IMO if you did that then there would be no issues.
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Old Aug 12, 2016 | 10:51 AM
  #37  
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Don't use sea foam, it will not help. I purchased my daughter a low mileage 2013 Acura TL, one owner. Was told 20-22 city 26-29 highway at the Acura dealer. This car uses more gas than my 1998 F150 with over 200,000 miles. I am only averaging 18.6 at best, On a good day with premium gas. Never happen again, I will stick with cars that I know, Ford And Dodge. My daughters 2012 GT almost 400hp get 26 on the highway. This is only a v6 for crying out loud. And a low mileage 2013.
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Old Aug 19, 2016 | 04:55 PM
  #38  
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Originally Posted by Valenvigore
Don't use sea foam, it will not help. I purchased my daughter a low mileage 2013 Acura TL, one owner. Was told 20-22 city 26-29 highway at the Acura dealer. This car uses more gas than my 1998 F150 with over 200,000 miles. I am only averaging 18.6 at best, On a good day with premium gas. Never happen again, I will stick with cars that I know, Ford And Dodge. My daughters 2012 GT almost 400hp get 26 on the highway. This is only a v6 for crying out loud. And a low mileage 2013.
No offense my man but you're not going to win much favor trash talking Acuras on an Acura forum
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Old Sep 5, 2016 | 08:39 AM
  #39  
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Originally Posted by kojoemma
I have a 2003 acura tl 3.2 base runs fine except it's using too much gas, i'm getting about 120 for half gallon and 260 for full tank, I already using STP and other fuel injection cleaner, I have also done tune up, just put new wheels on all four. I do speed sometimes but average speed is about 60mph. It's killing my pocket, can anyone give me some suggestions on what to do?

My issue is similar to your.

Up until my recent drop in MPG I have/had NO ISSUES WITH MY 2003 ACURA TL. I mainly do city driving and perform regular maintenace.

Lately (last month) i Notice that I was losing mpg. I normally get 300 before the gas mileage light goes on but the last two times I avg 260. First I brought seafoam on the advice of a friend but nothing really changed, so after I filled up the tank the 2nd time I took my 2003 acura TL too the acura dealer for a correct diagnosis of the issue that caused my car to suddenly drop MPG.

This is what they told me could be the probelm. Normally i recived great service from the acura dealer but i felt this particular time they were guessing at best. They said, whatever is causing my low gas mileage could be resolved by some, all or none of these suggested maintenance I should have them do:

1. replacement Front wheel bearings
2. get an Alignment
3. Get the Induction Throttle cleaned
4. Replaced Air filter
5. Replace Timing Belt
6. Replace both Front & rear Mounts
7. Replace spark plugs
8. Replace Transmission Fluid
9. Replace Fuel Filter.

Like I said, I felt they were guessing at best. So what I did do YESTERDAY was: Replace Air Filters, Spark Plugs, Oil & oil filter, Transmission Filter and Added SeaFoam. I will replace my timing belt next because its long overdue. I'm going to fill up the tank again and see if anything has changed. I'll keep you posted. If anyone wants to comment on any of the above please do so. Any & all suggestions are welcomed

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Old Apr 21, 2017 | 08:10 PM
  #40  
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Bad mpg

i too am getting bad gas mileage and its pissing me off! I do about a 50/50 mix of city/highway driving and i just got 255 miles on 15 gallons of premium. Thats 17 mpg which is ricidulous when i should be around 23. Now ive been driving a little fast, ill be honest but i have all my tires filled and rotated and balanced, alignment done, and fuel injection cleaner added. So now i have 85 k miles so i know i probably need a tune up bc bought it with 40k. But is Seafoam really as good as ppl say it can be?
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