Hi All,

(1998 1.7TD 28,500 miles with disablity conversion)

After my prevous post about my brake fluid and exhaust issue i have had a full service and also used redex to try and clean my injectors and since then the thick black smoke from the exhaust has got a lot better. thanks again.

My question is, is it normal to get 33MPG (motorway miles at 65mph and careful driving)?

Also do all these vans go through the gears SO fast im in 4th at 30mph and 5th gear at 40mph and screams at 70-75mph!? Just doesnt feel right.

Look forward to hearing your views.

bump

33 seems very thirsty, my transit connect at a 1.9 gets 41mpg even when you gun it...

the close ratio gearbox is normal, very low gearing, and a long 5th gear

Steely said:

33 seems very thirsty, my transit connect at a 1.9 gets 41mpg even when you gun it...

the close ratio gearbox is normal, very low gearing, and a long 5th gear

Click to expand...

Well at least the gear box isnt an issue, thanks

Any suggestions on the MPG?

What about tire pressure? 2,5 to 3 bar is OK for this car.
Brakes all right, do all wheels move freely, when not applying the brakes?
Do you use a good quality, thin oil?
About the mpg and high RPM's, no clutch slipping?

VonSwirl said:

Hi All,

(1998 1.7TD 28,500 miles with disablity conversion)

After my prevous post about my brake fluid and exhaust issue i have had a full service and also used redex to try and clean my injectors and since then the thick black smoke from the exhaust has got a lot better. thanks again.

My question is, is it normal to get 33MPG (motorway miles at 65mph and careful driving)?

Also do all these vans go through the gears SO fast im in 4th at 30mph and 5th gear at 40mph and screams at 70-75mph!? Just doesnt feel right.

Look forward to hearing your views.

Click to expand...

ive got a disability van,1.7D & it does loads more to the gallon than yours, the black smoke could be to much fuel getting pumped in but you'll have to ask a expert, what size tyres are on it? mine had 155/65/13 & it was revving its t*ts off so i put 155/13 on & its better with the bigger profiles, i can hear the radio at 70 now

165/70R13T is the original tire size for the Fiorino.
Options are: 175/65R13T (that's what I'm using as wintertire size) or 185/50R13H, I used that for about 5 years.
Now I have retrofitted to 5 spoke 14 inch alloy's with 185/55R14H Marangoni tires, 2,5 bar in front and 2,4 bar in rear.
My car ( '93 Fiorino Pick-Up, 1,7 non turbo Diesel) does average 17,2 KM's on 1 liter, don't know what that is in MPG, though....!

Ok

My Tyres are 175/70 R13 @ 2.8 PSI

My brakes are ok, but im not sure about the freeness of the wheels as i dont have the tools to jack it up, but i will check that next.

Also as i did not service the vechicle myself im not sure what oil was used.:bang:

Dont think the clutch is slipping as it seems to bite well and does not have that distinctive burning smell, is there any other signs of a slipping clutch?

Can these vans be tuned? if so would it help?

Also can a problem with an exguast system cause an issue with MPG

Thanks for the support guys hopefully i will get to the bottom of it.....

Every engine can be tuned, but it will shorten engine life, and it will cost you...!!
The 1,7 Turbo D is much quicker than the non turbo, by the way.
Is your fuel filter changed?
And how about the airfilter?
I use Castrol GTD Magnatec 10W40 semi synthetic, for more than 150.000KM's and 7 years now, no problems at all.
And remember to change the distribution belt+ bearings at least every 120000km's (75000mls) I change mine at 90.000kms (57000mls).
About the freeness of your brakes, just go downhill or something, in neutral and see what happens, it's easy to feel if a brake is stuck...!!

How about the turbo?
Is it still working OK?
They do tend to fail, causing all kinds of problems, f.i. high fuel consumption, black smoke.....!!

Right Guys

The wheels do seem to move freely so i think we can rule that out.

Pete you may be on to a winner there m8! Ive noticed that i cant really feel the turbo kick in and i cant hear any turbo wizzing in the background plus there does feel like there is a lack of power when i put my foot.

So in light of that i will get it looked at so i will post back soon with the results..

Yet again thanks to all who posted and for all the advise. I have check everything that you all have posted.

thanks (watch this space)...........

Quick update..

I just took my van to a good genuine mechanic and he has told me that there is nothing wrong with the turbo and that the van drives and feels fine, so he has recommended that i get my injectors checked and tested at a specalists down the road.

will post back results soon.

Put a good injector cleaner in the fueltank, use only good quality Diesel fuel, and drive it for some time, and see if it helps.

My 1.7D does about 50mpg with little trouble, i stick to 65 to 70mph on the motorway, 60 or so on A roads. When I filled up with Shell vpower the van soon felt like a turbo had been fitted. I still kept driving steadily and was averaging about 55mpg. Vpower was about 5p a litre more but it really made a difference. Might be worth a try.

just got 45 mpg from my 17d on a 700 mile trip to scotland, that was loaded with 3 adults,1 dog,electric wheelchair,electric scooter & all the luggage & i went the a68 way from darlinton to edinburgh with lots of hills so im happy with that it does more around home though