Hi all, I've a Stilo Schumacher, original series. Saturday I drove up to the Lake District, as I often do, and, as normal, it used just over half a tank for around 240 miles. I didn't use the car again until Sunday, when I drove down. This time I could actually see the fuel meter drop! I filled up to almost full, but, was almost empty when I made it home.

The fuel cap was on, the handbrake was off. I've not used the car for 24 hours, and, can't see any sign of a leak. So, what the heck's going on?! Any ideas? I have it booked into Palmers Watford for Thursday, as it's under warranty, but, I'm flumoxed on this one....

Was it smoking or running rough ?

Is the fuel cap tight ?


Trev

The engine was running smooth. At around 70mph it was around 3000rpm. No smoke.

The fuel cap was OK, although, when I checked it, I could make one more click with it. The bodywork fuel cap cover was secure. However, after I checked the fuel cap, and put some more fuel in (the day after the drive), it was still drinking fuel rapidly, if anything, more so, as I could see in just one mile, the fuel meter move from a bar, to below a bar, which is extraordinary!

Is it pulling as usual, or does it seem sluggish ?

I know this may seem silly but is it actually drinking more, or could it be the gauge misreading ?


Trev

It seems to be pulling as normal, although with a 2.4 liter engine, there's plenty of pulling power anyway! I think the rpm is a little high, and it should be, at 70mph more like 2500 rpm, but I can't say for certain.

Fuel gauge seems accurate.

If 70 mph should be 2,500 revs and it's now 3,000 could your clutch be beginning to slip ?

Well, I can't be certain that the revs were too high, as I didn't really pay much attention to them in the past. However, if that's the case, why did it suddenly go? There is one thing. When I stopped the car, there was, from the rear, a slight smell of burnt either clutch or brake (this is after 3.5 hours non-stop driving), and a fair bit of heat. Still, the clutch feels fine, and, during the journey, I almost never changed gear (5th the whole way).

osher said:

Well, I can't be certain that the revs were too high, as I didn't really pay much attention to them in the past. However, if that's the case, why did it suddenly go? There is one thing. When I stopped the car, there was, from the rear, a slight smell of burnt either clutch or brake (this is after 3.5 hours non-stop driving), and a fair bit of heat. Still, the clutch feels fine, and, during the journey, I almost never changed gear (5th the whole way).

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After a drive do any of your wheels feel hot ?

Any odd noises ?

I'm wondering about binding brakes or a sick wheel bearing

I'm thinking a sticking bake myself. It's the most logical explanation. I guess it could be a slipping clutch, as you might not notice the effect at first, but, such a dramatic change in fuel consumption I don't think would be from a clutch. Maybe just a little sticking would be enough to cause the problem? Another suggestion is that a sensor is gone, so, the car is throwing more fuel in, making the mix too rich.

It looks like the reason is dodgy fuel. It's the only logical explanation, as to why it suddenly changed. If the fuel was contaminated, then, it would give some energy, but, diluted with good fuel, force the engine to take on more. I've now twice taken the tank to the near bottom of the empty, and, after the second round, with a full tank, fuel consumption is back to normal (around 35 mpg on the motorways - which for a 2.4 liter isn't bad!)

osher said:

It looks like the reason is dodgy fuel. It's the only logical explanation, as to why it suddenly changed. If the fuel was contaminated, then, it would give some energy, but, diluted with good fuel, force the engine to take on more. I've now twice taken the tank to the near bottom of the empty, and, after the second round, with a full tank, fuel consumption is back to normal (around 35 mpg on the motorways - which for a 2.4 liter isn't bad!)

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Glad she's improving

How do you monitor your MPG ?

I use MyGarage and Fuelly to keep an eye on mine, then I can see trends if things change.


Trev

udtrev said:

How do you monitor your MPG?

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Using the trip computer...

osher said:

Using the trip computer...

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Pfft, its so inaccurate its unbelieveable.

Join here www.fuelly.com

osher said:

Using the trip computer...

Click to expand...

Most Easterly Pandas said:

Pfft, its so inaccurate its unbelieveable.

Join here www.fuelly.com

Click to expand...

Jon's right, my last fill up showed as 62mpg on the trip, and worked out at 53 when you divide miles (from speedo readings) by fuel brought.

My trip is regularly 3-4 mpg over the actual reading.

You are welcome to join us in Fuelly, we have a social group here too with tips for use on Fuelly.



Trev