Increasing Fuel Efficiency
From Planetisuzoo Wiki
Ways to Increase Fuel Efficiency
Replace the Oxygen Sensor(s)
2.6L 4ZE1 Engine
- Locate the Oxygen Sensor in the exhaust manifold.
- Disconnect the electrical wire - usually a simple coupler to disconnect.
- Remove the old sensor. Do this when the exhaust manifold is at operating temperature. Be careful not to damage the threads. This typically requires a special 22mm socket.
- Coat the threads of the new sensor with anti-seize compound (if not pre-coated). Be careful not to get the anti-seize goop onto the sensor!
- Install the new sensor with an Oxygen Sensor Tool (a very deep socket with a portion cut away.
- Reconnect the electrical connection
- Test drive vehicle
- On rare occasion, it may be necessary to remove the exhaust header to extract a recalcitrant O2 sensor (some swearing expected :) ).
Clean the Mass Air Flow sensor
2.6L 4ZE1 Engine
Clean Exhaust Gas Recirculation Valve ports
2.6L 4ZE1 Engine
You will need:
- EGR valve gasket
- 1 can sensor safe intake manifold cleaner for fuel injected vehicles
- Locate the EGR valve on the intake manifold, between the manifold and the firewall
- Run the vehicle to normal operating temperature, shut off the vehicle
- Remove the vacuum line attached to the EGR
- Remove the 2 bolts - 12mm wrench or socket
- Remove the EGR
- Plug the top (exhaust) hole well, there will be a little bit of pressure
- Temporarily plug the bottom (intake) hole
- Start the vehicle, it may run rough due to the vacuum leak created by removing the EGR.
- Spray the entire contents of the can into the bottom (intake) port. You may have to manipulate the throttle while you do this to prevent the engine from stalling.
- Shut the vehicle off.
- Replace the EGR using the new gasket.
- Reinstall the vacuum line.
Wheel Alignment
Have a professional align the wheels, this will also prolong the life of your tires.
Replace Spark Plugs
2.6L 4ZE1 Engine
- Denso or NGK are preferred, gapped to 0.44
- When removing spark plugs, keep track of which plugs came from which cylinders. Examine the plugs, ideally, all plugs should show the same amount of wear. A plug that is more covered in carbon can indicate the mixture in that cylinder is too rich. Conversely, an under worn plug can indicate low or zero compression.
Replace Spark Plug wires
- OEM is preferred, NGK is a good substitute.
Replace/Clean the air filter
Replace the air filter with a quality replacement. If using an oiled filter, clean and re-oil according to the manufacturers specifications.
Replace the Fuel Filter
1984 - 1991
- Remove the fuel pump fuse from the fuse block.
- Start the vehicle and wait for the engine to die out due to lack of fuel. This will relieve the fuel system pressure.
- Disconnect the negative battery terminal
- Locate the fuel filter on the inside of the frame on the passengers side.
- Loosen the pipe clamps, remove the fuel hoses, be careful of stray fuel that may leak out.
- Loosen the fuel filter clamp bolt
- Slip the filter out.
- Replace the filter with a new one.
- Reconnect the hoses, tighten the clamps.
- Reinstall the fuel pump fuse.
- Reconnect the negative battery cable, and check the vehicle for proper function.
Replace the Positive Crankcase Ventilation valve
This maintenance item is especially valuable if your engine seems to be consuming too much oil.
2.6L 4ZE1 Engine
- Locate the PCV valve on the passengers side of the valve cover, towards the front.
- Disconnect the spring clamp and remove the hose on the PCV valve.
- Remove the PCV valve with a wrench.
- Install a new PCV Valve.
- Reconnect the hose, install the spring clamp.
Adjust your Driving Habits
Driving habits have to biggest impact of fuel efficiency, go easy on the gas pedal, and watch your efficiency increase.
