1989 losing its fuel efficiency! Why?

lofstrom

I dont' understand this - my 1989 Honda Civic 4 door hatchback is slowly, bit by bit, losing its fuel efficiency. I have to fill up a whole lot more than I used to have to. Why? Why? Why?

imprtedcivic

does the car still run fine?

may be your fuel filter, injectors.

could use a basic tune up.

Silvertoe88RT

Tune up? Plugs wires cap rotor, Fuel system treatment "SEAFOAM" It kicks B*$$. Read the can.
That would be a great start, Then adjust valves, Timing. Tire pressure and alignment help to.

I swear by Seafoam, I use it in every gas engine and it does work. it cleans carbon build up on the pistons and valves, fuel stabilizer and fuel injector cleaner.

cbotha

Have you tracked the MPG and noted has gone from 35 to 33 or 35 to 20 or ??

Are you using gas stations the are blending more ethanol into the fuel (mileage will be less with the blends)?

Has performnace dropped in the car? Does it drive differently>

Do the basic tune up stuff as suggested ( if it hasn't already been done)

More sophisticated do a compression test and a leak down test to see if something mechanically has worn out.

fast freddy

Check ur o2 sensor.

punx45

check tire pressure, wear and alignment. in cars with lower power small things like that can make a big difference.

syd

have you actually measured MPG and does it seem to be seasonal? Some places use different fuel in between winter and summer.

Lastly, could your Catalyst be on its way out?

Silvertoe88RT

I was reading up on common problems with the civic, I read one about the o rings in the injectors not being able to withstand the fuel and slowly deteriorating causing the car to use more fuel. Its a thought. Good luck with the mpg.